Hard armor is used on modern battle-fields to protect soldiers from lethal projectiles fired at close range, including handguns, sniper rifles, and other firearms. It’s important to note that although some countries and certain industries use heavy armor in their inventory, this is not a universal solution and is only truly appropriate for situations where protection from close quarters is absolutely necessary. In the modern world, one of the most frequently encountered scenarios in which armor is utilized is on the battlefield, specifically when combat troops are fighting on the same field with other military units. Modern armor is typically employed along with soft armor on vests and is divided into four types, hard armor, soft armor, gas permeable armor, and quilted armor.
Hard armor is the standard deployed by U.S. Army units for use against handguns, sub-machine guns, shotguns, and other firearms-related ammunition. Soft armor is the second most common armor type used by military units in the United States and has been in use since the First World War. Quilted body armor is another type of armor that is worn on the upper body and is similar to other conventional armor types in that it provides protection against projectiles that hit a given area at a specific velocity. Gas permeable armor, or QMA, is one of the most effective types of armor, as it is able to resist high temperatures up to 650 degrees Fahrenheit; however, it is only suitable for direct impact with solid objects such as walls and doors.
Backpack armor is a new type of armor that is designed to prevent projectiles, such as bullets, from penetrating the material and coming in contact with the user. It is composed of a heavy plate carrier, which is attached directly to the user or a compatible object and provides a rigid support to the wearer. Backpack armor is typically used in close-quarter combat situations, where the operator may be at close range to his attacker or may need to defend himself if surrounded by hostile opposition. The plate carrier is usually attached using a special lanyard that is secured around the back, though other attachment styles are also available.