For solders and law enforcement officers facing dangerous ballistic threats on the front line, adequate protection is paramount to keep them from harm.
One key type of protective equipment is a ballistic shield. There are many different types of bulletproof shield, which vary in size, shape, style, and material, and each is specially designed to protect the bearer from certain types of threat and facilitate different types of mission.
What a Bulletproof Shield Can Do
When you think of a ballistic shield, what comes to mind? Maybe SWAT teams entering highly dangerous situations or riot police protecting the public with big, black, metallic squares. If you’ve watched cop dramas or action films, you might perceive bulletproof shields as impenetrable armor, able to withstand even the deadliest of ammunition.
While ballistic shields certainly do provide a high level of protection, they also have limitations. A shield’s material and size impacts the protection level it provides, and this is an important consideration if you’re the one who will be carrying the shield in a high-risk mission. A bulletproof shield should not be your only line of defense. In a dynamic situation, military and law enforcement personnel might have to step out from behind their shield and put themselves at risk in the line of fire. Even those personnel protected by the largest rolling shield systems should still wear ballistic helmets, armored vests, and other protective equipment.
Historical Use of Ballistic Shields
In centuries past, the ballistic shields used by medieval knights and Roman legionaries were simple sheets of metal. Sometimes they were embossed with decorations or had a narrow, unprotected viewport. This slab of metal was sufficient to protect against some threats, for example sword and shield attacks. However, these historic shields were heavy, uncomfortable to carry for long periods of time, and offered inadequate protection against more advanced threats like firearms.
Modern Ballistic Shield Styles
Today’s shields have evolved significantly, and there are shields of all shapes and sizes to suit all kinds of situations. For example, multi-paneled wheeled trolley shields are used to defend embassies or border posts, and can protect two or three personnel at once. Small square shields are easily portable and provide protection to police on the go. Some shields are square shaped, some triangular, some have side indentations to facilitate effective firearm deployment. Some shields are made from transparent plastic for maximum visibility, others from black polyethylene with reinforced transparent viewports. Ballistic shields are often equipped with extra features, for example: ambidextrous handles that are cushioned with special padding to help you avoid arm injuries; or lighting systems either built into the shield itself or attached separately. Thanks to such advances in material technology, you can find a ballistic shield for every purpose.
Shield Bulletproof Rating
Shape and size aside, there is another vital factor to consider when choosing a ballistic shield: its bulletproof rating. The gold-standard rating has been developed by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and ranks shields according to Levels IIA – IV. The NIJ’s mission is to advance scientific research and development in the interests of justice and public safety, so if a shield has been certified by the NIJ, you can put your trust in its protective capabilities.
- The lowest NIJ protection level is Level IIA, but the most common level of shield you’ll find is Level IIIA. Shields of this level are tested to NIJ Standards to protect against 9mm FMJ and .44 Magnum rounds. They are typically made of hard materials but are still fairly light and easy to carry – soft Level IIIA plates are used to make ballistic blankets.
- The next level of ballistic protection, Level III, has multi-hit capability and can stop MSC AK-47 7.62x39mm, M80 7.62x51mm, and M193 5.56mm bullets. Level III shields are always hard armor.
- The highest level of shield – Level IV classification – is engineered to stop armor-piercing rifle ammunition such as .30 caliber armor piercing M2 and 5.56mm M855. This requires extremely dense ballistic material, and these shields are much heavier and unsuitable for long-term handheld use. Shields of Level IV classification are typically mounted onto wheeled trolleys, which can be moved into the most strategic positions to allow armored personnel to operate from behind them.
Common Uses of Ballistic Shields
As we’ve mentioned, different ballistic shields are intended for specific purposes. Knowing which situations you will deploy your shield in should inform your choice of protection. You should consider the following points:
- Which weapons and ammunition will your shield be protecting you from? Choose the NIJ Level which withstands that specific threat.
- Will you be required to carry or run with your shield for long periods of time? Bear this in mind if you’re considering a Level III or Level IV ballistic shield.
Do you need to freely operate your weapon while using your shield? If so, consider the different handle combinations and the shape of your
