Why Soldiers Do Not Wear Full Body Armor

When considering the use of full body armor in the military, it's important to understand the balance between protection and mobility. Simply donning a backpack full of bricks for several hours can help illustrate the challenges of full body armor. As one soldier put it, 'You can't move if you weredagrave;total body ; This article explores why full body armor is not a viable solution for the majority of soldiers.

The Role of Full Body Armor

There are instances where full body armor is necessary, such as for Bomb Technicians EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) teams. Their specialized tasks, such as handling explosive devices, require wearing armor that is approximately 100 pounds in weight, not including gear. This level of protection is too restrictive and cumbersome for extended periods, especially in areas with increased elevation and intense heat. While full body armor could provide unparalleled protection, it would compromise the soldier's ability to move and engage in tactical maneuvers, rendering them vulnerable to other threats, such as heavier weapons systems.

Balance Between Protection and Mobility

The reality is that modern small arms are incredibly lethal and penetrate armor with ease. This means that the amount of armor needed to provide full-body protection would be excessively heavy, making the soldier immobile and ineffective. Moving slowly and stiffly under the weight of full body armor would make it extremely difficult to respond to the dynamic nature of modern warfare, where quick and agile movements can be the difference between life and death. Flexibility and agility are crucial, and the current body armor design strikes a balance between protection and mobility.

The Current State of Body Armor

Body armor, such as bulletproof vests made of Kevlar, offers a high level of protection but with a significant weight penalty. The lethality and penetration power of modern firearms mean that complete body armor is not a practical solution. Instead, modern body armor focuses on protecting the vital areas, including the head and torso. This is because even with body armor, the probability of survival drops significantly if shots hit limbs and other less protected areas. The armor provides a critical layer of defense but must not impede the soldier in any way that could increase the risk of injury or death.

Practical Considerations

The impact of body armor on physical endurance and energy management cannot be overstated. Lugging around even a basic combat load, which includes a pack, ammo, food, water, gear, helmet, and weapon, can be extremely draining. The added weight of full body armor would further exacerbate the challenge, leading to rapid exhaustion. Many soldiers in the field have been known to discard non-essential items to manage their weight better, highlighting the importance of lightweight yet effective protection. Full body armor, with all its added bulk, would turn a fit and agile soldier into a stiff-legged, slow-moving target.

In conclusion, the use of full body armor in general military operations is unrealistic due to the balance between protection, mobility, and the practicalities of modern warfare. While the armor currently in use is heavy, it is designed to offer the best protection possible while allowing for the necessary mobility and agility required in complex and unpredictable combat situations.