Body Armor and Survival Tactics : Survive an Ambush

An important part of survival is defense. This goes without saying, yet many do not realize to what extent protection is available. Body armor is now lighter, more comfortable and more protective than ever before, and is an invaluable asset for any survivalist. Indeed, anyone who may be facing a potential attack will benefit from body armor. It is a useful piece of equipment to have, but in hostile situations it is absolutely necessary.

 There are many situations where body armor will keep you safe; even in muggings or assaults that involve no weapons a bullet proof vest can keep you safe. The incredibly strong materials they use will mitigate the damage cause by brute force and blunt trauma thanks to their ability to absorb and disperse energy. Where weapons are used, body armor will save your life. Let’s have a look at two specific situations where body armor is absolutely necessary.

Ambushes and Roadblocks

Ambushes and roadblocks are very efficient tactics for performing any number of objectives, and they have been successfully employed by many. Therefore, trying to survive in these circumstances is no easy feat, and there are important things to consider in doing so. Part of the problem in trying to combat an ambush is defense, which is naturally much harder in these situations. Therefore, the aim may instead be to attack, and force through. Defending may be as simple as trying to escape the situation, and even attacking may have the same ultimate goal, with a different method of doing so. Both tactics will require protection however, which will depend on the nature of the ambush.

Ambushes can largely be split into two types; far and short. Short ambushes and roadblocks are close range, with the aim of achieving the objective as quickly as possible. These are not necessarily the more dangerous, but the potential for returning fire and going on the offensive is greater. Many police sites recommend going on the offensive to escape ambush situations, and this will likely require body armor, if only to give you the confidence necessary to escape the situation. Bullet proof vests may not be adequate protection however; in close range combat an edged or spiked weapon may be more practical, yet just as deadly. These will render ballistic protection useless, and so it may be prudent to have additional edged/spiked protection in the form of laminate or chainmail added to your bullet proof vest.

Far ambushes usually have the aim of harassing or intimidating the targets, and as suggested take place at some distance. These may be easier to escape from, but could be more deadly, as long-range combat will necessitate higher caliber weaponry and ammunition. Furthermore, the ease of escape may encourage people not to fight back whatsoever, instead solely relying on their protection to keep them safe and ensure their escape. For this reason, it may be necessary to have a bullet proof vest at the highest level of protection; a Level IV vest can protect not only against ammunition commonly used in rifles and automatic weapons, but also armor-piercing rounds. Your mobility is just as important however, in both situations, and although high level protection in the form of rigid plates will increase the weight and bulk of your vest, the lightweight materials used ensure you will not be hindered.

Of course, you may wish to have additional protection, particularly if you will be in a very high risk situation. Overt body armor that is worn over clothing can be equipped with protection for the upper arm, neck, throat, and groin, and still remains lightweight and flexible, allowing you a full range of movement. For situations that do require the highest levels of protection, such as far ambushes, this will be ideal. In close range circumstances like roadblocks and short ambushes however it may be preferable to remain as mobile as possible, in which case this high level of protection is inappropriate. Nevertheless, a bullet proof vest at Level IIIa can protect against the vast majority of ammunition used in handguns and semi-automatics, and is exceptionally lightweight, flexible and comfortable.

 Body armor is a useful piece of equipment for anybody who may face an attack, and can be worn comfortably for extended periods. However, in extremely dangerous situations like ambushes and roadblocks, it gives you the capability to react accordingly by keeping you protected, without hindering your mobility and ability to successfully defend yourself.

www.diyreport.com