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Tactical Glossary of Terms

Independent Testing
Verification testing on products that determine the ballistic performance results (i.e. BFS, V-50, etc…).

Special Threats
Any round/velocity test conducted outside of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standard protocol.

V-50 Test
An indicator performance test that determines the velocity at which a round will stop (50% chance of a stop) and fail (50% chance of a penetration).

Polyethylene
Uni-Directional synthetic fibers used for building a ballistic package.

Aramid
Woven fabric used for building a ballistic package.

Ceramic
Hardened chemical substance used for building a ballistic plate; typically found on the strike face.

Strike Face
The side of a ballistic element that faces a threat.

Body Side
The side of a ballistic element that faces the body (torso).

Fragmentation
Fragments of a round or other various projectiles; typically measured by size in grains (i.e. 2 gr, 4 gr, 16 gr, etc…).

Spalling
Pieces of fragmentation from a round that splinter off a hard surface.

Denier
Size of the weave within a yard of fabric; fabrics (garments) that have a higher denier counts are more rugged and have a longer wear (i.e. 500-denier, 1000-denier, etc…)

Internal Wire Channel
A concealed opening in the carrier garment that allows you to hide radio wires within the vest and out of the way.

Elastic Cummerbund
Elastic waist attachment that helps stabilize the back panel to reduce the “turtle shell effect” (shifting of the carrier up and down when fully-loaded).

Yoke
A three-part modular system consisting of the shoulder, collar and throat; provides upper torso protection. The term “yoke” is specific to all PROTECH carriers.

Modular Molle System (MOLLE®)
A weave attachment system that allows you to arrange your equipment pouches in a custom configuration, based on an officers specific application.

Unrestricted Collar
A low-profile, scooped collar that reduces interference between the vest collar and ballistic helmet when an officer needs to tilt their head back; Unrestricted collar provides added comfort and mobility.

Dual Retention Pads
Two non-slip pads, one located on the right torso and the other located on the left torso, that help the operator stabilize a weapon.

Quick Release System
A pull handle built into the carrier design that allows an operator to quickly release from the carrier/plates in a waterborne or medical emergency.

Moisture Wicking
A fabrics ability to wick (push) moisture away from the body for added comfort.

Load Carrying Systems
Non-ballistic garments that provide maximum MOLLE platform for full loads; Also offers the operator the ability to upgrade to rifle protection utilizing type (level) III and IV armor plates.

Ambidextrous Handle
The ability to utilize the left or right hand/arm; An ambidextrous handle on a ballistic shield allows the operator to hold the shield with the left or right hand.

Body Bunker
PROTECH shield that has become a household name identifying all ballistic shields in the industry; The PROTECH Body Bunker is a free-standing shield that provides type (level) IIIA protection in the shield body, viewport and wings.

Viewport
A transparent ballistic element of a shield that allows a shield operator to view any threats in the front of the shield; a shield’s viewport should also allow for maximum peripheral vision at the same ballistic protection as the shield’s body.

Foam/Strap Stand-off
Cushioned foam or strap used in ballistic shields that prevents the operator’s body from resting on the inside of the shield; this design helps aid in protection against BFS injury in the case of a ballistic event.

Free-Standing
Design typically found in ballistic and non-ballistic shields; wings on the shield allow the operator to function (rescue, negotiate, etc…) without holding the shield.

A-Frame Handle
Provides a 45-degree cant so the operator may hold the shield using the forearm; this style requires more strength from the muscular system.

Horizontal Bar
Horizontal bar attached to the back of the shield that allows the operator to hold the shield with hand/arm vertical to the ground; this style relies of strength from the skeletal system.

Entry Shields
Shield designed to suit the need of operators/teams conducting high-risk/dynamic or slow-probe entries.

Moldable Design
A design that eliminates the use of holes a ballistic shell/surface.

Single-Curve
A curved design found in PROTECH armor plates; the design curves from left to right to help better contour to the chest.

Multi-Curve
A curved design found in PROTECH armor plates; the design curves from left to right and top to bottom for added comfort.

Multi-Hit
An attribute of a ballistic element that provides protection against multiple ballistic impacts.

ACH Warrior
Brimless, military style helmet; ACH is an acronym for Advanced Combat Helmet. PROTECH’s Delta 4 series of ballistic helmets are designed after the ACH Warrior style and offers a 4-pt, adjustable suspension system for better stability and retention.