WHY THE US ARMY SHOULD REDUCE THE USE OF BALLISTIC SHIELDS

The importance and use of ballistic shiels by military and para-military personnel cannot be over-emphasized. However, the frequent use and carriage of the ballistic shield should and can be reduced to the only important and necessary occasions. The reasons for this opinion are not far-fetched, ranging from the heaviness, the scenario, and the physical toll it takes on the body of its wearer in terms of sapping strength and energy.

 In the military, “ballistics shields” are used, however, they are quite heavy as they need to stop strong, armor-piercing rounds. Therefore, the material is often a metal with a bulletproof glass window cut into the side for viewing. The cost is the reason they aren’t extremely popular everywhere. Soldiers don’t lose their armor; they always keep it on. This is also a “law,” thus if a soldier wants to use shields, they must take matters into their own hands and carry the shield themselves (there isn’t always a designated spot for your shield).

 It should be known that not all police officers are on warfare missions or duties some are simply embarking on a peacekeeping mission hence carrying a ballistic shield would make the residents of the area afraid and may likely put them on edge. Ballistic shields are expensive, and they require a great deal of cost and money. Carrying an extra 12kg on you after being choked with all sorts of military appearances isn’t a good one as the shield wears one down. Also, the amount of mental and physical coordination needed to operate a shield and a gun is demanding. As one would have to make coordinated movements to shield oneself and to lodge bullets into the body of an aggressor.

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