November 26, 2013 – Body armor has had a difficult time keeping up with the advanced arsenal of weapons that are used in modern warfare. Safety is always an issue for journalists on difficult assignments; all bets are off in the middle of a war zone. An experienced reporter knows that any job could be his or her last. It’s a fact and it’s becoming more of an issue every day.

The need to protect journalists is very real.

Even when a situation seems safe at first, danger may be lurking around any corner. The armor that is manufactured today is capable of preventing very powerful attacks from penetrating. Body armor is effective to help protect against gunfire and especially shrapnel in the event of grenade attacks or explosions. Similarly, a helmet is more effective against shrapnel. Journalists who are not supplied with armor can easily purchase it from retailers online.

Ballistic Helmets and Body Armor

A ballistic helmet worn firmly on the head works wonders against high-caliber attacks. Flaunting a Level-A rating, the lightweight aramid-composite helmet will not put too much strain on the wearer’s neck. They are available in multiple sizes and colors, and most are equipped with adjustable straps to better fit the wearer’s head. There are also different styles available.

Next to the head the vital organs in the chest cavity and abdominal region should be securely protected. Bullet proof vests can either be worn under or on top of clothes, and there are many different forms of mid-body armor. Bullet proof vests are specifically made for women too!

What Should a Journalist Wear on the Job?

It’s important for journalists to be familiar with every probable threat.
When a journalist is reporting live in the heart of very intense warfare, they should be wearing gear of the highest level of protection. This will include a ballistic helmet and multi-layered armor covering the entire body. This armor will most likely have a Level IV rating, the strongest kind that’s made. Capable of repelling armor-piercing (AP) rounds from a high-powered rifle, Level IV armor is worn in combination with other layers and is bulky on the wearer. Because of the polyethylene or ceramic material that it’s made of, Level IV armor is only suitable for a single shot from an AP bullet.
Not all situations have a high degree of danger, but sometimes it’s still necessary to wear some form of protection. When the threat level is low, you might see a reporter wearing nothing more than a thin ballistic vest with nothing to protect their head. A journalist must rely mostly on intuition and their knowledge of the given area. If they happen to wear too much body armor while on assignment, it will restrict their movements and add extra weight, making them feel really uncomfortable.

Be Demanding

For anybody who is new to the whole concept of body armor, it could be difficult to decide exactly what’s best. With a professional online retailer, a buyer should receive hands-on help from knowledgeable staff. No question should go unanswered when shopping for body armor – it’s too important! Customers should come out of the experience feeling reassured about safety; if that doesn’t happen, they are not in the right place.

Information and Resource Links

Committee to Protect Journalists promotes press freedom and equal rights for journalists. CPJ reports that 21 journalists have already been killed in 2013. Since 1992, almost 1,000 have been killed worldwide. In some cases, journalists have been kidnapped and held prisoner for an indefinite amount of time, often on the receiving end of severe “punishment” during their time in captivity. A journalist is declared missing when neither their body nor their whereabouts can be accounted for.

SafeGuard ARMOR is a resource for bullet-proof Body Armor. With a decent selection of high performance gear in stock, a buyer can have their order directly shipped anywhere in the world.

SafeGuard ARMOR has recently dedicated themselves to educating individual journalists around the world on the proper threat protection for every location they may have to work in, minimizing the potential for tragedy and in the long run saving more journalists lives while at work and away.
SafeGuard ARMOR UK

Journalists in Exile takes in journalists who have been forced to flee their homelands and helps them start over again with a new life in Canada.

Global Journalist Security teaches journalists the security fundamentals of the field. GJS offers a one week workshop and training course that helps journalists help themselves. Participants learn essential tools such as physical defense against assailants, and how to properly perform CPR on anyone in need. This training is offered in many different languages; many from all over the world have participated.

SafeGuard ARMOR recently made a generous donation of women’s body armor to the IWMF.