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October 28, 2022
Guest Blogger: Emily Johnson
When we send our children off to school to learn and grow, we relinquish our control as parents to protect them for the day. Instead, we put that responsibility into the capable hands of our teachers and school administrators.
But the worry over Chickenpox and the stomach flu has taken a backseat to the fear, albeit unlikely, of a school shooting. And here’s the deal: it is our teachers and school administrators who risk their lives as the first line of defense when it comes to keeping our children safe.
Violent incidents at school have risen sharply in the past several years. As a result, many parents, myself included, have started purchasing bulletproof backpacks and armored inserts for their children.
In fact, the sale of personal protective equipment and armor has grown into a booming business. But what about our teachers and our administrators? You know, the one’s who we entrust with our children’s safety and wellbeing.
Many teachers are now looking at how best to protect themselves in the event of an active shooter incident ensuring they can follow protocol, lock doors, turn off lights and protect our children. As I’ve found through my research, there are a lot of choices out there and some are better suited for school than others. So, let’s take a look at a few!
Now, obviously we can’t have our teachers dressed in full tactical gear as they expound on Newton’s 2nd Law of Thermodynamics (I don’t actually know what that is, but I have a vague memory of having to learn about it).
So if you’re a teacher or school administrator, what reasonable body armor options are available to protect you in the event of an active shooter situation?
In layperson’s terms, there are two types of personal protection – that which you carry and that which you wear.
All of these are effective means of personal protection; however, teachers and school administrators are often the ones that are confronting a shooter, not hiding from one as our children are often taught to do.
To be effective, armored backpacks, inserts and objects need to be on your person or close enough to grab should the need arise. Sometimes this isn’t practical or possible, especially for teachers. So let’s take a look at “wearable” personal protective armor.
Personal protection armor is more complicated than you might think. If you’ve done any research, you have likely come across NIJ Ratings, industrial jargon and even found yourselfmore confused withmore questions afterward. I know I did.
So when Premier Body Armor asked if I would write a layperson’s guide to armor, I was happy to oblige. A little information can go a long way when it comes to purchasing the best protective armor for you and it even might provide a bit of peace of mind. And that definitely counts for something, right?
Now obviously the ultimate goal would be to prevent a school shooting altogether. How to do so is a hotly debated topic and one that we have very little control over. But what we do have control over is doing what is in our power to lessen the impact should an active shooter incident occur. To do so, we need to ensure our first line of defense, our teachers and school administrators, can be just that – our first line of defense.
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January 02, 2025
December 20, 2024
I bought the carrier, and it arrived within a few days. I was happily surprised by the low weight, and rugged construction of the Alpha Carrier. I put a level 4 plate in both front and back, both of which fit like a glove. The sizing was easy to adjust, and the one size fits most is true of this product. Huge adjustment range. Very impressed by the Fortis Alpha Carrier, along with everything I have ever ordered from Premier Body Armor. Great job, guys!
After wearing my full body armor for 30-years, it isn’t conducive to under cover plain clothes work that I do now and it is so hot to wear during the summer. I put this armored t-shirt on and it fits like a glove, but is not uncomfortable. The first day I wore it alone, but the second day I wore a form-fitting micro fiber tank top under it and it really felt good. I actually had no wetness because the bottom top absorbed it. It was a warm day, but nothing like sweating intensely with full body armor. I ordered a second carrier shirt to switch out for washings. With my gear on and plain black tactical shirt, I am so much more comfortable on my feet for long hours. I should have bought this years ago.
As someone with extensive experience wearing a wide variety of body armor in the military, law enforcement, and physical security industries, I know firsthand the challenges of balancing protection, comfort, and concealment. The Everyday Armor T-Shirt has exceeded my expectations on all fronts.
This is by far the most comfortable body armor option I’ve ever worn. The lightweight design and breathable material make it ideal for all-day wear, whether you’re on duty or just out running errands. It’s so well-concealed that it doesn’t print, even under a fitted shirt, making it perfect for discreet protection without sacrificing mobility.
What sets this apart is how seamlessly it integrates into daily life. Unlike traditional armor that feels bulky or restrictive, the Everyday Armor T-Shirt feels like part of your everyday wardrobe while still providing reliable peace of mind.
If you’re looking for everyday protection that doesn’t compromise comfort or discretion, this is an outstanding choice. Highly recommend!
PBA is awesome. I own 3 backpack panels from them. I own panels for Vertx ReadyPack, Eberlestock Fade Sling, and now the Fade Adapt.
The Fade Adapt panel is huge. Fits snug into the backpack and covers a lot. Mainly gonna be used for traveling and camping. I feel comfortable carrying it knowing I'll have a huge panel to hide behind.
Thanks again PBA for the great products.
When it comes to armor, if you want something light so you can be quick and/or carry more ammo, med supplies, etc., and still want the best protection… get these. Sure they’re not level 4… but they cover the most likely rounds to be used in an urban environment. Quit thinking Level 4 is the best and get these, you’ll be thoroughly impressed. Hell even my 10 year old loves them! Would be great for their backpack too.
Love this new little sling with the panel in it beautiful exactly how it describe on the website
Have always worn soft armor, generally in outside carrier working law enforcement and military. Needed to up protection from rifle fire. Did not want heavy steel plates. Polyethylene the ticket for weight and protection. The Fortis III+ very nice. Light, 3.4 lbs each, multi curve, comfortable, have protective coating, fabric, nice. I put them in a Agilite K19 carrier. Overall more comfortable, easier to move than the outer carriers and soft armor I have worn before. Weight is crucial in extended wearing of vest, especially when adding pouches, ammo, radio, etc. These plates really help in reducing weight and no compromise on protection. The price was a factor along with quality and protection level. These plates nailed it, don't know how you could get anything better for this price. Company is legit, background In manufacture sold me also. You will not be disappointed in the Fortis III+ multi-curve plates.
I’ve put it to use on the job as an AEMT and it does it’s job well. It keeps me at more of a peace of mind knowing I have a bit of protection going to calls and it doesn’t get in the way of my patient care.
First, I want to thank the customer support team that helped me with my return. The first sling pack was way too small. Y’all suggested another one that was larger. It was a perfect size and I love the way it hugs my body. Second, love the way your body armor fits in the sling pack. It’s a perfect pairing. Now let’s talk about the combo. This has to be one of the nicest packs I have ever bought. Honestly I didn’t know much about the Viktos brand. WOW!! Very nicely constructed. I love the fact I can put in my side x side while out on the ranch. It holds everything that might be needed.
Again thank you to everyone. Pease keep up with quality products like this. You have a customer for life! Thank you!
James Moffat
Caballo, NM
Fantastic Product - Armor Fits like a Glove. Also, it was very convenient to get the bag with the armor.
While it inherently seems a little bit silly to armor a fanny pack, premier and VertX are a perfect match as always. And silly or not, now I've got an extra layer of 3A soft armor to throw over one of my children, sling across my chest, etc if ever needed. It's big enough to protect vitals, and my gun rides in the socp pack as well. This is a great setup for short walks and hikes, or summertime on the boat
By far the most concealable body armor I own. I am 5’11 and 155 lbs. I got a small and was so worried that the armor wouldn’t be concealable since I’m on the thinner side, but I was dead wrong. I had a hoodie ready to throw on in order to show it concealed further, but there would be no point. You can’t see anything with this size SMALL under-armor polo on…that’s actually impressive premier. Great job.
I have wore the product multiple times now and have received many compliments on the fact that you can’t hardly tell I’m wearing it. Also it is very comfortable in comparison to other similar products on the market. I’m very happy with the product.
Fit as described quality products from a American family company.
Great shirt. Very discrete to wear. Proud to support and American company
Lynn
October 31, 2022
Sad, but needed in this day and age!