<P> In order for ballistic protection to be wearable the ballistic panels and hard rifle - resistant plates are fitted inside a special carrier . The carrier is the visible part of a ballistic vest . The most basic carrier includes pockets which hold the ballistic panels and straps for mounting the carrier on the user . There are two major types of carriers: military or tactical carriers that are worn over the shirt, and covert law enforcement type carriers that are worn under the shirt . </P> <P> The military type of carrier, English police waistcoat carrier, or police tactical carrier most typically has a series of webbing, hook and loop, and snap type connectors on the front and back face . This permits the wearer to mount various gear to the carrier in many different configurations . This load carriage feature is an important part of uniform and operational design for police weapons teams and the military . </P> <P> In addition to load carriage, this type of carrier may include pockets for neck protection, side plates, groin plates, and backside protection . Because this style of carrier is not close fitting, sizing in this system is straightforward for both men and women, making custom fabrication unnecessary . </P> <P> Law enforcement carriers in some countries are concealable . The carrier holds the ballistic panels close to the wearer's body and a uniform shirt is worn over the carrier . This type of carrier must be designed to conform closely to the officer's body shape . For concealable armor to conform to the body it must be correctly fitted to a particular individual . Many programs specify full custom measurement and manufacturing of armor panels and carriers to ensure good fit and comfortable armor . Officers who are either female or significantly overweight have more difficulty in getting accurately measured and having comfortable armor fabricated . </P>

When did the us military start wearing body armor