Designer Miguel Caballero has created a line of bulletproof polo shirts for the low price of $4,000, perfect for policemen and FBI agents on casual Fridays, or for people who want to pretend like they’re James Bond. Sports car with hidden machine guns sold separately. …What’s so impressive about this clothing is that it doesn’t look all that bulky, like you might expect. If you saw somebody walking down the street wearing one of these articles of clothing you probably wouldn’t give it a second glance. Just check out the video clip to see how well these shirts actually work. New employees are required to don one of Caballero’s coats and take a bullet to the chest in what may be the world’s most terrifying orientation. Read More

As police officers around the country are commemorating National Law Enforcement Week, U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-1st, and U.S. Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo, R-N.J., have introduced a four-year re-authorization of their Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) program, created in 1999.

The bipartisan BVP program provides state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers with needed protection by assisting their departments with the purchase of protective equipment. The last re-authorization in 2008 will expire this fiscal year.

“Bulletproof vests save lives,” Visclosky said in a statement released on Wednesday. “This grant program provides local law enforcement with vital resources to protect our communities in the safest manner possible. We owe our local officers a tremendous debt of gratitude… Read More

Robert Heinlein’s 1959 novel “Starship Troopers” presents a futuristic war fought by heavily armored infantry, that when suited up, makes you look like a “big steel gorilla.” Today, the U.S. Army and Marines are edging closer to the Mobile Infantry of Heinlein’s world by reportedly taking an interest in armored face shields. The Army hasn’t made the shields part of its standard kit — not yet. But, according to Military Times, it has deployed thousands of them, and is looking to buy 160 more, with potentially 2,000 more shields to follow. The Marine Corps, meanwhile, is “keeping tabs on the Army’s plan to test face shields,” and is looking at “gear that will protect Marines’ faces.” Currently, individual Marines deployed to Afghanistan pay for face shields on their own — the Corps has so far not ponied up the money to field the shields. Read More

WASHINGTON (Thursday, May 17, 2012) – The Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), approved legislation Thursday to reauthorize the lifesaving Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program, a federal grant program that helps state and local law enforcement agencies purchase bulletproof vests for officers working in the field. Leahy authored the law establishing the matching grant program. The bill will now go to the full Senate for consideration.

“This is National Police Week, and it is fitting that the Judiciary Committee has approved legislation to help protect those working every day on the front lines in our communities to keep us safe,” said Leahy. “The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program has always received bipartisan support in Congress, and I am pleased that support continues. I hope the Senate will approve this legislation quickly, and urge the House of Representatives to act on it as well.” Read More

The old advertising slogan, “strong enough for a man, but made for a woman” sure doesn’t apply to the military’s body armor. Seems the gear that protects soldiers from all kinds of nasty stuff isn’t exactly made with a woman’s curves in mind—and that’s causing problems as more women take on combat roles. But never fear, ladies in arms! The House Armed Services Committee feels your pain—well, not literally, but, hey, at least they’re working on it. The committee praised the Army for its attention to the issue, and has directed the Secretary of the Army to conduct an assessment of whether there’s an “operation need” for gear tailored to women. Read More