This NIJ Standard establishes minimum performance requirements and test methods for the ballistic resistance of personal body armor designed to protect the torso against gunfire. The standard is limited to ballistic resistance only and does not address resistance from knives or other sharply pointed objects. It reviews NIJ body armor classifications, details requirements (i.e., acceptance criteria, workmanship, armor backing material, and so forth), and discusses test methods (i.e., velocity measurement equipment, wet conditioning, test preparation, and so forth). This standard serves as a general revision to NIJ Standard 0101.03 from April 1987.

NIJ Standard 0101.04 was revised June 2001. If you have previously downloaded the text, an addendum is available.