Following descriptions of the various Federal agencies involved in the testing and standard-development for body armor, this guide reviews the history of body armor and its testing program. Next, the guide discusses reasons for wearing body armor and body armor construction. The development and content of the National Institute of Justice standard for body armor is then presented. The guide reports on the current standard for body armor (0101.03), which clarifies labeling requirements, acceptance criteria, and backface signature measurement procedures. Since the introduction of the .03 standard, there have been considerable advances in body armor materials, design technology, threats, and test methods and procedures. Future revisions of the standard will incorporate these changes. The remaining sections of the guide discuss the selection of the appropriate level of protection, the purchasing of body armor, the maintenance of body armor, body armor life expectancy, and administrative considerations. Appendixes contain a resource list, frequently asked questions, information on the effect of body armor on the risk of fatality in felonious assaults on police officers, model procurement specifications, and a body armor inspection sheet. 19 notes and a 29-item bibliography