Combat armor

Combat armor is a general term for any suit of personal body armor, offering protection against both energy and ballistic damage.

Background
Before the war, the United States Army utilized US Army Combat Armor and variants including the Winterized Combat Armor and Winterized Medic Armor, combat armor Mk II, Riot Gear, Advanced Riot Gear, and Elite Riot Gear. US Marines utilized Desert Ranger armor.

Charleston Police Department utilized various forms of riot gear during the Automation Riots, including advanced and elite armor variants. After the war, the New California Republic Rangers use combat armor and Van Graffs wear black combat armor for brand recognition.

Combat armor was described as high tech, made out of advanced defensive polymers. It was designed to protect those in law enforcement or military roles, effective against various types of damage, and was lightweight. The armor was not available without a special permit, acquired via local BADTFL offices.

Components of the armor include thermal-dissipative membranes and concussive protection plates. The Brotherhood of Steel also wore their own variant that was made of improved materials and design. Some models of combat armor incorporated camouflage. 