IDF soldiers ending up buying their own combat gear as body armor. Citizens, regular and reserve soldiers privately buy bulletproof vests to protect their lives. With the increase in shooting attacks soldiers and citizens spending their money for buy new bullet proof vests for personal use. Among the buyers are parents of soldiers serving in the regular army.
Israeli aramid bulletproof vests with ceramic armor plates are very common product in Israel for people who live in Judea and Samaria territories. The protective vests that the IDF uses made from same materials. Many reservists buy armor for themselves before leaving for service. Some even rent bulletproof vests for the period of their service. Today there also a demand for bulletproof vests for babies and young children as well. Other ballistic protective products are less popular as the bulletproof helmets.
Ceramic bulletproof vests consist of stand-alone ceramic plates or plates used with level IIIA / 3A bulletproof vests. These plates are placed mainly in the chest area. The reason for that is that the vest is very heavy and uncomfortable, making it difficult for the soldier to move. The IDF army also purchases an increased amount of bulletproof vests annually.