Defending Freedom and Personal Safety: A US Navy Veteran's Take on Body Armor and Gun Violence

Hank Shetlar is a voice to listen to when it comes to body armor and protection against violence — make no mistake about that. As a Master-at-Arms for the United States Navy for four years, he was heavily trained in Law Enforcement and Physical Force Protection.

For the majority of his service, he guarded assets vital to national security at a Top Secret level. Throughout his time in active duty, he dealt with nuclear, chemical, and biological warfare, with some active shooter training thrown in.

So yeah. In the dictionary next to the word “protector,” you’ll find Hank’s picture.  

Now he lives with his wife on a horse farm in Norway, where he’s been for the four years since he left the military. But as peaceful as a horse farm in Norway might sound, Hank hasn’t turned his back on the idea of protection.

On the contrary, he’s the business developer and international salesman for NorArm Tactical, who make some of the world’s best combat uniforms.

Hank also happens to own an awesome new tactical helmet by Protection Group Denmark, courtesy of the Bulletproof Zone team.

Back in February, we asked you all for your views on the developing body armor regulations, and Hank was one of the many who chimed in. We got some great answers, but Hank’s stood out for its blend of experience and passion, making him the winner of the Bulletproof Zone PGD Helmet Giveaway!

So what does Hank have to say about body armor and protection that everybody needs to hear? Read on to find out!

Banning Body Armor? No Way

When asked whether the sale of body armor ought to be banned for civilians, Hank’s response for the PGD Giveaway was a resounding No.  

“Body armor,” he wrote, “should be one of the most common things that civilians can own. Period.”

Hank gave a number of reasons a civilian might need body armor for self-defense: natural disasters, emergency situations, terrorist attacks. 

Included on his list was a potential use for body armor that’s becoming more and more relevant every day: protection during live acting shootings. These events are increasing in number and frequency in the U.S.. Victim numbers are increasing too. 

What can we do to protect ourselves and loved ones from this violence while we’re trying to figure out its root cause? 

“Being prepared is the only way,” Hank says. “And it starts with body armor.”

Being Prepared Is the Best Way to Live

We asked Hank how his experience in the military helped shape his views on civilian ownership of body armor.

“No one wants violence,” he told us, “but when violence finds you, it's best to be prepared for that. Violence is an equal opportunist, and it doesn't care what religion you are, what color your skin is, or what your beliefs are.”  

For some people, wearing body armor is the first step toward feeling a little less vulnerable if violence does happen to come knocking.

In Staying Safe in a Dangerous World: A Nurse's Story About Body Armor, Raul Nocete told us how one normal morning can suddenly turn into a nightmare when violence finds you. 

Besides everything else running through your head when being threatened at gunpoint, the sense of helplessness – of being completely caught off-guard and unprepared for the situation – can be overwhelming.

“Being prepared is the best way to live,” Hank says. “[Violence] will strike you if you aren't prepared to take it head on.” 

Protecting Yourself Is a Luxury and a Freedom — Use That Freedom

In light of the recent body armor ban debates, we wanted to hear Hank’s views on how to encourage responsible ownership and usage of body armor among civilians. 

“In a country with an increase in active shooters,” he said, “I think that it's paramount that the civilian population takes advantage of body armor and firearms, because one will save your life and the other will help you defend it and fight fire with fire. It's not just a constitutional right to defend your life and your family's lives, but it's God given.”

The two words Hank uses to describe the right to protect yourself? Luxury and freedom.

He says: “The more that people understand that having the luxury and freedom to acquire both body armor and firearms is a truly amazing thing, and I strongly encourage Americans to possess both.” 

What Are You Waiting For?

Because he has so much experience with using body armor, we asked Hank what advice he has for anyone considering purchasing it for their own protection or that of their family. His response?

“The only thing that I can say is, ‘What the hell are you waiting for?’ You can't always rely on someone else to protect you and your family. Sometimes it's up to you and you alone. 

“There's a saying that I always think about, and it shapes my views on the subject. ‘I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.’ It's very simple.”

Key Takeaways

After four years as Master-at-Arms in the Navy and four more years of working with NorArm Tactical, Hank Shetlar knows about body armor. 

As Hank sees it, being able to buy and wear protective armor isn’t just a luxury and a freedom: It’s a constitutional and God-given right. 

No matter how law-abiding a citizen you are, violence can force its way into your life one day with zero warning. And if it does, that Kevlar panel or armor plate you chose to put on could be the only thing separating you from a bullet.

From everyone at Bulletproof Zone, we thank Hank Shetlar for his words of wisdom, congratulate him on winning the PGD Helmet Giveaway, and thank him for his service to our country. 

What do you think about civilians’ rights to buy and wear body armor? Share your voice in the comments below!