The military and police markets are the principal sectors in the ballistic protection Held and greater potential noted in the civilian market with increasing violence in society. Military and police applications are described and end use requirements listed. Threat level definitions and also military and civilian definitions are identified. Standard products currently in use are subdivided into fibre components, aramid types, linear polyethylene types and PBO (Poly (p-phenylene-2,6-benobisoxazole). Fabric structures and energy absorption are then explored in considerable technical detail with separate discussion of nonwoven fabric. The development of a blended nonwoven ballistic protection fabric is explained with testing methods. Kevlar/spectra fabrics are examined and tested. Small arms and fragment simulation supplementary tests have also been carried out and are described. New developments are focusing on ultra lightweight protection from very high velocity projectiles. Other forms of defeat mechanisms are listed.