But First – Thanks to WOLE!
Returning to the Women of Law Enforcement (WOLE) Conference this year was an incredible honor. Last year, I recruited participants for my survey study on body armor ergonomics for female officers. This year, I came back with results—thanks to the women who generously shared their experiences.
Their input shaped this research, and it was deeply rewarding to bring those insights back to the very people who made it possible. My goal has always been to make this work useful, and I hope the data’s insights make their jobs in armor a little more comfortable and bearable.
If you aren’t familiar with WOLE, it’s a national conference featuring outstanding classes (covering everything from tactical training to financial skills), top-notch training facilities, and superb Texas hospitality. It sells out every year, so if you’re thinking about going, register early!
Check out their information here.
On to Load Carriage
As the trend in law enforcement shifts toward external armor carriers, it’s critical to understand that male and female bodies are not the same (shocking, I know!)—and gear placement shouldn’t be either.
Compared to men, women’s bodies typically have:
- Narrower shoulders
- Smaller chests and waists
- Wider hips
These differences aren’t just cosmetic—they directly affect how weight is carried and how gear should be distributed.
Research shows that*:
- Women carry weight better when it’s closer to their center of gravity—around the hips.
- Men carry weight better on the shoulders.
- Women perform comparably to men when carrying light loads (under 44 pounds).
- Performance differences emerge with heavier loads or steep inclines.
Tactical vs. Anatomical Realities
I understand that department policies, tactical needs, and personal preferences all influence how gear is worn. But where possible, let science guide equipment placement decisions.
Here’s what the science says:
- Men are comparatively stronger in their upper body, arms, and shoulders, making chest and shoulder-mounted gear more practical.
- Women have relatively stronger legs compared to men.
- 74% of women law enforcement officers experience breast pain while in armor.**
Women LEOs face tough choices when it comes to load carriage—especially with the long hours spent sitting in patrol vehicles. Tools worn at the waist can cause discomfort, restrict movement, and push armor upward, leading to pressure in the chest area and difficulty adjusting while seated.
When tactically feasible, I believe more equipment should be mounted on the thighs. The legs are the strength powerhouse of the female body and offer ergonomic space that’s often underutilized. Shifting some gear to the legs could help relieve the crowded “real estate” at the waist and improve seated comfort.
Of course, any change in gear placement must be balanced with tactical strategy. That’s why more research is needed—particularly interdisciplinary studies that combine ergonomics and tactical effectiveness—to determine the best ways for women to carry their equipment.
When I raised this issue at WOLE, several women in the audience literally shouted their agreement. This is a real concern—let’s start the conversation.
I would appreciate your thoughts about load carriage and equipment placement for women! What is your experience? Do you think moving tools to the legs is possible? What needs to change? Email me; I’d love to hear from you!
* From R. Ricciardi, P. A. Deuster, and L. A. Talbot, “Effects of gender and body adiposity on physiological responses to physical work while wearing body armor,” Mil. Medicine, vol. 172, no. 7, pp. 743-748, 2007, doi: 10.7205/milmed.172.7.743.
**From the survey I conducted with 979 female armor-wearing respondents.