In the 20th and 21st century, shields have been used by [[military]] and police units that specialize in anti-[[terrorist]] actions, hostage [[rescue]], riot control and [[siege]]-breaking. The modern term usually refers to a device that is held in the hand or attached to the arm, as opposed to an armored suit or a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullet-proof_vest bullet-proof] vest. Shields are also sometimes mounted on vehicle-mounted weapons to protect the operator. | In the 20th and 21st century, shields have been used by [[military]] and police units that specialize in anti-[[terrorist]] actions, hostage [[rescue]], riot control and [[siege]]-breaking. The modern term usually refers to a device that is held in the hand or attached to the arm, as opposed to an armored suit or a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullet-proof_vest bullet-proof] vest. Shields are also sometimes mounted on vehicle-mounted weapons to protect the operator. |