Body Armor BF6

Hello,

When you first start playing multiplayer do you have any body armor or is it something you earn? I purchased the Phantom Edition, which included couple extra skins, but noting about armor. 

Some post mention it would show up in player skins under Appearance, I only see Parachutes available and one other category that is X out.

It sure seems like many players can take WAY MORE hits than me, especially in face to face where each party does a mag dump inside 5 feet and I NEVER win one of those, EVER.

Appreciate any help.

Joe