Technically, any plasma projectile (such as a laser cannon or pistol blast) would hit the transparent shield and either be refracted and dispersed through the shield or, if equipped with an electromagnetic plasma collection system, would absorb the energy and transfer it to the soldier's weapon systems. But if the shield were concave with the point facing the bearer, then the blast would be focused to that point and the bearer would be toast. Newc (slaving away in the infinitely rewarding field of Top Secret Government Science Fiction and Propaganda)