Abstract: The present invention is directed to a forced entry and ballistic resistant barrier comprising a plurality of adjacent segments securely and rigidly affixed to each other. Each segment includes a first pair of longitudinally elongated C-shaped channels whose concave sides are diametrically opposed about a flat bar positioned therebetween. In addition to the first pair of C-shaped channels, each segment preferably comprises a second pair of longitudinally elongated C-shaped channels, larger than the first pair, positioned concentrically about the first pair such that one channel of the second pair overlaps a convex portion of one channel of the first pair; the other channel of the second pair overlaps a complementary convex portion of the other channel of the first pair. The first and second pair of C-shaped channels are positioned so as to preferably obtain a relatively high Free Area percentage while still maintaining strict ballistic resistance and forced entry standards.