Abstract: The present invention utilizes a layered armor concept, combining engineered and naturally-occurring materials, to mitigate damage to a vehicle from explosively formed projectiles (EFPs), particularly those projectiles with impact velocities greater than 2.25 km/s, reducing the velocity of the impacting projectile to less than 1.5 km/s upon exiting the composite armor system. The composite armor system incorporates a structural framework that contains and constrains a geometrical structure of rigid rods with the void spaces between the rods filled with a particulate matrix material. Because the composite armor can incorporate naturally-occurring particulate matrix materials that are readily available, the armor can be transported with less bulk system weight, allowing for additional weight reduction in air or sea transport applications.