It was just a few years back when the US Marine Corps spent about $51 million to issue every single grunt a new lightweight combat helmet. The Corps have always had the need for lightweight tactical helmets. In fact, there are reports that the service is eyeing yet another newer, lighter combat tactical helmet.
Reports from the Marine Corps Systems Command state the development of a tactical helmet with a lightweight system that is designed to “provide an integrated head protection platform for infantry and infantry-like Marines.”
The Marine Corps have been known to make use of the Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH). However, there have been move to secure the Integrated Helmet System (IHS). The IHS as a tactical helmet offers high level of protection to the wearers with light weight. The IHS tactical helmet weighs between 2.91 and 3.84 pounds depending on size. It also comes with a rail system that can host the usual slew of communications and night vision devices (NVD).
The helmet, which is designated for the infantry and infantry-like Marines, features slew of cables, communication headsets and mountable slots for tactical gears. The new helmet system provides the Corps with the ability to attach an increased number of battery powered optics and other attachments to the helmet.
The Marine Corps requirement for a light weighted helmet is backed by their demand for more gear attachment space. Due to their roles, they would require a helmet with a rail mounting system for tactical device attachments. There is also a need for the helmet to be compatible with headsets and night vision devices.
Today, there are different options in the tactical helmet market place. However, there are very few of them that would properly fit the needs of the Marine Corps.
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