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Posted: 1/30/2006 5:39:34 PM EDT
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Hello everyone, I just wanted to share my latest project. This is a highly upgraded ProTec Ace. I took the base model and cutout more around the ears. I removed the 4 point (under the chin) strap. I manufactured (out of ¾” tubular nylon) a 4 point chin strap that Velcros on all 4 points and riveted it to the helmet. The rear rivets were relocated further to the rear to support the AN/PVS-14. I attached an AN/PVS-14 mount to the front; I had to manufacture the claw part of the mount. I attached Velcro and IR squares on the sides, back and top. I finished it off with a custom paint job and markings consistent with my unit’s requirements. This what I started With  Front  Left  Right  Rear  Front Worn  Right Worn  Left Worn  Thats It |
I wear mine when I go grocery shopping... Everyone always gets out of whatever checkout lane I stand in.... J/K Looks like a nice setup! I have a Bell that I have setup for a PVS-14, and its definately front heavy, but its still better than wearing one of the regular headmounts. |
At the very least, it's a good way to mount and use night vision. Much better than the head harnass assemblies and much easier to remove. The ProTec military helmets are not ballistic helmets. They're useful in preventing head injury from bumps and falls (much better than PASGT, MICH/ACH because of the suspension and padding). |
Probably when the likelihood of encountering artillery, mortar fire, IEDs and other fragmentation devices is lower. I would think clearing buildings would generally be such a situation. You might still encounter frag grenades and such, but nothing like a mortar attack. I believe the PASGT and ACH will stop handgun rounds, but I don't know how often those are encountered in a military situation. In a police situation, you are more likely to encounter handguns than long arms, so I would think a ballistic helmet would be the better choice. Police rarely encounter fragmentation rounds either (unless the meth lab goes kabloooey!) The PASGT is heavy, and adding NV to it makes it even heavier still. I think the ACH is lighter by a pound or two, and the Protec should be lighter still. So as has been said, a good platform for mounting NV devices. |
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Interesting, I guess the Delta types might use them for CQB, but I've never seen/heard of them being used in the big Army. I can't imagine a CO trying to explain that. "Well, sir, SGT. Smith got killed because the entry team was using skateboards helmets. We used them because the MICH is too heavy and gives us headaches." That'd be a bad-ass civilan outdoor helmet though. |
Delta/SEALs only, as far as I know. Delta caught hell after Somalia because the lack of bullet resistance was apparent. However, just like body armor, you pack what you need and make tradeoffs for likely expectations. |
At least I am not the only one sporting one now.
The team of SEALs in A-stan that were killed (except for the one survivor) were wearing pro-tecs with NODs. When you are unlikely to incounter pistol fire or indirect fire, this is a good option, the MICH will not stop an AK round and will just slow you down. |
| Thanks guys for the comments. As for when you would wear one. Just about all the time, I am in the Army of 1, but I work with the Army of 12. Most of the time I am in a PC, ball cap, or boonie; but kicking down doors or running in the woods, this is the best platform we have found. It vents good, the ears are exposed for commo, and it provides impact head protection. We use them in helo ops and on the ground, in the end I think I have worn a k-pot or mich a few times but they just aren’t suitable for our purposes. |
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