Perhaps a dumb question

[Genghis77]

In WWII, Korea and Viet Nam we all used the same metal pot helmets with fiberglass or composition liner. In all these wars, no one used the chin strap with artillery in the area. The concussion could break your neck.

With the modern kelvar helmets in Iraq, I cant help but notice troops using the strap. What's more, most seem to have chin cups. So what's up? Something different that it won't break your neck from artillery concussion?

Body armor in Viet Nam weighed about 60 pounds and only partial coverage. Most troops wouldn't wear it because it was way too hot. And neither would it stop a bullet, only slow it down.

[Stubob]

I will see if I can get a hold of some of our active duty advisors and see what they think. As they are in the field and would be able to answer this....

[nodaywithout]

Disclaimer, I am not now nor have i ever been in the military.

It seems to me that with the WW2 era helmets being metal they were meant to deflect the schrapnal away from the soldier, this causing him to forcibly move his head. now if close enough to the artillary round he will not live reagaurdless.

NOW with modern kevlar helmets they are engineered to absorb the blast thus reducing the chance of death ten fold, since the helment is absorbing the initial hit it would still most likely fly off without the stap. i do not know about you but i know i would still want it on just in case of another round coming my way.

I do not belive that this has answered your question but it may point you in a good direction.

[DMorrison]

As an Infantryman, recently returned from Iraq, I can tell you to things. We have absolutely no choice but to wear the armor and helmet. I have never heard of concussion from an explosion breaking a neck, at the same time we are not exposed to true artillary there. At best, as far as explosives are concerned, 120mm mortars, and of course IEDS. As far as the chin strap is concerned, John Wayne ruined leaving it unbuckled for us. And of course, it falls of when running. I have seen it stop 7.62x39 and of course shrapnel, the body armor to. It serves it's purpose I suppose, but not without severe downfalls. One of which being the weight. If you are wearing 50-80 pounds of gear on your shoulders and neck ( I weigh about 150, but clocked in at 235 with all my gear on) it's near impossible to chase down a haji in a man dress and sandels. It slows you down, and limits how far you can move in 135 degrees. As far as the "Chin-cups" go, don't let the media fool you, they arent very common, and aren't issued. Except to maybe the "Cool guys". hope that cleared it up for you.

[Lady Di]

Thanks for your service to our country. I love men in uniform! :D

[VegasGeorge]

I love men in uniform! :D

Well, first let's make sure you two aren't cousins or something like that.

[Onree]

Well, first let's make sure you two aren't cousins or something like that.

There's a place near where I live called Plant City. I believe that if you're not cousins, that city doesn't allow you to get married. So, no worries ya'll, there's a place for ya here in Florida! :lol:

[Outlaw]

Lady Di, what about older men that used to be in uniform??? :twisted:

[Lady Di]

As long as the retired guy can still fit into that uniform, it works for me. :lol: Experience is a good thing, right? :twisted:

[Outlaw]

Still fits just fine. 33" waist. Like Tobey Keith says "I'm as good once as I ever was" :)

[hygyliac]

If I remember correctly the helmet design being used by our military has better sonic/sound protection and the material is better weightwise and ballistically. We were always required to use the chin straps when we were in the field. But liberties of the field allowed for individual preferences. I would place the strap (still connected) behind my neck. Or dangle the kevlar helmet from my canteen and use my soft cap, but I'm a candy-azz kinda guy. :D