RescueRanger
PDF THINK TANK: CONSULTANT
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This helmet is based on a design specially designed for the Special forces the likes of Delta, ST6, PJ's (U.S Para jumpers) and is called the FAST helmet. It is an improved version of the Advanced Combat Helmet designed for Seal Team 6 and came as a result of special forces and Search and Rescue needing a lightweight, multi-purpose, all terrain helmet that offered ballistic protection without compromising utility.
Before the advent of the FAST helmet, U.S special forces, especially operating in Somalia turned to using plastic mounterring/skate board helemts as they were lighter and wouldn't bump up and down in urban terrain. Like this one:
Another reason that SF operators would chose a cheap plastic helmet over the PASGT/Leightweight Helmet was that the helmet offered no protection against 7.62 rounds and the chin-strap would often snag on the operators chin when fast roping.
The FAST helmet like the one you have shown above offers many advantages to the traditional ballistic helmet design. It fulfills the need for a helmet that can be worn when base jumping, fast roping, HAHO/HALO, Amphibious operations and MOUT.
The designers took the best features of a Para Jumpers helmet:
And a marine Search and Rescue helmet:
Added ballistic protection, a high cut out and came up with the FAST helmet:
This design offers ballistic protection above that of a standard light-weight combat helmet but also offers air slots for air to escape so can be used in base jumping and air drops, thus not risking the chin strap choking the operator. The slots also allow for water to flow freely in and out of the helmet in amphibious operations and offers superior ventilation for hot working zones.
The cutouts allow for easy wearing of ear defenders or tactical radio earpieces, it has a front mount for NVG and side rails for BWV and any other tactical accessories, side and top velcro panels allow operators to place tactical flash markers or similar F/F tags. Again the only time you will see operators wearing this type of helmet is if their tactical roles require a helmet that offers these unique features vis-a-vis a lightweight kevlar helmet /PASGT !
Not all our special forces need them!
