A History of the Combat Helmet and the Quest to Prevent Injuries

Image of A History of the Combat Helmet and the Quest to Prevent Injuries. A History of the Combat Helmet and the Quest to Prevent Injuries

As a critical piece of a warfighter's protective gear, the combat helmet has vastly improved over the years as new technology and better designs have reduced the risk of fatal blows and traumatic brain injuries.

The earliest combat helmets were made from bronze and used to protect soldiers from swords and arrows. They were heavy, crudely designed and did not fit well.

During World War I and World War II, standard helmets were made from thin steel. They provided protection mainly against shrapnel rather than shock waves. They were lighter and provided better protection than helmets from previous eras.

But at that time, soldiers were often reluctant to use their chin strap because they believed that "it was better for [the helmet] to be knocked off rather than injure the soldier's neck," said Alan Hawk, a collections manager for the National Museum of Health and Medicine, a branch of the Research Support Division in the Research & Engineering Directorate of the Defense Health Agency.

Technology and safety protocols have evolved in recent years, resulting in helmets that provide more protection from both projectiles and shock waves.

Modern combat helmets, like the one worn by this Marine, offer protection from both projectiles and blast waves. They are also designed to incorporate the use of communications equipment and other devices that can improve warfighter performance and capability. (Photo: Lance Cpl. Manuel Alvarado, U.S. Marine Corps)
Modern combat helmets, like the one worn by this Marine, offer protection from both projectiles and blast waves. They are also designed to incorporate the use of communications equipment and other devices that can improve warfighter performance and capability. (Photo: Lance Cpl. Manuel Alvarado, U.S. Marine Corps)

Modern Helmets

Modern helmets became lighter as steel was replaced with composite materials like Kevlar. They now have padding and fitted chinstraps, allowing the helmet to stay attached during a blast. Inside, they include an energy-absorbing liner. Modern helmets are designed and tested to meet consistent standards to protect soldiers from concussions and other injuries.

Visibility is also now a key factor to helmet design.

"The best helmet in the world is not effective if a soldier walks into an ambush due to hampered vision," Hawk said.

In recent years, U.S. Special Operations Command helped develop a new helmet designed to integrate modern communications devices. The Army adopted a version of that helmet in 2002 and named it the Advanced Combat Helmet.

Modern helmets are also customized for specific jobs beyond the traditional infantry. Aircrew helmets protect from impact and noise. Helicopter aircrew have helmets that help protect against ricochets from the ground. Both helmets typically have built-in communications headsets and visors as well.

Modern helmet designers optimize protection using test standards and methods measuring the probability of neck injuries, concussions, and other injuries for specific conditions like ejection, said Benjamin Steinhauer, an engineer for the Air Force Research Laboratory's 711th Human Performance Wing.

The Future of Helmets

New helmets focus on suspension technology, which uses shock absorbing webbing, and lightweight and crack resistant materials.

While experts agree there will never be a perfect helmet, the military continues to make significant gains in protecting service members from TBI and other injuries.

"We do find ways to make helmets lighter without sacrificing the mission," Steinhauer said.

You also may be interested in...

Article
Jun 24, 2025

Walter Reed Army Institute of Research-West Begins Recruitment for Study of Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Bourguillon, assessor with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research-West, applies electrodes to U.S. Army Spc. Amanda Pinkston as part of a study on brain health and posttraumatic stress disorder

Walter Reed Army Institute of Research-West has launched two behavioral health studies focused on repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries and occupation-related repetitive exposure to tier-1 weapons, marking a significant step toward strengthening resilience and performance in operational settings.

Article
Jun 16, 2025

New Behavioral Health Training Program Helps Keep Warfighters on the Battlefield

Dr. Katie L. Nugent, a behavioral health epidemiologist at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, Maryland, gives a presentation on Behavioral Health Guidelines for Medic Assessment and Response program

Last month, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth paused in front of a ballroom of service members and industry leaders at Special Operations Forces Week in Tampa, Florida, and reminded them people matter more than equipment. In alignment with that focus on readiness, a new program is teaching combat medics to handle battlefield behavioral health crises. 

Article
Jun 6, 2025

Protecting Brain Health Crucial for Operational Effectiveness

Protecting Brain Health Crucial for Operational Effectiveness

The Department of Defense is dedicated to safeguard the brain health of service members, with all branches implementing prevention strategies and assessments to mitigate the impact of blast overpressure. Ongoing research, particularly regarding potential thresholds for acute and chronic low-level BOP exposure, aims to enhance operator effectiveness ...

Article
May 21, 2025

Air Force Medical Leaders Partner with Joint Forces, DOD Researchers on Warfighter Brain Health Initiative

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jason Waters, 82nd Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron joint terminal attack controller, fires an M-4 carbine at Udairi Range, Kuwait

In a combat zone, a single weapon discharge can unleash a force powerful enough to rattle the brain--without leaving a single visible mark. These invisible blast overpressure injuries, along with more severe traumatic brain injuries, are at the center of a growing Department of Defense campaign to protect cognitive performance, a significant component ...

Article
Jan 15, 2025

U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine is Updating Guidance on Cold-Weather Injuries

A service member is exposed to cold air in environmental test chamber after undergoing a treatment called ischemic preconditioning

As efforts in the Arctic region continues to accelerate, senior leaders need to be confident that warfighters under their command will be able to operate at peak effectiveness for long periods in extreme cold. That’s why experts in nutrition, physical performance, and extreme environments from the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine ...

Article
Jan 14, 2025

U.S. Army Provides Soldiers, Families Variety of Mind, Body Resources

Chaplains and religious affairs specialists provide various types of counseling and training

As the new year begins, soldiers, their families and U.S. Army civilians have a variety of tools and programs available to support their overall well-being. From holistic health and fitness initiatives to spiritual readiness resources, free counseling, sleep assistance, and family support programs, the U.S. Army is committed to fostering resilience ...

Article
Jan 10, 2025

Uniformed Services University President Dr. Jonathan Woodson Reflects on Accomplishments in 2024

USU President Dr. Jonathan Woodson speaking on a panel

From bringing the current student body to more than 8,500 to contributing to a potential cure for rabies, the Uniformed Services University has worked tirelessly to foster another year of innovative learning, groundbreaking research, and numerous awards and accomplishments, said president.

Skip subpage navigation
Refine your search