Skip to main content

Military Health System

Test of Sitewide Banner

This is a test of the sitewide banner capability. In the case of an emergency, site visitors would be able to visit the news page for addition information.

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

Image of Lt. Gen. George S. Patton and Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. are pictured here in 1943 wearing the standard M1 helmet, sometimes called the "steel pot." (Photo: 1st Infantry Division Courtesy Photo). Lt. Gen. George S. Patton and Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. are pictured here in 1943 wearing the standard M1 helmet, sometimes called the "steel pot." (Photo: 1st Infantry Division Courtesy Photo)

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...

Publication
Sep 18, 2023

TBI: Military Branch Job-Specific Risk

.PDF | 510.89 KB

Military job-specific risks such as blast exposure and jumps increase the chances of traumatic brain injuries throughout the armed forces. Join the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence as researchers and clinicians dive into the TBI risks across our military branches and explore what the health services are doing to prevent TBI and treat our ...

Publication
Sep 12, 2023

Application of Acute Concussion Care Pathway: MACE 2 and PRA Training Flier

.PDF | 650.72 KB

The Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence is hosting a combined Military Acute Concussion Evaluation and Progressive Return to Activity clinical recommendation virtual training. Attendees may earn two CEUs through the Defense Health Agency Continuing Education Program Office.

Publication
Aug 29, 2023

Concussion Awareness Day Event Flier

.PDF | 1.39 MB

Every day should be Concussion Awareness Day! Learn how you can "Be a Brain Warrior" and protect your head from concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury. Join TBICoE's online event and discover how YOU can prevent, recognize, and recover!

Publication
Jul 14, 2023

Anomalous Health Incident Acute Assessment Training

.PDF | 318.76 KB

This virtual training, hosted by the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, will introduce MHS health care providers to Anomalous Health Incidents and review assessment and treatment strategies. Detailed guidance on how to complete a medical evaluation using Anomalous Health Incident Acute Assessment (DHA Form 244), will be provided.

Publication
Jun 16, 2023

Neurodegenerative Diseases and Traumatic Brain Injury Information Paper

.PDF | 310.80 KB

The long term effects of TBI are unknown, but there is concern that there may be an association with neurodegenerative diseases years after the injury. The intention of this information paper is to summarize the available evidence for or against an association of TBI with three of the more common neurodegenerative diseases.

Publication
May 12, 2023

Acute Concussion Care Pathway: MACE 2 and PRA Training

.PDF | 646.96 KB

The Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence is hosting a combined Military Acute Concussion Evaluation 2 and Progressive Return to Activity clinical recommendation virtual training.

Publication
Apr 14, 2023

2023 TBICoE Quarterly Education Series Schedule

.PDF | 154.66 KB

The Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence's Quarterly Education Series is an enterprise-wide learning opportunity for Military Health System stakeholders. Since inception, the QES provides trainings and events that are relevant to the MHS, discussing specialty topics and current research related to TBI.

Publication
Apr 7, 2023

2022 TBICoE Publication Catalog

.PDF | 577.80 KB

TBICoE publication citations and summaries are organized by category, or overarching research topic. The purpose of this document is to (1) summarize key findings and potential clinical implications of calendar year 2022 TBICoE publications, (2) increase awareness, and (3) assist in planning of future efforts.

Publication
Mar 17, 2023

TBICoE Research Review: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

.PDF | 1.87 MB

The purpose of this Research Review is to summarize current peer-reviewed scientific literature and expert assessment regarding the pathology, genetic pre-disposition, causes, clinical manifestations, and neuroimaging of chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

Publication
Mar 16, 2023

Back to School: A Guide to Academic Success After Traumatic Brain Injury

.PDF | 1.40 MB

Back to School: A Guide to Academic Success After Traumatic Brain Injury is a free resource, developed by the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence that is tailored to help service members and veterans who have sustained a TBI and are pursuing higher education. Those who have sustained a TBI may face unique challenges, and this guide provides ...

Publication
Mar 15, 2023

INFORMATION PAPER: The Impact of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury on the Autonomic Nervous System

.PDF | 381.19 KB

The purpose of this information paper by TBICoE is to provide a general overview of the current evidence related to the impact of concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) on the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This paper will focus on heart rate variability (HRV), pupillary light reflex (PLR), and hyperhidrosis within the military and civilian ...

Publication
Jan 23, 2023

Progressive Return to Activity: Primary Care for Acute Concussion Management

.PDF | 471.02 KB

The Progressive Return to Activity (PRA): Primary Care for Acute Concussion Management clinical recommendation is an evidence-based return to activity protocol for primary care managers and concussion/traumatic brain injury (TBI) clinic providers. The PRA is a six-step approach that begins after the provider performs the Military Acute Concussion ...

Refine your search
Last Updated: July 11, 2023
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery