Helmet Height

[kingraptor141]

I've been fiddling around with my helmet height and can't seem to find the right spot. If I get it so the sides come down to about my ear lobes, the helmet hits me on the top of the head as I run, but if I set it much higher, the sides are middle or above my ears, any suggestions?

Also, when I go prone and look up, the back of my M42 hits my neck and the thing is pushed forward and obscures my eye sight, tis absolutely vexing!

[2nd Bat]

Welcome to the universal realities of wearing a steel pot. Setting up so it works best for you is exactly what millions of GIs did for decades. If it's any consolation it was a huge improvement over the tin helmet of WW1 and the between wars era. Incidently, blame the design on General Bradleys 12 year old daughter who designed and made the first one in paper mache after hearing her father complain about the tin pot over dinner. General Bradley was so impressed he sent the mock up to General Marshall who almost immediately ordered a million of them. The original and the complete story is at the Infantry Museum at Ft. Benning.

[volkssturm]

This being the Axis thread, I suspect he was referring to the German helmet, but getting the suckers to fit right was a universal problem. Still, interesting about Bradley's daughter designing the iconic American helmet. Did not know that. I thought I read that Patton had a hand in there too, in suggeting they use the suspension from a football helmet of the time.

[kingraptor141]

Ah, sorry about the poor clarification, yes the German Stahlhelm, though, thank you for the tale on the American tin lid, will be sure to remember that . But I take it the answer is to find the best compromise between comfort and functionality?

[2nd Bat]

I am idiot and obviously couldn't wait for a chance to share the anecdote. It is story that completely surprised me when I came across it at the museum. It was prior to the outbreak of Americas involvement in the war and Bradley wasin charge of procurement at the time and everyone knew America would be in a shooting war.

All equipment no matter what side you're on requires adaptation and getting items designed for everyman but imperfect for all is always a challenge. The slightest level of discomfort becomes exacerbated dramatically with 20 mile forced marches on days that are sure to be too cold, too hot, too wet or too dry.