Why Did they Put Cargo Netting on Army Helmets?

Nets contribute to the helmet's main purpose of protection.

Little has changed over the years in the basic shape of military helmets, but the extras have. Cargo netting contributes to the comfort and safety of a helmet.

History

The Army first donned the camo web covered helmets in the 1940s. The netting helped protect soldiers fighting in areas thick with foliage.

Function

The cargo netting helps reduce any glare that might reflect off of a helmet. Even the olive drab head covers made rough with the addition of sawdust or other components could be potential targets, whereas the netting caused a disturbance in regular vision.

Effects

The nets can also contribute to field cover. If the soldier is fighting in the forest or jungle, leaves and twigs could be stuck in the webbing as an additional source of camouflage.

Considerations

Red Cross personnel and others not specifically military can cover their helmets with netting in the line of fire. The removable netting allows civilians to add it to their headgear as a precaution when going into dangerous areas.

References

• Olive-Drab
• Doughboy Center
• Wilson History & Research Center

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Read this Article in Portuguese