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When it comes to protective gear, the U.S. military sets the gold standard. Whether you're a professional, an enthusiast, or someone exploring the best in ballistic head protection, understanding military helmet evolution is crucial. This guide covers the top military helmets, from their early days in World War I to today's cutting-edge technology.
If you’re wondering what ballistic helmet does the military use, we’ll cover what makes the US military helmets exceptional, and where you can purchase one for yourself.
Military helmets have undergone significant evolution, adapting to meet the demands of changing warfare and advancing technology. What helmet does the US military use today? Here’s a breakdown of the key helmetsused by the U.S. military since WWI. This is when we began using moretactical helmets.
1917: M1917 "Doughboy" Helmet (WWI) – Basic steel protection.
1941: M1 Helmet (WWII to Vietnam) – Improved comfort and customization.
1983: PASGT Helmet – Kevlar® era begins, offering better ballistic protection.
2003: ACH Helmet – Lightweight, modular, and ergonomic.
2012: ECH Helmet – Enhanced protection with UHMWPE.
2019: IHPS Helmet – Advanced head protection with integrated technologies.
The standard-issue helmet during WWI was the M1917 “doughboy” helmet. It was the first standardized combat helmet for U.S. troops, and provided basic protection against shrapnel. Made from steel, it was modeled after the British Brodie helmet.
In 1941, the M1917 was replaced by one of the most recognizable helmets of all time, the M1 Helmet. The design was a bit more comfortable and featured a separate liner for customization. M1 helmets were improved over the years with better suspension systems and improved liners and were used throughout the Cold War and Vietnam War.
In 1983, the PASGT helmet was phased in. The PASGT, standing for Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops, was the first standard-issue helmet using a new ballistic material: Kevlar®. This helmet is commonly referred to as the “Fritz” because it resembled helmets worn by the Germans in WWII.
In 2001, the US switched to the Modular Integrated Communications Helmet (MICH), which could be used to mount night vision goggles (NVGs), communications devices and other gear.
In 2003, the helmet types were split off into the MICH, which would continue to be developed for special forces, and the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH), which became the standard-issue helmet, crafted from advanced Kevlar composites and offering improved ballistic protection with a lighter, more ergonomic design. The Marine Corps used a variant of the ACH known as the Lightweight Helmet (LWH)
In 2012, the ACH was replaced by the Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH). These helmets use ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) instead of ballistic fibers, offering more ballistic protection while still staying compatible with ACH-mounted gear.
The helmets used today in the military are moving from the ECH to the Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS). This helmet was first issued in 2019. While the IHPS is the best helmet currently issued by the military, plenty of soldiers in the military are still issued ACH and ECH helmets.
Special forces units tend to have more control over what they have issued, and will often decide to use different helmets, like the Ops-Core FAST helmets, known for their lightweight designs, advanced ballistic protection, and versatile mounting capabilities. However, these helmets can cost several times more than an ACH helmet and are not standard-issue because of their expense.
To read more about ballistic helmets in general, check out ourComprehensive Guide to Ballistic Helmets.
The ACH and ECH make up around 80% of the current US military helmets being used. The brand new IHPS is probably around 10-15%, and the PASGT makes up less than 5% at this point. The ACH isn’t outdated, in fact, it’s still the most common helmet issued to US soldiers today.
A few key things about ballistic military helmets make them essential for combat. What makes the military helmet design effective?
First, the materials. Military helmet materials are typically going to be Kevlar® or ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). They’re both strong, but the key is that they are also lightweight.
Comfort is an enormous factor too. Adjustable suspension systems and removable padding allow these helmets to feel like an extension of your body. A military-grade helmet will have a good ventilation system to keep the wearer’s head cool and dry during long operations.
Lastly, military helmets usually need to do more than just protect the head. Most are highly functional, with mounting points for night vision goggles, comm equipment, and other equipment. Mounting options give the soldier a lot more control, and make the helmet useful even when there is no imminent threat of trauma to the head.
Modern military-grade helmets rely on advanced materials for superior protection. Kevlar remains a staple for its durability and lightweight properties, essential for mobility without compromising safety. Recent innovations like UHMWPE (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene) and Twaron further enhance helmets' abilities to absorb and disperse impact forces, providing soldiers with unparalleled protection.
The integration ofmodular accessory systems—such as mounts for cameras, night vision goggles, and communication devices—has transformed helmets into multifunctional tools for the battlefield. Enhanced padding and suspension systems also ensure greater comfort and reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries by evenly distributing impact forces.
These advancements highlight the evolution of helmet design, driven by the military's commitment to maximizing both safety and functionality.
Rating protection levels of body armor, including helmets, can be complicated. You can get an idea for the NIJ standards in our article onUnderstanding Body Armor Ratings.
Guidelines for ballistic helmet ratings have been relatively outdated up to this point, though the new NIJ standards include updated rating for ballistic helmets. This is important, because under the previous ratings, companies can sell “Level 4” helmets, misleading because theLevel IV body armor is not at all compatible with the prior Level 4 helmet standards. The truth is, true rifle-rated protection in a helmet is extremely rare, due to the deadly head trauma caused by the backface deformation of rifle rounds.
When shopping for a ballistic helmet, look for helmets that are tested by a reliable third party. Make sure the testing company is NIJ-approved, too.
Most military helmets will have a rating of IIIA, with some slight differences.
A PASGT helmet ballistic rating will protect against most fragmentation and pistol rounds, while an ACH helmet ballistic rating will provide a slightly higher level of protection. The ECH helmet ballistic rating provides about 35% better protection against small-arms fire and fragmentation compared to the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH). You’ll see all three tested to Level IIIA standards.
Ballistic helmets undergo rigorous testing to ensure optimal safety and performance. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) evaluates helmets for penetration resistance, impact absorption, and backface deformation to minimize concussive effects.
Tests simulate real-world threats by subjecting helmets to various ballistic challenges, ensuring that they can withstand high-velocity impacts. For civilians, understanding ballistic ratings and choosing helmets tested by reliable laboratories is critical for making informed, safe purchases.
Are ballistic helmets legal? Yes. You can buy bulletproof helmets anywhere that you can buy bulletproof body armor. If you are unsure, read through our article on thelegality of body armor.
Now what if you don’t want a military helmet? Aremilitary helmets legal?
Yes. You can get surplus helmets and other military gear at local surplus shops and websites. These places are great to purchase an old ACH helmet for less cost.
A great option for an advanced helmet is going to be theFortis Ballistic Helmet, released in 2024. This helmet has Level IIIA protection, rated by SMS testing, an NIJ-approved lab. All testing data is publicly availableon our helmet product page. We recommend visiting theNIJ website to learn more about their ballistic testing protocols as well.
We hope you feel more informed about your options. Whether you’re looking for something tried-and-true or the latest in protective gear, understanding what to look for is going to save you time and money. It’s not until you get the chance to own one that you truly realize the benefits of a good helmet.
We always say this, but it is especially true here. You should never compromise when protecting yourself or your loved ones. With ourdetailed guides and expert advice, we want more people to make informed decisions about their safety.
What helmet do you think suits your needs best? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to explore ourFortis Ballistic Helmet for modern, reliable protection.
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