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December 27, 2004
One of the most sought after items of headgear in Afghanistan and Iraq is the new MICH helmet. This is actually a combat helmet designed by European firm Gallet, in cooperation with U.S. Army Special Forces. MICH stands for Modular Integrated Communications Helmet. Its often called the Gallet, after the designer, a firm that has long been known for designing helmets for fire, police and rescue personnel. Half a pound lighter (at three pounds) and more comfortable than the standard Kevlar helmet, MICH is most appreciated because it can be worn for long periods without becoming uncomfortable. The standard Kevlar helmet will, after many hours, literally become a pain in the neck. The MICH helmet offers the same degree of protection, and is also less of a hassle when you are in the prone position and wearing a protective vest that is riding a little high (the bottom of the Kevlar helmet tends to collide with the top of the vest in those situations.) Personnel in SOCOM and some paratroopers have been issued MICH helmets, but they can also be scrounged if you have the right contacts, or enough money. The Department of Defense has ordered 90,000 of them so far. Even civilian contractors get them (they retail for about $500.) The marines are designing their own lightweight helmet. They want something similar to the MICH, and plan to buy 200,000 of them.
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