As the days go by, we are all seeing on our screens, more and more journalists wearing special forces type “protective” head gear.
The special forces (SF) wear these cut down helmets for very good reasons. Arguably they are no more than “bump helmets.” More importantly, they serve a purpose of fitting around their ear phone communications and act as a platform to house vision aids and other items. They allow SF individuals to insert by air, sea and land, and carry out their operations in a light fighting manner.
They are NOT intended to be full head protection for low velocity missiles from mortars, bombs, bullets or any other forms of shrapnel flying around during attacks in a war zone.
Even though I’m ex SF, when I worked on the ground with journalists as a security adviser, I was very happy and extremely comfortable wearing the grunt type fuller cover, and heavier ballistic helmet, the like used by infantry troops.
If I get whacked, just as anyone else on the ground can…I also become a major liability to the team.
The SF type cut away helmet may look and make you feel “gucci,” but trust me, you may as well go without.
It’s about way more than just wearing items of kit like helmets and body armour for insurance purposes. It’s about being realistic and responsible by wearing these items correctly, along with carrying a tourniquet and medical pouch, all for your own individual survival.
Bob Shepherd 