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July 31, 2003
The U.S. Marines are getting a new Kevlar helmet this Summer. Some 43,000 combat troops are getting the new headgear, that looks like the current helmet, but is 15 percent lighter, provides more protection and is a lot more comfortable. A new "five point retention strap" and improved interior design keeps the helmet stable when the marine is moving, and is more comfortable in general. The "bouncing helmet" problem, when the guy wearing it is moving, is a long time complaint. The helmet is also a little higher in the back, eliminating the problem of the rear of the helmet bumping into body armor when the marine is prone. The new helmet is designed to stop 9mm bullets (from pistols or automatic weapons) and is better able to stop shell fragments than the older helmet. The army is working on a similar helmet, and may end up using the same one the marines are being issued.
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