New combat helmet could be fielded this year

story by: Dan Lamothe and Lance M. Bacon

After months of setbacks, development of a new helmet that stops point-blank rifle rounds has reached a milestone, Army officials say, though Marine Corps officials won’t say what their plans are to use them.

The joint Enhanced Combat Helmet program, led by the Corps, reached a development milestone in December, said Army Col. William Cole, project manager of soldier protection and individual equipment, a milestone that allows the services to begin low-rate production.

The new helmet has stopped zero-degree rifle bullets at point-blank range, and has stopped 7.62mm rounds, too, Army officials said.

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