Purpose of netting on helmets?

[Volvulus]

Why do the airborne have netting on there helmets, what is it for? http://img330.imageshack.us/img330/9117/helmetuy4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Saden]

The netting on helmets is so they can put peices of fabric or tree branches and leaves in to use as camoflauge. Its also for putting things in place such as the first aid kit, cigarette cases ect. And it could possibly also be used for a better grip on the helmet (like you can sick your fingers through the holes and pick it up that way).

[Tough Ombre 359th]

I think they used nets because it reduces the sun's glare on the helmet. Plus it could be easily camouflaged in different environments.http://img471.imageshack.us/img471/9162/m220normandy20optiontnql6.jpg

[enigma]

From the wiki in regards to the M1 helmet.


Some soldiers, specifically those taking part in an invasion, wore a helmet net, or a cover, stretched over the helmet. The net was usually khaki or olive drab in appearance, and was made of cotton. The infantry typically used 1/2 inch (13 mm) spaced netting, while the airborne forces typically wore 2 inch (51 mm) spaced netting, although, of course, this was not the rule, and different soldiers used different types. The net has some practical usages. When it is put on the helmet, it effectively reduces the glare and/or reflection that the helmet would give in broad daylight. Although the helmet was painted OD Green, the sun would make a green reflection as noted. As well, the net can be used by soldiers to attach small foliage onto the helmet, thus giving them some degree of camouflage when fighting in a forested area. The net had a tendency to wear through on the top, from being placed upon the ground, top down. Some sources say that this was the mark of an experienced soldier, but this comment is not to be taken as fact.

intresting to note the different in sizes for different roles (the m2 it would seem is a modified M1 for the airborne, just to note, dont think that pic is of a ww2 helm (if 1 believed it was) as OD Green was only used iirc in the Western Hemisphere, other then the small ammount of marine camo pattern which was issued to a few troops)

[sid]

I think it's to do with breaking up the outlines so you're harder to spot.

[DaveP]

Okay then chaps, the solution has been found out, thanks to wiki, please, don't bother trying to give solutions. Just give your opinions/discuss the decided upon solution.

[Volvulus]

Ah now I know, I should of checked wiki but didn't think of it, thank you.

[Ripper]

Oh and of course it makes the helmet look better. :D

[343Guiltyspark]

when i was younger i thought it was a survival net to catch fish HAHA

[Synthesiz3D]

It can be used as a survival net. You should check out the US armys survivual field manual. It has a lot of interesting ways to use your equipment for survivual. There is a sort section on fishing with hard grenades.

It's the FM 21-76 Manual.

Hear is the quote from the book:

from the section on fishing

Shooting.
1.) If you are fortunate and have a weapon and sufficient ammunition try shooting fish. Aim slightly under the fish in the water that is less than 3 feet deep.
2.) A hand grenade exploded in a school of fish will supply you with for days. Dry or otherwise preserve those that you do not eat fresh

[German_War_Machine]

I always wondered this myself. What a coincidence I found a thread on it!

[DarkCanuck]

its to make soldiers look sexier.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/day420tripper/stocking_fishnet_lg.jpg

[css2d]

The outline of your helmet is one of the striking characteristics of a soldier's equipment. Its curved, familiar shape can be identified by the enemy. One of your first steps in preparing for the job of staying alive to fight is to disrupt both the form of your helmet and the strong, straight-lined shadow it casts.

http://www.efour4ever.com/cammo.htm

[Chu [3rd ID]]

Reduce shine. Think someone might have already said that though.