The solution? By applying a layer of cushioning material that will compress and soften the shock, keeping the shell away from the head, this injury can be reduced or eliminated. The state-of-the-art in helmet protection is closed cell foam material; your motorcycle/mountain bike helmets use Styrofoam for example.

A simple, low-cost solution calls for a pliable pad inserted into the kevlar helmet sides which is quickly removable after the jump. This pad, cut from the excess portion of a closed-cell sleeping mat, was proposed by the 1st Tactical Studies Group (Airborne) two years ago and has now been mass-produced as a Parachute Impact Liner (PIL) separate item by the U.S. Army Natick RD&E Center (POC: George Schultheiss DSN 256-5444 or Commercial (508) 651-5444) and is now available here at Fort Bragg. E-Mail:
gschulth@natick-amed02.army.mil

Some 40,000 samples of the PIL have been produced and many were sent to Fort Benning to help the jump school students there. A National Stock Number (NSN) 8465-01-420-4920 Civilian part# DRWG 8-2-1101 for this item is to be determined soon for units to order the pads after the initial production samples run out. The cost is $0.78 per PIL. Source:

Best Foam Fabricators Inc.
9633 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Chicago, IL 60628

If trial jumps/field operations show that keeping the pads inside traps undue heat, they can be removed after the jump when the opportunity presents itself to restore air flow/cooling space at the top of the helmet. The issue stock PIL padding comes in a sheet with dotted lines for the paratrooper to cut either a small, medium or large pad for proper fit. Clothing scissors work the best, though a sharp knife or M9 wire cutter bayonet on a flat surface will suffice.

Our Paratroopers are worth more than a measley 78 cents. The medical costs saved alone will pay for this item, which should also be available at military clothing sales stores on post. The more we can remove the "Murphy" factor and injuries from the Airborne operation, the greater the combat power and power projection capability the Airborne can offer to the national command authorities.

Enemies who know that plane loads of fighting mad paratroopers are only 18 hours away will think twice before invading their next-door neighbor.

2002 UPDATE

Despite the critical need to stop trauma to the head from the inside of the helmet hitting it after a hard parachute landing, the small minded and dumb macho of the Airborne world has rejected the PIL. They are no longer on sale in Military Clothing Sales stores, I guess not having brain damage is not worth a buck. The entire U.S. army Airborne mindset is one of denial: "It ain't gonna happen to me". But when it does, those unfortunate souls pay the price and this inflexibility and lack of moral courage to admit to and face problems with SOLUTIONS slanders the entire Airborne operation. We could be using:

PILs to prevent head trauma injuries

PABs to prevent ankle injuries

Flexible one-quart canteens to prevent lower back injuries

Better chinstraps to prevent exposed head injuries and have better tactical helmet stability

Its clear that a better helmet with better, state-of-the-art internal cushioning will have to be forced upon the Army Airborne via the Army Special Force community adopting the MICH helmet. SF Soldiers as self-actualizers do not have to prove their penis size and worth and can as adults look at and admit to problems and then act on SOLUTIONS. Self-confidence to be able to do LGOPS is a good thing, but when it becomes egotistical arrogance without adult maturity that is unable to prevent injuries and save lives its in need of a mental overhaul.

itsg@hotmail.com

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