Wow.
Mandible protection has been around for awhile but now its being talked about going Marine Corps wide. Uh...I thought we wanted to get lighter? Time for the School Of Infantry to start weighing in on some of this stuff. They're suppose to be the subject matter experts but they've been getting knocked around by the different program offices and billets inside the Corps. The results? More equipment that gets left on the dock or in the sea bag.
Mandible protection has been around for awhile but now its being talked about going Marine Corps wide. Uh...I thought we wanted to get lighter? Time for the School Of Infantry to start weighing in on some of this stuff. They're suppose to be the subject matter experts but they've been getting knocked around by the different program offices and billets inside the Corps. The results? More equipment that gets left on the dock or in the sea bag.
Cool Concept, but I can't help but imagining how hot it would get in the desert sun and possibly constricting to breath. It would be interesting to see the development of a simple but advanced breathing filter that could be non obstructive yet provide protection from smoke and dust inhalation on the field.
ReplyDeleteyeah and thats the key. you're going to need something like a scuba mask with oxygen enhancer(?) attached to make this thing really work...but i wonder how much weight you want on your head before you start getting neck injuries. the way things are going its going to have to move toward more of a football workout instead of endurance work like it is now.
ReplyDeleteAll I see is a foggy mask.
ReplyDeleteI don't usually comment on non UK issues, but as an ex infantryman I think it is okay to chuck in my penny's worth, as this is just about what makes our job easier.
ReplyDeleteProtection is good, armour is valuable, but those who have worn NBC respirators (sorry, I don't know what you call your masks in the USA) will remember, anything around your face causes you to create an internal world, like blinkering a horse, you are less aware of your environment. Alertness is a real asset to the infantry soldier, if your head is encased it may well protect it, but how do you win the firefight if you can't identify the direction of enemy fire?
Sometimes technology can be an enemy, fourteenth century knights removed visors for the same reasons, soldiers are in the business of risk but they are weapons in their own right. You have to be aware to kill.
oh i totally agree but the Mommies of America have spoken...they want more armor.
ReplyDeleteI can see this used when mounted, as IED protection, but ditched as soon as you have to move on foot more than a few steps. Maybe have a lanyard to the seatbelt.
ReplyDelete[Unless it was air-conditioned and had its own lift fans. :-) ]
I've used similar masks in airsoft before I switched to standard safety glasses. You can't see squat past 10 feet, and don't even try using your hard sights. This is a recipe for somebody getting killed.
ReplyDeleteyeah i would think so. its kinda funny that they're moving toward this. the helmets have been getting smaller and now they're adding back onto them. weird.
ReplyDelete