Marines ordering 35,000 new combat helmets

The Marine Corps has ordered more than 35,000 Enhanced Combat Helmets, which will be fielded to Marines starting in spring, according to Marine Corps Systems Command.

Buying the extra helmets will allow Marines to wear the same headgear when they train and go downrange, a MARCORSYSCOM news story says.

"Right now, we have three helmets fielded, but the future vision is a single helmet for all operating forces, which greatly simplifies logistics considerations and increases cost savings," Nick Pierce, team lead, body armor and load bearing equipment, said in the story.

Gentex Corporation was awarded a $51 million contract to produce and deliver the helmets, which are also used by the Army and Navy. It is both lightweight and provides extra ballistic protection against small arms and shrapnel.

"It's important for Marines to train with the same gear they will bring into combat," Maj. John Draper, ECH project officer, said in the story.

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