 Editor in Chief Bill   | 29 Apr 2022 6:11 p.m. PST |
You have to admit, troops from World War II, Korea and Vietnam looked pretty cool in those old photos. Our loved ones in combat zones, carrying their weapons on their shoulders and wearing their helmet with the chin strap hanging off the side looked pretty badass… Military: link |
nnascati  | 29 Apr 2022 6:42 p.m. PST |
I recall hearing that explanation in an episode of Combat. |
| Stryderg | 29 Apr 2022 7:39 p.m. PST |
"You are not John Wayne", yeah, heard that quite a bit in the late 80's. |
| gamershs | 29 Apr 2022 10:39 p.m. PST |
Only exception was the airborne as jumping out of airplanes might just remove a helmet that didn't have a chin strap. They had a special chinstrap on their helmets. The chin strap was strapped so that it sat above the helmet rim so it was not hanging down and get caught on something. Was in regulars from 1975 to 1979 and helmet minus helmet liner was very useful. |
| 42flanker | 29 Apr 2022 11:04 p.m. PST |
Apparently the risk of a solder's neck being snapped by blast was only a rumour and declared 'without foundation' after tests were carried out. However, there were incidents of choking when soldiers were knocked unconscious by blast and the chin strap of the dislodged helmet had constricted their throats.
'Why did ww2 soldiers not wear chin straps? M1 helmet'
YouTube link |
| robert piepenbrink | 30 Apr 2022 5:55 a.m. PST |
Oh, those WWII troops! Ignorant and guided by rumor--unlike today, when we are so much better informed, and can absolutely trust anything passed down to us by the military chain of command, which would never, ever cover up for unreliable or malfunctioning equipment. Just what branch did Mr. Stilwell serve in? None, it would appear. |
| Blaubaer | 30 Apr 2022 11:16 a.m. PST |
Because they are uncofortable. But if you start doing things, you will close them. The alternative is to lose your helmet.
In the local fire brigade we use german steel helmets, without chin strap close, you can not run, working with a hose, tool or motorpump. Most of the pictures are not taken in "the fight". |
| Korvessa | 30 Apr 2022 11:43 a.m. PST |
I have noticed that in most WWII movies Americans never wear their chinstraps but Germans always do. |
| raylev3 | 30 Apr 2022 1:47 p.m. PST |
Having worn the old helmet and the new one in Iraq, I can tell you the old helmet and chin strap was not comfortable and difficult to keep in place. If you wore the "chin" strap, it wouldn't stay on your chin, and it would slide under your jaw, or you had to tighten it under your jaw. The new helmet with the new chin strap is much more comfortable. The chin strap will actually hold the helmet comfortably in place and on your chin. |
| Martin Rapier | 01 May 2022 5:16 a.m. PST |
I've worn quite a few different helmets, the chinstraps work better on some than others. Para chinstraps are usually quite comfy, but the WW2 British para helmet stays on fine without it. The Bridue needs a strap, but the elasticated one is comfy and tou can wear it round the back of your head if desired. The Stalhelm actually stays on quite well without a strap as it has such an excellent liner (the BW version of the M1 has a WW2 style liner too). Worst of the lot is the old British Mark V, nice elasticated strap which is utterly useless at holding the helmet on if you run. Rifle in one hand, other hand on top of the helmet. Ssh40 is usually jammed on top a ushanka or pilotka, so stays on OK. Without the liner hat it needs the chin strap. |
 Legion 4 | 03 May 2022 8:43 a.m. PST |
raylev +1 … The Kevlar "Fritz Helm" was much better … From my experience if you run with you chin strap "unbuckled". Your helmet bounced around and even could fall off. We were always told to buckle our helmet … As a Plt Ldr & Co Cdr I said the same in most cases. |
