Write to the senior leaders of the military http://www.defenselink.mil/faq/pis/dod_addresses.html

The US Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory has tested the same shock-absorbing pad systems for the ability to decrease non-ballistic impact forces in parachutists' helmets. The OA pads reduced impact loading by over 28%. See: USAARL report 2005-05 of March, 2005. AND the latest report: PASGT/ACH comparison

The new Marine LWH (light weight helmet) offers 30% more ballistic (bullet) protection, but fails the basic test for impact protection required of motorcycle helmets. The addition of shock-absorbing pads to replace the 'sling' suspension enables the LWHelmet to pass this critical 'civilian' test as well as provide a significant increase in protection from blast forces.

Program Director of Individual Combat Equipment states that the new LW helmet provides 'enough' protection for Marines without adding the protection of shock-absorbing pads. Enough is not good enough for our grandson and ALL Marines.

The Army and Special Forces are now equipped with helmets (ACH, MICH, Paratroop) incorporating shock-absorbing pads instead of sling or strap suspensions, providing the best technology available to protect their troops.

Here's a report from NATICK Army test lab on how shock-absorbing pads add to both ballistic (bullet) and non-ballistic (blast) protection of helmets now issued to all Special Forces troops, including Marine Recon, SEALS, Rangers, Green Berets, etc. Shouldn't front-line 'grunts' have the same degree of protection?

A black CoolMax cloth covering wicks moisture away and helps the user stay cooler. Lining the inside is a glued-on strip of Velcro fastener. Users can unhook and adjust the pads to create a custom fit."