Letter from The Army Aviator Re: EMP and Troops Shortchanged on Helmets, Etc.

It seems to me that I was reading some of Reason Kearney’s writings and he said the EMP damage to cars, etc was waaaay overrated. Of course, that was back when cars had a lot of non-solid state stuff and tube radios. I do remember he said all you had to do to protect the radio was ground the antenna to the car body. (Tube radio, I expect) and not to worry about the alternator and starter (unless you were smack dab in the middle of the flash). When he wrote that, we already had alternators in lieu of generators. Seems like the Army specifies that you should disconnect all antennas and power connectors prior to a [nuclear] detonation.It appears like your engine ought to still turn over and if your ignition system survives, your car might run.[JWR comments: True for most diesels and for any vehicle with a traditional points/rotor/condenser ignition–but not true for electronic ignitions or for electronic fuel ignition electronics.]

Just a thought, with the army switching from the Personal Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT) helmet to the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH)–commonly referred to as a MICH (Modular/Integrated Communications Helmet) ,which it isn’t really. The real MICH meets the same specs as the ACH but is reserved for special function groups. The ACH, however, is designed (as I recall) to maximally deflect 12 mm upon impact from a 9mm at (forget what speed, something pretty average though.). More a police level resistance than a combat one. Oh that’s right, that’s what the military will be for. Sorry, I forgot! Why I brought this up is ……. Good opportunity! The PASGT helmet is rated a lot higher in projectile impact and they are about to become dirt cheap. I’ve never minded the weight or configuration of my PASGT and it’s stable as heck for using the PVS-14 [NVG]s. Good thing to have, keeps the sun out of your eyes and the rain off of your neck and projectiles from knocking the golley-whomper out of you. Just be sure to get the airborne nape pad. Although, something you might want to look at is a real MICH helmet. For general wear around the property after TSHTF, it’d be light and generally effective but then you could always grab the PASGT while locking and loading. A MICH and a pair of good gloves might save you some distress “When there is no doctor”.

Off on a Tangent: On the NOROTOS, Inc. mount… Waste of money in my opinion so far. Single point release, too easy to bump and bingo, no
NVD. I’ll give it some more time and let you know.

Comment: I have opined for awhile that “they” are reducing the ability and effectiveness of our troops equipment. Now we have a “lighter” helmet that “enhances vision and hearing on the battlefield”. Sounds to me like the REMF’s bitched about the weight and so they cheapened up the effectiveness. Just like they reduced the calorie count of MRE’s because the REMF’s were getting fat and now “Real” combat troops gotta eat two MREs to have an effective meal in combat. Look at the covers for M998’s and 5 tons. Sucky plastic. How about the 9mm sidearm while the operators in Afghanistan ordered in .45s and pallets of ammo when they found out the 9mm didn’t put their opponents down? And the 9mm [Beretta M9] magazine springs hung up, disabling the weapon. Modern military controls areas, grunts control the dirt….. AND the government fears the ex-military because the ex-military has seen that one man with a rifle can bring a government down. My grandfather told me that. Nuff bitching.

Like you I carry a .45. Since Mel Tappan’s time back in the seventies, I’ve had my pair of Detonics Combat Masters, and I carry every day.

Oh, I should mention that the FreezeDryGuy‘s food is good. You have to follow the instructions on rehydrating the meat but then it’s great on the BBQ grill
or the frying pan. – The Army Aviator