MisterToy said:
Thanks for all the great information. I guess I'll have to find away to make the helmet work. By the way, what is FOB?
Eric
FOBs are Forward Operating Bases. Many of them in Iraq have become quite luxurious over the years, and don't portray the reality of Iraq that folks who go "out the wire" everyday know. Those who are in PB'S or COP'S ( Patrol Bases or Combat Out Posts ) generaly have the bare minimum and rather live not so luxurious as those who dwell on the FOB's. The majority of the FOBS have become quite nice and obviously burdened by chickensh*t rear ecehelon rules and general BS. Makes one wonder if they are in the same plane of reality as those who actually bring the fight to Ali Baba and Wahabis.
The folks that EvinL mention , the pougues, are what used to be known as REMF's ( Rear Echelon MotherFu*kers) , are also known as FOBBITS, FOB GOBLINS these days. The ones whose biggest concern is that the AC might be on the fritz or the PX is out of their fav item, etc.. They are big topics of disdain with those who have trigger puller jobs. Same as they always have throughout history. I know I could yarn some good tales about them and their lack of understanding about what their real purpose is.... to support those who pull the trigger.
Anyway, apologies. FOBS and FOBBITS, REMFS always get my blood a boilin. Always have and always will.
In relation to your question, I think it has been answered pretty well already, but will back what has been said.
During real world operations,The Brain Buckets and Battle Rattle , the helmets and field kit , pretty much stay ON while outside the wire, on mission. They are often removed when taking a breather for bit. The helmet may come off, and the body armor opened to let some of the heat escape. Usually in the safety of walls or buildings. Or inside the vehicle that one might be using. I always took mine off when we were meeting with a local leader and were in his house. About the only time the Battle Rattle came off.
Or as Evin pointed out, those who dwell in FOBS RARELY ever put theirs on, and once inside we were back inside the comparitive safety of the walls to our camp, the Battle Rattle was grounded QUICK and the soft caps came out.
In peace time , especially back in the "day" , they would come off at every chance while out training. Was easy for us to get away with it especially when so far away from the Brass.