Why do modern soldiers wear hats instead of helmets?

[Sardar Anees Abbasi]

Because the soldier in the first picture looks more human than the soldier in the second picture. Less intimidating.

This concept is called “force posture” in military jargon. I.e. Don't drive a tank through the town if a Humvee will do. When the threat level allows, commanders try to be an unthreatening as possible because in theory we are supposed to be the good guys!

Also, soldiers usually remove helmets when safe to do so because even with the best armour technology in the world they are hot, heavy and uncomfortable to wear.

This soldier (who may be male or female, not sure.) looks properly dangerous with ballistic helmet to protect their cranium, goggles to protect eyes against the debris of combat and the face shield to stop lungs getting clogged with dust…

But what if the task is to conduct a reassurance patrol? Or a “hearts and minds” op? Those “i’m going to f*ck some shit up” vibes are not going to go down well.

Shamelessly stolen from the comments:

“Not to mention a lot of day-to-day military work is in an office, where helmets are appropriate only on Casual Fridays.”


Link:
https://www.quora.com/Why-do-modern...ead-of-helmets/answer/Giles-Holtby?srid=ht75E