Look into the connections to the right. I have linked to the GAO report from 2009 that specifies which helmet pads met the army standard as of 2009. As far as standards go, the Navy often follows the Army for the helmet pad issue and the National Guard does too. As far as I am aware, the only new technology in helmet padding has come from Team Wendy. I put a link to their website. I also linked to a group that makes me a bit uneasy- a nonprofit group called Operation Helmet.
Why Operation Helmet? Operation Helmet donates helmet pads directly to soldiers. Sounds great and it would be if they donated the right pads. They donate a pad that performs worse than the army's stated standard at both high and low temperatures. The pad they use is comfortable - at first. The problem comes in when it gets hot. In high temperature the foam in the pad becomes too soft, compromising its ability to absorb energy - it fails. In cold temperatures it becomes too hard and allows too much energy to transmit to the skull. Operation Helmet claims comfort is the determining factor in helmet usage. I disagree. The determining factor in helmet usage is proper training and proper command authority. If you are a soldier in combat or on patrol, you must be wearing a helmet. If not, you are in direct violation of a standing order.
I have worn the helmet pad they donate. It is like memory foam. nice and soft, but once it compresses it stays compressed. Compressed foam can't absorb energy, its already compromised, so it acts more like a solid and transmits the energy through to the skull.
If you are gonna donate something to a soldier, donate something that is better than what they already have and not something they can get from their supply sergeant.
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