Army Recalls 44,000 Combat Helmets
May 14, 2010

The Department of the Army announced today that it has initiated a recall message for approximately 44,000 Advanced Combat Helmets produced by ArmorSource LLC (formerly Rabintex USA LLC). These helmets do not meet Army specifications.

The 44,000 helmets represent about 4 percent of Advanced Combat Helmets issued to soldiers. Sufficient helmets produced by other manufacturers that meet Army requirements are currently available in the Army’s inventory. The Army will immediately issue these helmets to soldiers worldwide serving in those units identified to have recalled helmets. Army Central Issue Facilities have been directed to remove all affected helmets from the inventory and to directly exchange noncompliant helmets turned in for helmets meeting Army specifications. The recalled helmets will be sent to the Defense Logistics Agency Defense Reutilization and Marketing Services for demilitarization.

The exact risk to soldiers wearing the recalled helmets is still being determined; however, sample testing from a quarantined inventory revealed that the helmets did not meet Army specifications.

The matter is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General.