Can you say "target recognition"? Here’s a reliable and low-tech way to spot your own troops and possible hostiles – this helmet band attaches to helmets and other headwear. With a smart design, there is a broad compatibility to different helmet covers, caps, and boonie hats. Available in various colors.

Show your colors

It is nice to blend in with the surrounding terrain away from the discerning enemy eye, but it’s even nicer to tell between your own troops and the adversary when the fiery fecal matter of gun battle hits the fan – smoke, dirt and metal fill the air, you have tunnel vision, and your troops are scattered around the foggy battlefield in a pattern not in the textbook.

A figure appears in front of you in the close proximities of an urban combat setting – what are you going to do? You have about half a second to make a permanent decision on your next move.

There are estimates that put friendly fire casualties in modern warfare even as high as 20 percent of total casualties. The probability of friendly fire situations in infantry operations increases in theatres where belligerent forces use similar or the exact same camo patterned uniforms. When looking at footage from Ukraine, you immediately see the troops using a much simpler "insignia" than flag patches and such – most of the soldiers are wearing colored tape or bands on their arms and helmets.

Colored tape works fine, but an elastic band might work even better. A band can be taken off quickly or switched to another piece of gear or clothing – instead of going to work with another roll of tape. Bands also enable your troops to change the color quickly if needed – in the same way as passwords, countersigns, and such are regularly changed.

Features

The Varusteleka Helmet Band is elastic and has a hook and loop closure. This allows for the helmet band to be opened and fed through e.g. the loops on a helmet cover. In addition, there is a one-wrap part on the closure to further secure this helmet band to your helmet, the back of your cap, or another type of hat. Even if it gets somehow doffed by accident, the band won’t drop to the ground and be lost.

Due to the elasticity, this helmet band will fit all adult heads, hats, and helmets.

• Can be opened straight to assist in attachment through loops and such
• Elastic, sturdy material
• One-wrap part to secure the fastening
• Made in Finland