How we combined alpine safety and tactical design

The number of training exercises in cold climate locations has risen dramatically in recent years. Gone are the days when the sole focus was on hot, dry conditions like those in Afghanistan and Iraq. An increased emphasis now rests on global readiness. That means being able to respond to situations anywhere in the world – hot or cold.

Training drills in Alaska, Sweden and Norway – where some areas can plummet to -40 degrees Fahrenheit – are the new norm. Earlier this year hundreds of troops from countries that include France, Norway, Finland and Sweden joined Canadian soldiers for Operation Nanook-Nunalivut. Soldiers literally dove into the frigid temps of northern Canada as training included ice diving and learning various arctic survival skills.

Readiness – for anything – is key.

But in order to be ready soldiers need suitable equipment. Retail gear – consider your average ski helmet – might be fine for a recreational athlete but comes up short in the military space. Need to run a communications system? Maybe add a light? Sorry, no can do.

Companies like Cleveland-based Team Wendy play a role in helping soldiers thrive in snowy conditions. The company, which manufactures ballistic and tactical bump helmets, provided hundreds of M-216™ Tactical Ski Search and Rescue helmets to the U.S. Army’s 10^th Special Forces Group. A list of U.S. allies also opted for the M-216 in order to complete cold climate training.

“The M-216 is unique in this space because it combines alpine safety standards and tactical accessory mounting,” said Mike Romanchek, Team Wendy’s director of sales and business development.
The M-216, released at the tail end of 2017, features temperature regulation through vents on top of the helmet. There are 14 vents in total, including eight adjustable vents on the crown with three positions (open, half open and closed) that accommodate both hot and cold temps.

Recognizing the difference between combat and recreational skiing means pairing temperature regulation capabilities with a hybrid shell design that provides reinforcement for mounted accessories and an in-mold rear shell that reduces weight. Removable ear covers, designed for comfort while using in-ear communications systems, also play a part in thermoregulation.

“This is designed for soldiers who literally have to ski to get around,” said Michael Silva, Team Wendy’s military market manager. “The M-216 features a machined aluminum Wilcox^® shroud, side accessory rails for mounting comms and even comes with a Princeton Tec^® task light – all in an alpine-rated helmet. Those aren’t features your recreational skier would need.”

More gear changes will likely accompany the increase of arctic training. No piece of gear is off limits. Changes are coming and extremities like hands, feet and ears will need upgraded protection.

It’s been a long time since U.S. soldiers faced a threat in frigid territory. The mind harkens back to the Korean War. Some soldiers inadequately shielded from the sub-zero temperatures found themselves suffering from additional complications long after fighting ended.

“I think we’re going to see continued development in this space to include personal protective equipment tailored to these extreme environments,” Romanchek said.