French Foreign Legion fight footage in Ivory Coast, 2003

[Gabriel92]

 

[UAE]

Operation executed in a nice way but why no helmets?!

 

[SirJoe]

What were those guys in the cars thinking? Did they really think they had a chance?

 

[explorerx7]

I didn't know that this type of activity was current in the Ivory Coast. However, this is a sad reflection of the African continent, where after these nations have gained independence from their colonial masters, these masters have to turn around and defend their former colonies. It seems many of the former colonies would have been better-off without independence.
The actions of those advancing insurgents, displaying poor judgment and literally committing suicide, seems to sum up the situation in Africa quite well.

 

[fcuco]

The ERC 90 shooting was awesome. To think that this small armored vehicle packs more punch than a Tiger II tank from the second world war.

 

[Magneto]

but why no helmets?!

Either 1) They're useless except for deflect shrapnel and protecting from falling debris - neither of which is much of an issue in an open outdoor environment against forces without heavy weapons 2) la difference or 3) both.

 

[UAE]

Either 1) They're useless except for deflect shrapnel and protecting from falling debris - neither of which is much of an issue in an open outdoor environment against forces without heavy weapons 2) la difference or 3) both.

That doesn't mean an immunity against snipers unless 2km radius is clear.

 

[Magneto]

Helmets are not designed for nor intended to stop bullets. I thought this was common knowledge...


You see SOF folks not wearing them all the time, they'll help you if something falls on you, or a grenade goes off, or you take a bump to the noggin, but for the most part they just make you feel safe while providing little to not protection against the things that will really kill you. Even when they are wearing helmets, you'll notice special forces helmets offer even less protection - essentially covering only the top and back of the skull, and mostly serves the purpose of being something you can mount equipment on. Any combat vet will tell you a helmet doesn't offer serious protection, even now with kevlar helmets.

Clearly, some of those legionnaires feel the protection offered isn't worth the cost to hearing and visibility, or they just want to look cool in their beret because they're legionnaires and it's a hard one to earn. Either way, it'll have little operational impact.