The mitznefet (Hebrew: מִצְנֶפֶת) is a helmet covering used by the Israel Defense Forces since 1994. It is considerably larger than the helmet worn by infantry soldiers.[1] The main purpose of the covering is to break up what would otherwise be the distinctive outline of a helmeted human head, while also preventing light from reflecting off of the wearer's helmet for a tactical advantage, making it easier to camouflage when necessary.
Mitznefet מִצְנֶפֶת | |
---|---|
Type | Helmet cover |
Place of origin | Israel |
Service history | |
In service | 1994 |
Used by | Israel Defense Forces |
Wars | |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | Agilite (modern version) |
In the Hebrew language, the covering shares the same name as the priestly turban, which was worn by the High Priest of Israel in the Temple of Jerusalem[1] during the Second Temple period. The name originates from a Semitic root meaning to wrap.[citation needed]
The mitznefet was originally adopted by the Israeli military in the 1990s to provide tactical advantages to Israeli troops fighting Lebanese resistance guerrillas in the South Lebanon conflict.[citation needed]
It was later configured to have a two-sided camouflage material, with one side adapted for desert environments and the other for woodland terrain.[citation needed]
In 2015, it was reported that the coverings would be supplied to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.[2]
The covering is easily removable, and can be attached to the helmet while folded.[3] Additionally, the bulk of the covering can be pulled down to shade and protect any side of the wearer's head from direct sunlight exposure.[4]
It is made up of a reversible mesh fabric, with one side having woodland camo paint and the other side with a brown desert paint.[5] In 2013, the manufacturer Agilite announced a new version with MultiCam.[6]