A Pentagon contractor says some US military units may soon test ballistic ball caps, a new protective gear option for troops. The hats, which appear slightly thicker than standard ball caps, were showcased this week at the SOF Week conference in Tampa, Florida, a major gathering of special operations personnel and defense industry representatives.
The potential for broader testing follows a fatal attack last year that spurred unit interest in the headgear, according to the contractor. Kevin Kelly, a Department of Defense contractor working with the Pentagon's Sustainable Technology Evaluation and Demonstration Program, said his group evaluates commercially available off-the-shelf equipment before the military or federal agencies commit to large-scale purchases.
The hats were developed by a trauma surgeon and could enhance protection for service members and law enforcement, the report notes. The evaluation group is looking at ballistic ball caps for testing by some Army and Marine Corps units, Kelly stated.
If testing proceeds, the caps could offer a less cumbersome alternative to traditional helmets while still providing ballistics protection. The outcome of any evaluations will determine whether the gear is adopted more broadly across the services.
The assessment remains in early stages, with no timeline or purchase commitments announced. The contractor emphasized the program's role is to assess performance, not to mandate adoption.