The Army of the United States of America is known for its monumental participation in the development of modern ballistic helmets. Over the last couple of decades, it has played a significant role in the development of new technologies in the areas of ballistic-rated protective gears as well as high-performing head protection gears. The M1 Helmet is one of its many breakthroughs in the development of ballistic helmets.

Used by the U.S. military from World War II until 1985, the M1 Helmet played a major role in the protection of soldiers on the field of combat. Although it was succeeded by the PASGT helmet, the M1 helmet is considered as an iconic symbol of the US military. Its design prompted the development of helmets from other militaries around the world.

The M1 is a combination of two “one-size-fits-all” helmets. The helmet was made up of an outer metal shell and a hard hat–type liner nestled inside. The outer metal shell was often referred to as the “steel pot” while the hard liner featured an adjustable suspension system. This ballistic helmet was often used with helmet covers as well as nettings in other to cover the steel shell with the extra material.

Through September, 1945, well over 22 million U.S. M1 steel helmets were manufactured by McCord Radiator and Manufacturing Company alongside the Schlueter Manufacturing Company. The former was responsible for the development of the process used in the creation of the eighteen-centimeter deep bowl in a single pressing.

At this time, this method was considered to be an engineering milestone at the time. However, there were certain changes made to the design of the M1 ballistic helmet in 1944. Notably, the stainless steel helmet rim with a seam at the front was replaced by a manganese steel rim with a rear seam. The M1 helmet remains a launching pad for the creation of much more advanced ballistic helmets for the US Army.

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