Mitznefet (Israeli military)

The Mitznefet (Hebrew: מִצְנֶפֶת) is a helmet covering used by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on combat helmets for infantry soldiers since 1994. It is considerably larger than the helmet, with a similar appearance to a chef's hat.[1] The main purpose of the Mitznefet is to break up the distinctive outline of a helmeted human head via its floppiness and also prevent light from reflecting off of the wearer's helmet, providing a tactical advantage and making it easier to camouflage when necessary.

For the religious headcover, see Mitznefet.

Mitznefet
Closeup of the Mitznefet worn by a Caracal Battalion soldier.
TypeHelmet cover
Place of originIsrael
Service history
In service1994
Used byIsrael
WarsIsraeli occupation of Southern Lebanon
Production history
ManufacturerAgilite (Modern Version)

The name for the covering was directly adopted from the Hebrew-language term for the priestly turban that was worn by the High Priest of Israel in the Temple of Jerusalem[1] during the Second Temple period, and originates in a Semitic root that means "to wrap".

History

It was originally adopted by the IDF in the 1990s to provide tactical advantages to Israeli troops due to the prevalence of guerrilla warfare in the bush and woodlands of southern Lebanon during the Israeli occupation of that country.

The Mitznefet was later configured to have a two-sided camouflage material, with one side adopted for desert environments and the other for woodland terrain.

In 2015, it was reported that the Mitznefets are supposed to be supplied to the Ukrainian military.[2]

Modern Mitznefets are made by Agilite.[1]

Design

The Mitznefet 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's 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, Agilite announced a Multicam version.[6]

References
  1. "Why do Israeli Soldiers Wear "Chef Hats"?".
  2. "Ukraine to get Israeli 'clown hat' helmet covers — report". The Times of Israel.
  3. Daniel Engber (11 August 2006). "Israeli Soldiers, Fashion Victims: Why are they wearing chef's hats?". Slate.com.
  4. "Ukraine to get Israeli 'clown hat' helmet covers — report". Times of Israel. 1 September 2015. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  5. Shachtman, Noah. "Why Are Israeli Soldiers Wearing Chef Hats?!?!". Wired.
  6. "Mitznefet Helmet Shape Breaker in Multicam | Popular Airsoft: Welcome To The Airsoft World". Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  • Media related to Mitznefet at Wikimedia Commons
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.