Iraqi helmet nets: A guide
The Iraqi Army utilized a number of nets as camouflage for their helmets. They are unique only to Iraqi Forces and are not seen elsewhere. This section will give examples of these helmet nets and explain their use.
Small square tan net
Time period
IRAN IRAQ WAR - yes
DESERT STORM - YES
OIF - no
specific use: Iraqi officers
This small tan net is one of the more scarce nets to find on helmets. From looking through many period photos, this net was almost exclusively worn by Iraqi officers in the Iran-Iraq War and in Desert Storm, usually being present on an unpainted M80, like the example above. Since these nets come with a matching drawstring of the same material, it shows they were an issued piece which sets them apart from most iraqi nets. It also substantiates the claim that they were primarily issued to officers.
Photos used with permission from Army of Iraq Facebook page
The first photo shows 2 Iraqi officers on the right, a Brigadier General and a Lieutenant, wearing this net.
The 2nd photo shows an Iraqi Brigadier General wearing a green M80 with this net.
The 3rd photo shows another Iraqi General wearing the net.
Photos used with permission from Army of Iraq Facebook page
The first photo shows 2 Iraqi officers on the right, a Brigadier General and a Lieutenant, wearing this net.
The 2nd photo shows an Iraqi Brigadier General wearing a green M80 with this net.
The 3rd photo shows another Iraqi General wearing the net.
Polish small square Green nylon net
Time period:
Iran iraq war - yes
Desert Storm - Yes
OIF - Unknown
SPECIFIC USE:
This net is a Polish exported nylon helmet net which appears to be the detachable snipers veil section that was meant to be attached to the regular Polish wide square helmet net discussed next. They are very difficult to spot in photos, but it is a fact that they were used in Desert Storm and earlier than that.
Photos used with permission from Army of Iraq Facebook page
The photo shows Iraqi Military Academy students wearing this net. Interestingly, they are wearing either the M80-R helmet which is a refurbished M80 that used WZ50 helmet parts, or M80s with field repaired chinstraps.
Photos used with permission from Army of Iraq Facebook page
The photo shows Iraqi Military Academy students wearing this net. Interestingly, they are wearing either the M80-R helmet which is a refurbished M80 that used WZ50 helmet parts, or M80s with field repaired chinstraps.
Polish Wide square green nylon net
TIME PERIOD:
IRAN IRAQ WAR - yes
DESERT STORM - YES
OIF - yes
Specific use:
The example above, present on this Iraqi used WZ50, is the other variant of the Polish exported green nylon helmet net, this one having wider squares and a thicker construction. This net has been in use from the early Iran-Iraq War all the way through OIF. A big thanks to Mac Osborn for pointing out the origin of this net.
Photos used with permission from Army of Iraq Facebook page
The last photo shows Iraqi artillerymen wearing this net during the Iran Iraq War. Their helmets are in a configuration that matches the helmet above perfectly.
Photos used with permission from Army of Iraq Facebook page
The last photo shows Iraqi artillerymen wearing this net during the Iran Iraq War. Their helmets are in a configuration that matches the helmet above perfectly.
Iraqi used west german net
TIME PERIOD:
IRAN IRAQ WAR - YES
DESERT STORM - YES
OIF - limited use
SPECIFIC USE:
The Iraqi Army utilized surplus West German nets for their helmets. They have metal clips to attach the net to the helmet and have a unique look that can't be missed. West German nets were used by the Iraqis during the Iran-Iraq War to Desert Storm and are commonly seen in photographs. They weren't used to the same extent after 1991.
Large cloth net
TIME PERIOD:
IRAN IRAQ WAR - Yes
DESERT STORM - YES
OIF - yes
SPECIFIC USE:
This variant of an Iraqi net has larger squares and is made of a cotton material. It has a drawstring of the same material, so it was likely an issued piece. It is of note that the net is very similar, if not the same as an Iranian net seen in many period photos. Either way, it is an elusive piece not seen often in photos, but examples have been found. There is also evidence of a green version of this net.
Photos used with permission from Army of Iraq Facebook page
This first photo shows 2 Iraqi officers wearing this net in the year 2000.
The second photo shows an Iraqi officer wearing this net in 1988.
The third photo shows 2 more Iraqi officers wearing this net on an M90. This would have been taken around the time of Desert Storm.
Photos used with permission from Army of Iraq Facebook page
This first photo shows 2 Iraqi officers wearing this net in the year 2000.
The second photo shows an Iraqi officer wearing this net in 1988.
The third photo shows 2 more Iraqi officers wearing this net on an M90. This would have been taken around the time of Desert Storm.