How to set up ACH to ROCK standard

Step by step demonstration on how to assemble the advanced combat helmet to 2-503 (the ROCK) standard commonly called "ROCK Hair" at Second Battalion.
• Intro to ACH with "ROCK Hair" (00:20)
• Position of Crown Pad (00:28)
• Helmet Cover (1:19)
• Headloc Chinstrap (1:45)
• Goggle Retainer Strap (2:37)
• Base Plate (5:12)
• Helmet Band (6:03)
• 550 Cord (7:07)
• Pads inside ACH (10:34)
• Goggles on ACH (12:38)
• Rock Hair (13:24)
#airborne #ACH #advancedcombathelmet #paratrooper #military #army

[@LukePRTR]

This should be the standard Army wide, the tie-downs for the cateyes and the camo netting, same reason vehicles get camo netting or weapons that are painted. In additon there are soldiers that only rock 1 or 2 pads and the nape of the chinstrap, super dangerous and risky. My understanding is that is a requirment for airborne soldiers to have all pads cover the hardware in the inside of the helmet.

[@pousinboots]

I do agree with you that the camo netting helps break the outline of the helmet and helps with field camouflage. Having the base of camo netting is a good start. Adding local brush such as tall grass/straw or foliage helps blend with the environment. Regarding the pads on the inside, it is an airborne standard. We are not allowed to jump without them. In any case, it is important to keep them because they act as “shock absorbers” when taking an impact. Regarding the tie-downs using 550 cord; this is a good standard to avoid losing your helmet band. Just have the “locking-bar” of the girth hitch on the outside per unit standard 😉.

[@Jewifer333x2]

How tf is that thing even wearable with 1 or 2 pads? It makes sense for a headset but by itself that shit would be unbearable.

[@Grotech.]

The whole point of the pads being removeable as well as there being velcro all over the inside of the ACH is to adjust/add/remove pads to fit around your head. Not every dome piece is the same and not everyone needs every single pad. Personally I only use the crown pad, the front+back, and 2 pads directly left and right of the crown pad with none on the sides to accommodate my headset

[@zjbx]

​@@pousinbootsjust wish CIF issued out worthwhile pads. Always tried to find my guess better alternatives.

[@Ciraaxx]

I am literally never going to use this information in my life but it's pretty interesting to see how much technical know-how and steps even just putting some foliage (mostly getting the helmet itself ready, actually) on a helmet takes. :')

[@pousinboots]

True! You can imagine how reluctant we are to have to remove the helmet cover, helmet band and camo netting to attend Jump Master School. I figured that since I had to put it all back together after graduating the course, why not show how everyone (particularly new paratroopers who come to our unit) how to do it.

[@PyrrhoX]

Youre the NCO I wish I had during my first contract man, love it

[@pousinboots]

I appreciate it man! I’m all about sharing knowledge. That’s what makes our force better 💪

[@Richard-lu8ck]

Dude... a ROTARY phone??? No way!

[@pousinboots]

Yup! 😂👍🏼 cool huh?

[@UsedToaster]

​@@pousinbootsis that phone in actual use or just decorative?

[@daconqueror101]

Yeah fr let's talk about that

[@0Logan05]

@@daconqueror101keep it simple.. Direct Comms. Are safe Comms. .wired coms are Fortified.

[@Airkoay]

I retired from the Army this year, watching this video makes me feel how much I missed prepping my gear for the field.

[@tugboatphil22]

I can't stop admiring that dial telephone.

[@Seongbin99]

Very detailed explanations of the ach helmet! Couldn't have made it better myself, this is going to help a lot of people, keep up the good work man!

[@pousinboots]

Thanks! I appreciate your feedback! 😃👍🏼

[@itsdoge4845]

173rd doing everything in its power to make simple tasks a pain in the ass

[@brinsonharris9816]

The 60s called. On that telephone.

[@lepiss9683]

Awesome. I’m very determined on joining the Army within the next year, I tore my ACL and MCL at the beginning of this one. And I’ve been pushing 20+ yards everyday since as a recovery. Just asking for advice, do you think it’s still possible and a good choice? The army has near been my dream my whole life but I was denied due to medication I can bounce that now easily but im asking on my leg. Is it achievable with my situation?

[@pousinboots]

Hey man, I highly encourage you to join once you’re fully recovered. Hands down the best choice I’ve made in my life! Total game changer. Injuries happen; it’s not the end of the world. Just do everything you can to recover well. Take recovery seriously, eat well (no soda, no alcohol, no fast food, no fries 🍟) do the physical therapy exercises and get the sleep you need. It’s all in your hands. You have the answers. Make it happen. Good luck! 👍🏼

[@manofaction1807]

Heal up first, or it will come back to bite you. When I was in The Herd back in 01-04, it was Big Boy Rules, and taking a beating was part of the job. If you join the army and you are not at 100%, you are going to end up short changing yourself, and possibly run the risk of extending your stay in basic OR AIT or even worse, are Medical Dropped.. By the time you get to The Rock, you're already going to get beat up for about 10 months, so you can't say from 1 day to the next where you go on sick call for, or try to overcompensate, and end up screwing yourself up before you even get to your duty station. Remember in the back of your mind, always- You are running with Wolves. If you end up at the back of the pack, your going to get eaten. 503d's no exception. I went to war with these guys. They were some of the toughest bastards I ever had the pleasure to meet. If you were weak, broke, or gimp- you didn't last long. Get that ACL and MCL taken care of right away. And DO the recovery. Don't half ass it, or you will pay the price. I know, because I did the same thing back at Bragg, when I went through that Combatives course. The old guys gave me this exact advice, because at the end of the day, The Big Green don't care. They'll whip you like a government mule, and there's no time for you being hurt. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.

[@punkavaug]

Dont join hiding an injury. Make sure you heal all the way, and then some. Also, give all branches your time and research. Depending on what youre wanting to do, a different branch might actually be the move for you. I was dead set on joining the army for the longest time. Did some research into different units, budgets and capabilities and ended up joining the navy.

[@c431inf]

Heal up, last thing you want is to get broken in basic , good luck 🤙🇺🇲

[@lepiss9683]

@@punkavaug I want to be a vehicle operator of some sort I like tanks and that kind of stuff I don’t think I could ever see myself joining the navy or CG, and I don’t feel smart enough for the air force, obviously already too broken for the marines. I don’t know just don’t really see any other paths in life

[@ryanjordan7268]

We didn't have any pads during the 80s. The older NCO's in my unit still wore the old steel pots. I would write all kinds of phrases on my helmet cover. Great video!

[@pousinboots]

Thanks!

[@VolkZ-wl4ci]

The funny part is those pads are heavily outdated now

[@punkavaug]

The padding is heavily outdated and even the helmet arguably is.

[@singingsatellite6845]

Regarding your rigging videos: How do you attach your nametape onto your assault pack and previous gen OCP Large Ruck when they have no velcro? Is there a trick or some way that you attach velcro?

[@pousinboots]

We sew them on 🪡 🧵

[@poolee77]

Seven points of retention on the helmet band? Jesus man lol

[@oni_goroshi]

Someone definitely lost their cat eyes, and someone definitely lost their shit. Lol

[@abn_guard_bum7439]

@pousinboots have you found a solution to Large/XLarge helmet cover fitting loosely and poorly on a large ACH?

[@pousinboots]

I have not run into that problem. I however would go to CIF and get it DX’ed for the right size.

[@abn_guard_bum7439]

​@pousinboots yeah I tried that. Army seems to only have two sizes. Small/medium and Large/X-Large. I have looked after market with no luck either. If you ever hear or find a solution, please share.

[@LarryGraham7]

Just subscribed to your channel. Camo for the helmet good, camo on the shoulders too, better. Try this out as a Valex:; Half an fire team with just helmet cam, the other with helmet and shoulder cam, report back to me what you think. Since your in Italy, I'll be cooking an authentic cheese and pepper pasta for dinner. Looking foreword to more interesting content, cheers.

[@terryeldridge4554]

Great video thanks for taking the time out of you're day to make this

[@pousinboots]

You’re welcome! Always a pleasure 😃👍🏼

[@uss_liberty_incident]

All of those pads make me happy that I can swap out the suspension system as a civilian lol. Outstanding video.

[@Jewifer333x2]

4D tactical makes some very comfortable and superior impact protective pads for this helmet. The design of their pads even helps with stability. Recommend giving them a look.

[@gabeburch8234]

1SG says better helmet pads erode the discipline of the unit and create lazy soldiers, hooah?

[@Jewifer333x2]

@@gabeburch8234 that definitely sounds like some dumb army shit

[@HartmannM75]

Nice video, but to complete the full helmet, you have skipped the inside pads in this video. Btw. is that a 2 Euro coin 😮😂

[@gregorysorce1898]

I was an infantryman in the 90s. All we had was the shitty chinstrap. The helmet would always fall forward and was uncomfortable as hell. Glad to see the army improved it.

[@bd3199]

What is the Rock standard for? Wy isn't the OCP cover enough? Thanks for the assault pack video. I use a DCU one almost everyday as my college backpack.

[@pousinboots]

Our unit is the 2-503D Parachute Infantry Regiment. It earned its name “The Rock” after jumping onto the island of Corregidor in The Philippines. The island was mostly void of vegetation making it look like a rock. Hence the nickname “The Rock”. The “Rock Hair” (as we call it) is to break out the silhouette of the helmet to better blend with nature. Without it, the helmet is perfectly round and unnatural making easier for the enemy to decipher.

[@bd3199]

Thanks for explaining the helmet scrim if that's the propper name. I have heard of 1945 airborne operations in the Philippines. Thank you for the unit history.

[@Brian-zl6ib]

Gravy seals will be squealing with excitement over this.

[@guyweisbeck3258]

Is Joe's trattoria still around?....Steel pot and black jump boots.4/325

[@Austin.Kilgore]

Lol I have absolutely no clue why I’m watching this… I’m not in nor affiliated with the military at all whatsoever.

[@pousinboots]

🤷‍♂️ I hope you enjoyed it! 😂

[@steveconnolly2693]

didn't hear a thing, too busy wondering what my parents 1974 telephone was doing there!!!!!!!!

[@HawkDriverJD]

This is what happens when the BDE CSM has far too much time on his hands and says “I have an idea!” 🤦‍♂️

[@cornchips2201]

Hey that's cool, wish the entire military wasn't on a foundation of a social experiment these days though! NEVER STAYING IN HAHAHAHAHAHAA

[@bIuebuIIet]

Im still wearing a UCP cover on my helmet because supply never got me a new OCP one 😂

[@TheCarDemotic]

I wish my NCOs were as caring and educated as you!

[@pousinboots]

I Appreciate the feedback! I’m all about sharing knowledge!

[@alanmeijer2821]

I dont have a ACH but im still watching this video bcs i find it interesting ;)

[@aaronvillarreal2812]

Let’s not drive past the fact that there is a rotary phone in the background.

[@pousinboots]

Love that phone! 👌🏼😄

[@crackerbarrel6965]

It’s just amazing the videos you find on the internet. Why just the other day while paying for my Slurpee this came up in conversation.

[@dragoon1027]

How old are you? You are an example to everyone who is 30+ that enlisted that they can be high energy and do a BETTER job than the normal recruitment age.

[@RenMagnum4057]

I'm not even in the Military yet I'm scared to skip around the video in case I miss a part

[@bookuk6148]

Thanks for your video! Anyway, Do you really wear issued goggles in the field? or just some kind of eyes pro instead

[@pousinboots]

I only wear goggles when I have to ride in the GMV because you’re exposed to the elements. Or when I have to work in a sandy environment with wind (like in San Gregorio training area in Spain 🇪🇸 near Zaragoza. NON STOP WIND!) Otherwise I just use regular eye pro.

[@pauledwards9493]

The netting looks really good and effective.

[@Streyzz]

Thanks for clarifying coin size for the privates out there

[@HeronMarkedBlade-ef7zz]

Way superior to the old leather headband system we had in 04. Those pads look like they would make this vastly less uncomfortable to wear.

[@charlesgregorio9890]

hashtag Hip Pocket Class

[@stephenhurst6583]

Good thing I was a regular guy from 10th MTN supporting 173rd in Kirkuk with a PASGT.

[@MollyTheLag]

I've never seen such a secure helmet. I love it

[@pousinboots]

It’s my favorite. We got issued a new one but I prefer this one. Less bulky.

[@m2sa-u4n]

@pousinboots IHPS helmet？

[@pousinboots]

@@m2sa-u4n YES. Correct. Also the base plate is not jumpable so jumpers have to tape it w 100mph tape for a jump.

[@Dero561]

hey why not put the camo down before the mount and cat eyes? could make it easier to access the mount

[@pousinboots]

Good question! Because you want to be able to cover the base plate in daylight (not a necessity but it is preferred). Also, the camouflage can be turned upside down which has a different color on the other side. Pinning it under the base plate would lock it in place and not allow a quick change of the camouflage.

[@Acute.]

thanks amazing vid

[@rennygadewarrior]

GOD I LOVE THE 173RD

[@pousinboots]

Me too! 😃👍🏼

[@clayhughes3263]

I’m retired Army. Adding camo net to a helmet as a matter of SOP is nothing more than an OER bullet for somebody. Yeah, I said it. And it’s true.

[@soothingmeow22]

Where do you get the scrim, and is it IR treated 🤔

[@pousinboots]

I salvaged it from an old camo netting thrown away from being torn up. It used to cover a generator. It is not IR treated.

[@skipbayless5316]

You can easily find aftermarket scrim specifically designed for helmets online.

[@poolee77]

@@WildnUnruly non NIR treated will glow under night vision goggles. Kinda pointless unless you get NIR compliant camo net.

[@oni_goroshi]

​​@@WildnUnrulyit just means that its been infrared treated to keep its "camouflage ability" under night vision devices. For example, some night vision devices make black clothes look baby blue, so when you think you're being sneaky sneaky, you're actually glowing like a beacon.

[@emanuelagostonieves3660]

Where I can get that base plate?

[@preacher1776]

Had to play this twice. Was distracted by the rotary dial phone. Waxed nostalgic!

[@BobDenard05]

What’s the story about the french telephone ?

[@pousinboots]

I just thought it would be a cool piece of decoration on my desk 😄

[@bobbaksteen8516]

Nice 2 euro coin

[@pousinboots]

Thought it was worth mentioning. Now we know.

[@loganholder7349]

Using small zips ties for holding down the helmet band also works

[@pousinboots]

Never seen it that way. Smart thinking but not sure SGM would approve 😄

[@omarrp14]

To avoid using 550 cord to hold the cat eyes in place I use the google strap retainers in the rear, and place the front of the cat eyes under the mounting screw on the rhino mount base plate. So essentially I put the front of the cat eyes in place, put the nvg mounting plate on the front, ensuring the cat eye band is under the plates screw hole. It’s not straight all the way around I use the same method to hold a reflective band (helmet PT belt) in place too. And I also use this method, plus the Velcro from the IR reflective square to hold a piece of camo net (acquired from the camo net repair kit, there’s like 3 in there)

[@pousinboots]

That works! As long as the helmet band doesn’t slide upwards. I honestly think that’s enough to hold it down the way you described but hey, I don’t make the rules. They want 4 tie-downs with 550, then that’s what I’ll do.

[@nothsim]

A dial phone! Wow

[@mingus445_gaming]

Promote above peers

[@erwinjohannesvoncombine5284]

What model of multitool are you using in this video ?

[@pousinboots]

Leatherman Wave +

[@0Logan05]

Oh, That’s All..😂🤙🏻… I miss that phone… (Remember trying to speed it up. With your finger.? 😂).. And that Ring!.. (And lack of warm ear)

[@forestshark59]

Nice🔥👍🏼

[@pousinboots]

Thanks! 😃

[@johnsarangel]

i wonder if you are now using the new issue helmet (Integrated Head Protection System). i believe the new issue helmet was issued to the 82nd Airborne …

[@cjheumiller6311]

I love these videos

[@pousinboots]

Thanks! I appreciate your feedback! 😃👍🏼

[@PapaPerk360]

Wish I had this as a Joe, I figured it out as a Buck sergeant

[@aleiathomas2736]

Do you know how to move the old chin straps that someone come installed in the ACH?

[@ProApto]

just buy our helmet covers...

[@alexanderVideos117]

thank you for showing me how to set up my ACH

[@Jacob-oq3uv]

I just got issued a high cut helmet. Right now I’m with a traditional reserve unit. They are deploying however…

[@35thkilo]

I’m in the guard and still haven’t been issued an ach it’s been 8 months

[@Jacob-oq3uv]

@@35thkilo I never got any helmet for over a year. I had to turn on my ACH to get my high cut.

[@Annoyingdog37]

high cuts are overrated@@Jacob-oq3uv

[@PapaPerk360]

The head band is called cat eyes

[@timk6054]

I only know about the RAK standard

[@a45456565]

Thank you😺

[@pousinboots]

You’re welcome! 😉

[@TheATSGamers]

Greetings from Spain, loved the video. Just one question if you don’t mind answering. How’s the camouflage net shape cut, is it like an “arrow” shape or is it just a square shape, thanks!!!

[@Ja2808R]

Sir, I must say, you are a great instructor and your commitment to accuracy and fundamentals has gained much respect from me, as I am sure your peers. Such achievement should be acknowledged.

[@SuperBuildsInMC]

Between 6:54 and 6:58, the dude must've drank some high caffeine shit holy cow!

[@bernardmcmonagle5885]

Who still uses an analog phone

[@Tatiana7.62]

Nice lettuce on your head

[@willholly1844]

What's the object with the numbers written in a circular fashion at the top right corner of the screen? Strange looking device.

[@zanderalberto3576]

I can't tell if this is a joke or if you genuinely don't know what a dial up phone is...

[@aryiascolbert8487]

What ear pro do you use?

[@RoroBar-k8e]

old french phone ! :)

[@xusmico187]

a simple 2 minute camo job streached out 15 minutes.

[@pousinboots]

It’s a full assembly of the ACH though. Not just throwing camo on a helmet band 🤌🏼

[@bricegately]

ill stick with rak standard

[@KDillon-gj2uf]

Oh man, lock bar out… you can tell we are not a nation at war when that sort of detail is getting the attention. Discipline and uniformity are important but should not be the mission itself.

[@sancfireactual307]

Carabello hair did it first 😂

[@skipbayless5316]

Cut that in half. Buy an ops core. Don’t look back.