RampItUp46 Posted March 7, 2004 Share Posted March 7, 2004 I just had to ask this. It seems whenever I watch TV of war-torn countries, it seems common to see soldiers (both regular and irregular) wearing ski masks, balaclavas and other kinds of face masks. I was just wondering... Why? I guess at night they could serve as camo at night, to obscure your face... But I've seen soldiers wearing them during the day when facepaint or something would be a lot more practical. I suppose there's also a mental factor involved, as a person wearing a mask can be more intimidating. Of course, I mostly see such masks in movies and video games (Behind Enemy Lines and Ghost Recon, to name a pair). Maybe it's not realistic that people actually wear these things... Anyway, if anyone happens to know, please tell me. A stupid question, I know, but I'm just curious! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordo_Viper Posted March 7, 2004 Share Posted March 7, 2004 Harder to ID a Face if there's mask covering it.... think Bank Robbers, a lot of irregulars use them esp fighting Guerilla wars. i.e IRA, Indon militia, ETA take your pick really. As to SF using them- same principle, also keeps head warm in colder climates, does restrict peripheral vision a bit though. And the psycholgical factors can't be discounted. Cheers Gordo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted March 7, 2004 Share Posted March 7, 2004 Also in some of the war torn scenarios, there is ethnic clencsing and other nasties going on. some dont want to be recognized for war crimes, others dont want there fmilies or friends to see them doing horrible things Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F'n New Guy Posted March 7, 2004 Share Posted March 7, 2004 for anyone who hasnt worn a baclava its not worn to cover your face from being recognized, its to keep your face from falling off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zebb Posted March 8, 2004 Share Posted March 8, 2004 for anyone who hasnt worn a baclava its not worn to cover your face from being recognized, its to keep your face from falling off. I also believe that "Baclava" is very tasty, although i havent tried it myself..... We used to wear them rolled up during the day worn as a type of cap, and then if we needed to cam up quick, or during the night, just pulled them back down, i can't say that my peripheral vision was ever impaired too much, although it can affect your hearing a little if your moving around in them, not to mention the condensation over the mouthpiece which wasnt particularly attractive.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobaka Posted March 8, 2004 Share Posted March 8, 2004 not to mention the condensation over the mouthpiece which wasnt particularly attractive.... I thought that was the honey in the baklava. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F'n New Guy Posted March 8, 2004 Share Posted March 8, 2004 well it did get kinda cold around the mouth area while wearing it. i wish i could of worn it like a hat guess some units are different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zantar45 Posted March 8, 2004 Share Posted March 8, 2004 I thought only terrorists and bad guys only wear wear balaclavas.......wait a minute....the enemy within! <---watchin too many action movies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zebb Posted March 8, 2004 Share Posted March 8, 2004 not to mention the condensation over the mouthpiece which wasnt particularly attractive.... I thought that was the honey in the baklava. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted March 8, 2004 Share Posted March 8, 2004 mmmm baklava When i was in cadets i got the only balaclava we had (i was in the Q Store) it was simple, mouth hole and 2 eye holes, plain Khaki. They are handy to roll up as a beanie, and when it gets cold in and your sleeping in a hutchie, they do keep the ole' dial warm. (they were also handy for raiding other hutchies without being recognized ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damage Inc. Posted March 8, 2004 Share Posted March 8, 2004 True SF used balaclavas aren't a ski-mask, they're fire resistant, and that is major offical reason as to why they wear them, wouldn't like to look like an earless freak if something blows up in your face. Also around 70% of your body heat while wearing BDU leaves through your head, so if you wish to avoid hypothermia, better wear something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F'n New Guy Posted March 8, 2004 Share Posted March 8, 2004 if you starch your bdus then yes it will keep the heat in. but thats why they make 2 kinds of bdus summers and winters Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zebb Posted March 8, 2004 Share Posted March 8, 2004 but thats why they make 2 kinds of bdus summers and winters Yeah, we had a choice of seasonal uniform as well, wear what your given, or go on a charge........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F'n New Guy Posted March 8, 2004 Share Posted March 8, 2004 up here in new hampshire (usa) the weather changes so fast yesterday i could of worn my summers it was in the high 40's today (if i was on duty) i'd wear my winters and a wool sweater its snowing now new england weather sux at times Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damage Inc. Posted March 9, 2004 Share Posted March 9, 2004 I ain't got nothing for the winter but a coat, and my long underwear... It ain't this cold around here anyway, but I like to complain of having the same uniform all year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted March 9, 2004 Share Posted March 9, 2004 Damage Inc, where/what do you serve in, ill put money your a medic of some sort? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gen.Montgomery Posted March 9, 2004 Share Posted March 9, 2004 (edited) Balaclava's are for protection. They protect also your identity. Some are flame resistant (Nomex), water repellant and protects a person from scratches. Edited March 9, 2004 by Gen.Montgomery Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RampItUp46 Posted March 9, 2004 Author Share Posted March 9, 2004 Wow, guys, thanks for the replies. You answered my question and then some. So, basically, if you're in the SF, you don't want the bad guys to identify you, and if you're in a cold climate, it's handy for keeping you warm. And if you're an irregular serving in the militia, it helps if you're ordered to do some "ethnic cleansing" and don't want the local populace to pick you out and go after you... or the UN to arrest you for war crimes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueRose_76 Posted March 9, 2004 Share Posted March 9, 2004 Err, .. isnt it just for protection against dust or so? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt.Crocodile Posted March 9, 2004 Share Posted March 9, 2004 Most people who wear balaclavas do it for keep their ID hidden. If you go on a missions like commandos (elimination, massacre ect.), hunting terrorists, Organized crime/drug dealers (Brazil's case), you sure dont want to be identified, because they can retaliate on you and your wife and kids. Thats very important if there reporters and media peoplo on the area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snared_gambit Posted March 9, 2004 Share Posted March 9, 2004 IIRC, there's also an intimidation factor with balaclavas. When you really can't see too much of someone's face, they kind of become inhuman, to a certain extent. Prob not its main purpose, but I guess it works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zantar45 Posted March 9, 2004 Share Posted March 9, 2004 (edited) Psychological intimidation? Wearing a wrestling mask would have a greater affect then. BOOM ''GET DOWN GET DOWN!'' ''OMG! MIL MASCARAS KICKED DOWN MY DOOR!'' ''WICKED!'' ''GET DOWN ON THE FLOOR!'' ''Dude,Mil Mascaras told us to get down!'' ''GET DOWN NOW!'' POW ''Dude,Mil Mascaras just pistol whipped me!'' ''Righ on man'' POW ''Me too man'' ''Dude, La Parka's dancing with your girlfriend'' ''Ahh man'' Edited March 9, 2004 by Zantar45 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.