IMHO, they were useful, mostly for shrapnel and dirty looks, but four-point straps were an improvement. Mine 'rang' when tapped, like striking an empty 55-gallon drum, so I put the camo cover on it and wet it, tying it tighter and flattening the net flat under it until it fit better It sits high on the head like the M1icon did (bobblehead effect). Turkeyicon, Egypt, Syria, and a couple others got the surplussed helmets if I remember correctly.