TC 2000 / ACH Helmet Introduction Question

[tk1976]

Hello everyone! I’m just starting to get into collecting US Army items from the 2000s and had questions regarding the TC 2000 & ACH.

Now I’ve been tryin to find information regarding the transition between the PASGT & ACH but have found conflicting information in the process. From what I’ve found here, the ACH helmet began production somewhere around late 2004 to 2005 as it seems any early ACH helmets out there are contracted to 05.
 

The conflicting information is that an official article from 2018 by the DOD states the ACH had been first fielded in early 2003. Now I’m aware they most likely just have incorrect information. Except I’ve also found NSN numbers for a Helmet, Advanced Combat dating from as early as 2000. Plus I found pictures of soldiers of the 82nd AB in Iraq that can be seen wearing what I presume is supposed to be the ACH in June 2003.
 

Are they actually wearing the TC 2000 instead? And are they presumably the “ACH” fielded in 2003 as a stop gap before official production of the ACH began? Or were any ACH helmets actually made pre 2005 contract?

“This picture taken 02 June 2003 shows an US soldier keeping vigil as US military officers escort Afghan prisoners (up L) suspected of being Talibans part of the Al Qaeda forces during Operation Dragon Fury in eastern Afghanistan.”

 

[saxecoburg]

ACH rolled out in 2005, but they had been issuing the MICH in limited numbers since 2001 +/- and they had some experimental versions floating around since 97-98. It sounds like you need to be searching for a MICH, which were mostly made by MSA, some were CGF, Gallet, etc. MICH and ACH for the most part are the same helmet, but completely different contract. 

[blurryface07]

Started collecting US PASGT, MICH, and ACH helmets a few months ago. Iraq Militaria has a very helpful site. On the bottom of the website home page, you can find a helmet guide section.