American M-1 "Grenada" Helmet with "ERDL" Cover

The American M1 helmet with an ERDL cover (also known as "RDF") was a common sight during Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada (1983). Although the modern PASGT "Kevlar" helmet had already been introduced by that time, many units—specifically the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC)—were still wearing the familiar steel helmet.

Key features from the Grenada period:

• ERDL Camouflage: The cover used the ERDL pattern (often the "Lowland" or green-dominant variant), which was the predecessor to the later M81 Woodland.
• Mixed Use: In addition to ERDL, old Vietnam-era Mitchell pattern (leaf/cloud) covers and the then-new M81 Woodland covers were also seen.
• Users:
  • Marines (22nd MAU): Extensively used the M1 helmet with ERDL covers.
  • U.S. Army Rangers: Often wore the M1C (paratrooper version) with similar camouflage in Grenada.
• Details: The cover was secured by tucking flaps between the steel shell and the liner and featured slits for inserting natural foliage.