DA Form 2408-22: Helmet Inspection & Maintenance Record – This form is a critical document in U.S. Army aviation maintenance, ensuring the safety and readiness of flight helmets and associated equipment like night vision goggle (NVG) mounts, visors, oxygen masks, and other attached items.
What Is DA Form 2408-22?
DA Form 2408-22, titled Helmet and Attached Equipment Inspection/Maintenance Record, is the official U.S. Army form used to document inspections, maintenance, fittings, and service performed on aviation helmets and mounted/attached equipment.
The current version is dated MAR 2014 (Edition of DEC 99 is obsolete). It is governed by DA PAM 738-751 (Functional Users Manual for the Army Maintenance Management System—Aviation, or TAMMS-A). The proponent agency is DCS G-4.
This two-page form provides a permanent historical record to track:
- Helmet identification and annual fitting data.
- Attached equipment details.
- Scheduled and unscheduled inspections.
- Maintenance actions and remarks.
Download the official DA Form 2408-22 here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A2408_22.pdf
Purpose of the DA Form 2408-22
The primary purpose is to maintain a detailed, auditable record that supports aviation safety and regulatory compliance. It ensures helmets and critical attached components (such as visors or mounts) are inspected at required intervals, defects are documented and corrected, and equipment remains mission-ready.
Key uses include:
- Recording annual helmet fittings.
- Tracking inspection due dates and completion.
- Documenting maintenance on attached equipment (e.g., NVG-related items).
- Supporting quality control (QC) and technical inspections (TI).
- Providing historical data for aircraft transfers, audits, or investigations.
Proper use of this form helps prevent equipment failure during flight operations and ensures compliance with Army aviation maintenance standards.
Who Uses DA Form 2408-22?
- Aviation units and aircrews (pilots, crew chiefs, etc.).
- Maintenance personnel and technical inspectors (TIs).
- Aviation Life Support Equipment (ALSE) technicians.
- Units maintaining flight helmets for rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft.
It is typically maintained with the aircraft’s logbook or ALSE records and must accompany the equipment during transfers.
Key Sections of the DA Form 2408-22 (MAR 2014)
Header and Identification Blocks (Front)
- Block 1: Name – Individual assigned to the helmet.
- Block 2: Rank.
- Block 3: Organization.
- Block 4: Annual Fitting – Date of last/annual fit.
- Block 5: Helmet Type.
- Block 6: Size.
- Blocks 7–8a: Details for Attached/Mounted Equipment #1 and #2 (nomenclature, type).
Helmet Inspection Record (Block 9)
- Columns for Date Due, Inspection Date, Remarks, PID (Personnel Identifier), and TI PID.
Reverse Side – Attached Equipment Inspection Records
- Block 10: Attached Equipment #1 (Nomenclature, Serial #, inspection entries).
- Block 11: Attached Equipment #2 (similar fields).
Entries use black or blue ballpoint pen. PIDs (first/last initials + last four of SSN) or signatures are required for certification. Status symbols and codes follow DA PAM 738-751 guidelines.
How to Fill Out DA Form 2408-22 Step-by-Step?
- Complete identification data (Name, Rank, Organization, Helmet details).
- Record annual fitting and helmet specs.
- List attached equipment with nomenclature, type, and serial numbers.
- Perform and document inspections — Enter due/actual dates, remarks (e.g., “Visor continuity check passed”), and PIDs.
- Technical Inspector verifies and signs where required.
- File the form with the aircraft/ALSE records per unit SOP and DA PAM 738-751.
Always refer to the specific Technical Manual (TM) for the helmet model and DA PAM 738-751 for detailed entry rules. Faults are documented on other forms (e.g., DA Form 2408-13-1) as needed.
Importance of Proper Helmet and Equipment Maintenance
Helmets protect against impact, noise, and environmental hazards while integrating critical systems like communications, oxygen, and NVGs. Regular inspections catch issues such as cracks, loose mounts, expired components, or poor fit that could compromise safety.
Failing to maintain accurate records on DA Form 2408-22 can lead to:
- Grounded aircraft.
- Failed inspections or audits.
- Increased risk during operations.
Units should integrate this form into their ALSE program and conduct inspections at intervals specified in applicable TMs (e.g., 120-day visor checks in older guidance).
Where to Get the Form and Additional Resources?
- Official Download: Army Publishing Directorate.
- Guidance: DA PAM 738-751 (latest version via Army Publishing Directorate).
- Related Forms: DA Form 2408-13 series (inspection records), DA Form 2408-30 (NVG records), etc.
- Training: ALSE courses and unit maintenance programs.
For the most current policies, check armypubs.army.mil or consult your unit’s aviation safety officer or QC section. Regulations can be updated, so always verify with official sources.
Stay mission-ready — accurate records save lives. Proper use of DA Form 2408-22 is a fundamental part of Army aviation maintenance discipline for U.S. soldiers.