[Colorado Doug]

How is it that balaclava’s became tacticool fashion? Anybody know? It would seem to be More of a hindrance than protective or helpful in anyway. Was it Hollywood that brought this fad about?

This is a serious question, I don't get it. While I'm at it, the flashlights on the rifle mounting rails doesn't seem like such a good idea either.

[cdga5for4]

Denzel Washington on the left and a young Al Michaels on the right.

[Valpal1]

Balaclavas hide your face from cameras. Many cops do not want their faces on the internet. Also, they may be made of nomex, which is flame resistent.

Flashlights on rifles is so they can shine light into dark spaces with rifle in position. Also cheap targeting device.

[Repeat Offender]

My two sense. The balaclava is borrowed from the military. The balaclava is good for keeping sand, snow, etc from being in your face. Me personally, didn't like it; didn't wear it.

So far as the flashlight....that actually is a good idea if used correctly. In low/no light situations a high powered flashlight can quickly illuminate a dark room/hallway/alley etc while also blinding your opponent (the more illumines the better).

You don't want to be walking down the street or hallway with it illuminated, but it's good for dynamic entry, or situations where you want to dazzle/blind your opponent; Close Quarters Battle (illuminating as you enter) or when your team is moving into search a guy.....keeping him blinded makes it harder for him to react to your team.

However, they generally have a pressure switch on the forward hand grip (aka broomstick, or broom handle) that turn on the light when you squeeze it.

[PastorBooks]

Let me add my question to yours: Why do all these police types all group closely together? Seems that would make them easy to hit. Aren’t soldiers taught to spread themselves out?