The Atomic Defense CQCM™ (Close Quarter Combat Mask) is a full-face ballistic mask rated to NIJ Level IIIA+ under both NIJ Standard 0101.06 and NIJ Standard 0106.01. Constructed from high-density polyethylene (PEAD) fabric, the mask weighs 2 lbs (0.9 kg) and covers the face from below the chin to the top of the forehead. It comes in a single one-size-fits-all configuration with six-point adjustable elastic straps and interior foam padding across the forehead, temples, cheekbones, and cheeks.

Who this is for

• Close-quarters operators and security professionals who need ballistic face protection when wearing a helmet is not practical or possible.
• Individuals in high-risk environments requiring handgun and shotgun-rated coverage across the entire face, including chin-to-forehead protection.
• Eyeglass wearers who need a full-face ballistic solution — thin-framed or frameless glasses fit under the mask.

Threat rating and standard

The CQCM™ meets and surpasses NIJ IIIA requirements under NIJ Standard 0106.01 and also complies with NIJ Level IIIA under Standard 0101.06. The IIIA+ designation reflects performance exceeding the baseline IIIA threshold. Defeated threats include 9mm FMJ, .45 ACP, .44 Magnum, .22LR, .380, 10mm, 12-gauge shot, and 12-gauge buckshot. Each unit is tested against multiple firearm rounds from various firearms to confirm multi-hit resistance without perforation.

This mask is rated for handgun and shotgun threats. It does not provide protection against rifle-caliber ammunition. For rifle-threat coverage, a hard armor plate or rifle-rated helmet is required.

The IIIA+ rating also provides stab resistance at certain levels, relevant in close-quarters situations where edged weapons are a threat.

Shell material and construction

The mask shell is formed from high-density polyethylene (PEAD) fabric, selected for its ability to shape comfortably to the face while maintaining ballistic integrity. Interior foam padding covers the forehead, temples, cheekbones, and cheeks, keeping the wearer's face away from the mask surface during bullet impacts and absorbing trauma energy to reduce blunt-force injury. The paint and outer fabric resist water, fire, and dust. Anti-reflective construction prevents light glare from reflecting off the mask surface.

Suspension and retention

Six-point adjustable elastic straps secure the mask to the head. The elastic material is an upgraded Everlasting-Elastic formulation designed to maintain tension after thousands of uses without losing the secure fit. Adjustment at six anchor points allows the mask to conform to a wide range of head sizes and shapes without separate sizing variants.

Sizing

The CQCM™ ships in one size. The padding placement and spacing from the face create a fit that accommodates the full range of adult face sizes and shapes. Thin-framed or frameless eyeglasses fit under the mask. The mask extends above the forehead and is designed to be worn without a combat helmet — the forehead extension makes it incompatible with most helmet configurations, so choose the half-face variant if you plan to pair this with a ballistic helmet.

Field of view and breathability

Horizontal field of view through the mask is 100–110 degrees, above the industry standard of 90 degrees. Easy Breathe Technology creates an airflow gap between the padding and the mask shell, reducing heat build-up and preventing fogging. The spacing also contributes to blunt-force injury reduction by ensuring the mask surface does not rest directly on the face.

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

What NIJ standard does this mask meet?

The CQCM™ meets and surpasses NIJ Level IIIA requirements under NIJ Standard 0106.01 and also complies with NIJ Level IIIA under Standard 0101.06. The IIIA+ designation reflects performance exceeding the baseline threshold. Test documentation and video are available — contact us for details.

Will this mask stop rifle rounds?

No. The CQCM™ is rated for handgun and shotgun threats only — 9mm, .45 ACP, .44 Magnum, .22LR, .380, 10mm, 12-gauge, and 12-gauge buckshot. Rifle-caliber ammunition exceeds the IIIA rating. For rifle-threat protection, a Level III or Level IV hard armor plate is required for the torso, and no wearable face mask currently achieves rifle-level ballistic protection.

Does this mask work with a ballistic helmet?

This full-face mask extends above the forehead and is designed to be worn without a combat helmet. The forehead extension creates a fitment conflict with most helmet shells. If you need ballistic face coverage alongside a helmet, the half-face PEAD™ mask from Atomic Defense is the compatible option.

Can glasses be worn under this mask?

Yes. Thin-framed or frameless glasses fit under the mask. The interior padding spacing keeps the mask shell away from the face, creating room for slim eyewear frames. Bulky or wide frames may not fit — contact us before ordering if your frames are oversized.

Do bulletproof masks fully protect against blunt-force injury?

The mask stops bullet penetration, but higher-caliber impacts still transfer blunt force to the face even when the round does not penetrate. Interior foam padding cushions the skin and bone and absorbs impact trauma to reduce injury, but some bruising or trauma from heavy impacts remains possible. For maximum protection, a full helmet-and-visor combination provides superior coverage and impact management.

Can this mask be shipped to my state?

Ballistic masks ship to most US states. Cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. Subject to US export regulations. Under 18 U.S.C. § 931, anyone with a federal felony conviction for a crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor.