A face protector comprises a protective structure shaped for extending about a person's mandibular region and a mounting for mounting the face protector to a military combat helmet. The protective structure comprises a front portion and opposed left and right side portions extending from the front portion, the front portion having a free upper edge for positioning below eye level and above mouth level when mounted to the helmet, and being sized to extend to below a person's chin. The front portion has inner and outer surfaces, and the mounting is positioned to space the inner surface and the upper edge away from the person's mouth and nose when mounted to the helmet to provide a gap for the passage of ambient air therebetween to permit unobstructed breathing. The protective structure comprises a ballistic resistant material for providing protection against high velocity fragments from explosive devices.