An attachment system for attaching a face shield to a helmet. The system comprises a pair of attachment bases for holding a face shield to the helmet and for attaching to opposite sides of the helmet. The attachment bases each include a base plate covered by a body block. The base plate includes hooks for engaging an edge of the helmet. A strap assembly provides a pair of tightening straps, each engaging one attachment base. The tightening straps extend rearward and are connected together by a helmet band that extends over and around a portion of the helmet. The tightening straps each include a ratchet toothed strap body for adjusting a tension of the straps against the helmet.