Painted helmets

[RedLegGI]

I did the perfunctory forum search for this and came up empty-handed so I'm asking ya'll about this.

I was wondering when the practice of camo-painting the MICH/ACH started/stopped?

With the Army putting out varying helmet covers, I found it interesting that the QP community preferred painted camo patterns (kind of looks like scales). Was this a lack of availability? Necessity? or handed down from on high?

I appreciate any info you're willing to share.

Respect,

Brent