The headlamps used by the U.S. military vary from situation to situation. Overall, a tactical headlamp must be durable and provide intense light when needed, sometimes shining with over 1,000lms. On the consumer market, a tactical headlamp should be made of aluminum, not plastic. It should have a zoomable light (meaning it can be fine-tuned and focused). And it should have a long burn time. There are dozens for sale, and each offers a unique set of pros and cons based on how it is used.