Base character appearence is controlled by mbases.ini (data\missions\mbases.ini)

heres a sample of a Rheinland police female in New Berlin

[GF_NPC
nickname = rh0101_rpolice_001_f
body = rh_female_guard_body
head = pl_female2_head
lefthand = benchmark_female_hand_left
righthand = benchmark_female_hand_right
individual_name = 220679
affiliation = rh_p_grp
voice = rvp511
misn = DestroyMission, 1.687204, 3.161630
room = bar
accessory = prop_hat_female_rh_grd <--female police helmet

Looking through the rest of mbases should give you some good examples of ones that work, or you could have a look at data\characters\bodyparts.ini for unused helmets and accessories. Not all work tho :-/

thanks,sadly i won't be able to fix this problem as many mods have changed that file and I'm looking to make mine as compatible as possible I will continue using the unassigned props as I've been doing,two different hats for navy and police(its sad too,the unused lib and rh hats really do rock).thnx again for the quick response