From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is a list of
individual combat equipment
issued by the
United States Marine Corps
. This list does not include items that are issued as
uniforms
or
weapons and ordnance
.
Many items on this list have nicknames. See
list of United States Marine Corps acronyms and expressions
.
Defensive
[
edit
]
- Ballistic vests
- Combat helmets
- The
Enhanced Combat Helmet
(ECH) is a made of high-strength
polyethylene
with superior ballistic protection compared to previous
Kevlar
helmets. The ECH is being issued only to deployed units and will be turned in upon return and given to other combat units. Previous helmets like the LWH are being retained for training and noncombat use.
- The
Lightweight Helmet
(LWH) can be used with the older sling suspension or a newer pad suspension to fit the helmet to the head,
[3]
as well as a
nape
protection system to add ballistic protection to the rear of the head.
[4]
- The
MICH TC-2000 Combat Helmet
is issued to some specialized units.
- The Enhanced Combat Vehicle Crewman’s Helmet (ECVCH) allows the crew of
M1 Abrams
,
AAV
, and
LAV
vehicles to communicate with less restriction on mobility and situational awareness without reducing ballistic protection.
[5]
- Most pilots and aircrew wear a
flight helmet
for protection from aviation-related hazards (such as an
integrated oxygen mask
), but typically offers little ballistic protection.
- The
Pith helmet
is worn not for ballistic protection, but to identify
weapons range
coaches and other range personnel.
- Other armor
- Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear
defense
Load-bearing & packs
[
edit
]
- The
Family of Improved Load Bearing Equipment
(FILBE) is the latest load bearing equipment to be issued to Marines. It replaced the previous
ILBE
because of incompatibility with body armour systems. The FILBE system is a solid coyote brown color. It is a modular system that allows its users to configure the system to individual/mission need. It consists of a larger framed rucksack, labeled "USMC MAIN PACK," a smaller assault-style pack, labeled "USMC ASSAULT PACK," and a three-liter
CamelBak
hydration carrier.
- The standard canvas or nylon seabag, a militarized
duffel bag
, has been issued to service members of all branches since before
World War II
. However, the increase in equipment issued to an individual Marine has made containing and transporting it all in a standard seabag difficult (a phenomenon nicknamed
seabag drag
), in addition to a tactical load-bearing pack. The deployment bag holds the same cubic footage, but rugged wheels allow it to roll much like a ruggedized version of commercial
rolling luggage
.
[11]
- A rubberized waterproofing bag liner has been provided to Marines for decades as a way to protect the contents of a tactical pack from water. Newer versions (known as the "stuff sack") have a purge valve to expel excess air to compress the sack.
[12]
[13]
- The gunslinger pack allows a
scout sniper
to conceal and protect his
sniper rifle
within the pack while on the move.
[14]
Clothing
[
edit
]
- Cold weather clothing
- All Purpose Environmental Clothing System (APECS): Rather than issue the 3rd generation
Extended Cold Weather Clothing System
(ECWCS), the Marine Corps issues the APECS, consisting of a
MARPAT
parka and pant.
[15]
The APECS is structurally almost identical to ECWCS shell jacket and trousers.
- The Lightweight Exposure Suit offers similar capabilities.
[16]
- The Combat Desert Jacket is a lighter suit to protect Marines from the harsh desert climate.
[17]
- The Extreme Cold Weather Parka & Trouser offer heavy protection from cold weather, and include overboots.
[18]
- The Snow Camouflage Uniform
[19]
is a winter MARPAT overgarment to camouflage Marines and their equipment in snow.
- Polypropylene
undershirt and underdrawer, nicknamed "polypro" and officially known as "silkweight", is a
mock turtleneck
and trousers designed to be worn next to skin, and designed by
Polartec
.
[20]
Flame-resistant versions are available.
[21]
- The Grid Fleece Midweight underwear includes a pullover and pants (in green and coyote brown). While the pullover is commonly issued as a warming layer in most locations, the pants are traditionally not issued unless the recipient is expected to face a cold weather environment.
[22]
Flame-resistant versions are available.
[23]
- A cap made from
microfleece
is given to Marines in most environments.
[24]
- Cold weather socks and scarfs are also offered to Marines going to cold weather environments.
- Mountain/Cold Weather Boots, later renamed Rugged All Terrain (RAT) Boots,
[25]
and
Extreme Cold Vapor Barrier Boots
are given. The overboots are insulated with an air barrier, and include a valve to allow
paratroopers
to jump with them, while the RAT Boot is reinforced with chemically impregnated leather for durability and stability.
[26]
- Other
- The
Flame Resistant Organizational Gear
(FROG) is a fire and heat protection system designed to help protect Marines from burn injuries associated with
roadside bombs
.
- Units with firefighting capabilities (
Marine Wing Support Squadrons
and
Headquarters and Headquarters Squadrons
) are issued firefighting suits and
self-contained breathing apparatus
.
[27]
- Coveralls or jumpsuits are issued to vehicle crew, mechanics, and other Marines whose duties may render other uniforms unserviceable. They can have varying degrees of fire protection, and come in green and coyote brown to match the seasonal change of utilities from woodland to desert camouflage. Pilots and aircrew typically wear
flight suits
and
flight jackets
, as well as
g-suit
,
pressure suits
, and
life vests
as needed.
- Various gloves are offered by the Corps. Often, most Marines receive simply a woolen liner and leather shell, however, those who require more specialized gloves are issued them (cold weather,
hazmat
, Mechanix brand, etc.).
- The
Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform
has built-in slots for knee and elbow pads, but many Marines prefer to purchase their own pads. The Commandant has authorized units to purchase knee and elbow pads for uniformity.
- The Corps is also contracting to receive protective silk
underwear
in use by the
British Army
. While not designed for ballistic protection, the so-called "blast boxers" do provide wound mitigation to groin injuries.
[28]
Other
[
edit
]
Old (left) and new flashlights
- The Individual
First Aid Kit
(IFAK) is used for immediate battlefield treatment. It includes several
bandages
, a
tourniquet
, burn
ointment
, some water purification tablets, and
QuikClot
combat gauze, a
kaolin
-infused
gauze
bandage.
[29]
- Individual Water Purification System allows Marines to
purify water
to
potable
standards.
[30]
These can be compatible with the standard issue
hydration pack
, similar to
CamelBak
brand packs. Plastic 1-quart
canteens
are issued as well, with a metal canteen cup and stand.
- Several types of
eye protection
are offered, including ballistic
goggles
and
sunglasses
made by Eye Safety Systems, Inc. and Wiley X, and are available with prescription lens inserts.
[31]
- Ballistic Hearing Protection is a two-sided
earplug
that offers Marines protection from audio damage.
[32]
- The
entrenching tool
or "E-tool" is standard issue to all Marines to prepare
defensive fighting positions
.
- All Marines usually receive a foam sleeping mat, a Modular Sleep System (with light, heavy, or waterproof
sleeping bag
to allow the user to adapt to ambient conditions and a compression sack to hold them), and a
tarpaulin
or waterproof
poncho
and
liner
that doubles as an expedient blanket.
- The Sidewinder HandHeld FlashLight (HHFL) is lightweight with a head adjustable over 185° of movement,
light-emitting diodes
providing five intensities each of white, red, blue, and
infrared
light (including a
strobe function
), helmet mount, and runs on
AA batteries
.
[33]
[34]
Aside from providing illumination, the flashlight can be used for signalling and detecting
blood residue
.
- There is no standard
tactical light
. Many Marines choose to purchase their own.
- The Martial Arts Kit (MAK) allows units to train Marines in the
Marine Corps Martial Arts Program
. It contains all of the pads, gloves, props, and other safety aids that allow an instructor to successfully teach the program.
[35]
- The Mechanical Breacher's Kit (MBK) allows an assault breacher to
breach a door
or other obstacle.
[36]
- Various mountain-warfare items have been fielded, including
snowshoes
,
skis
, climbing kits, and
Portable/camping stoves
.
- Numerous
parachutes
are used, such as the
static line
T-10
and
T-11
,
Military Free Fall Parachute System
, and various aviation-specific models used for aircrew survival.
- Many Marines are also issued K-Bar style fighting knives, often made by companies other than K-Bar, such as Camillus and Ontario.
Historical items
[
edit
]
The following items are obsolete and no longer issued:
- Armor
- Load-bearing equipment
- Other
References
[
edit
]
- ^
Scalable Plate Carrier
Archived
2012-01-19 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
FSBE
[
permanent dead link
]
- ^
"Marine Corps Lightweight Helmet: Sling Suspension vs. Padded Suspension"
(PDF)
.
Marine Corps Systems Command
. USMC. p. 2. Archived from
the original
(PDF)
on 2009-03-04
. Retrieved
2008-07-22
.
- ^
Hoellwarth, John (March 2007).
"Extended Protection"
(PDF)
.
Marine Corps Times
.
Army Times Publishing Company
. Archived from
the original
(PDF)
on 2009-03-04
. Retrieved
2008-07-22
.
- ^
ECVCH dta sheet
[
permanent dead link
]
- ^
Side SAPI
Archived
2008-09-26 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
Outer Tactical Vest
[
permanent dead link
]
referencing APES on page 2
- ^
American Horse, LCpl Vanessa M. (2009-12-02).
"M50: New Look Same Protection"
.
United States Marine Corps
. Archived from
the original
on 2016-10-23
. Retrieved
22 December
2009
.
- ^
Sanborn, James K. (June 2, 2010).
"Marine Corps fielding new gas mask"
.
Marine Corps Times
. Archived from
the original
on 9 June 2010
. Retrieved
2 June
2010
.
- ^
Mission-Oriented Protective Postures (MOPP)
- ^
Deployment Bag
Archived
2012-01-19 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
Marine Corps Stuff Sack (MACS Sack)
Archived
2011-08-12 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
Waterproofing Bag Inserts (WPI)
Archived
2012-01-18 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
Gunslinger
Archived
2009-03-04 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
APECS
Archived
2012-02-12 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
LWE Suit
Archived
2009-03-04 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
Combat Desert Jacket
Archived
2009-03-04 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
Extreme Cold Weather suit
Archived
2009-03-04 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
Snow Camouflage Uniform
Archived
2009-03-04 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
Underwear, Next-to-skin, Cold Weather
Archived
2011-08-12 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
Flame Resistant (FR) Silkweight Underwear, Next-to-skin, Cold Weather
Archived
2011-08-12 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
Grid Fleece
Archived
2011-08-12 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
Flame Resistant (FR), Grid Fleece Underwear, Mid-Weight, Cold Weather
Archived
2012-01-19 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
Cap, Hardface, MicroFleece, Cold Weather
Archived
2009-03-04 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
"RAT Boot"
(PDF)
. Archived from
the original
(PDF)
on 2011-08-12
. Retrieved
2009-11-09
.
- ^
Mountain/Cold Weather Boot
Archived
2009-03-04 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
Fire Fighter Ensemble
Archived
2009-03-04 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
Lamothe, Dan (April 12, 2011).
"Marines to receive combat underwear"
. Marine Corps Times. Archived from
the original
on 2011-04-17
. Retrieved
April 14,
2011
.
- ^
Cavallaro, Gina (June 14, 2010).
"Standardized tourniquet, new bandages for IFAK"
.
Marine Corps Times
. Archived from
the original
on 2012-01-18
. Retrieved
14 June
2010
.
- ^
IWPS
[
permanent dead link
]
- ^
"Eyeing Some New Goggles"
(PDF)
.
Preventive Maintenance Monthly
(614). US Army: 48?49. January 2004. Archived from
the original
(PDF)
on 2009-03-04
. Retrieved
2008-07-22
.
- ^
Ballistic Hearing Protection
Archived
2008-09-26 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
"Moonbeam"
.
Marines magazine
. United States Marine Corps. January 4, 2010
. Retrieved
27 February
2010
.
- ^
Handheld Flashlight
Archived
2011-08-12 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
Martial Arts Kit
Archived
2009-03-04 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
Mechanical Breacher's Kit
Archived
2009-03-04 at the
Wayback Machine
External links
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]
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