List of United States Marine Corps individual equipment

This of individual combat equipment issued by the United States Marine Corps. This list does not include items that are issued as uniforms or weapons & ordnance. many items on this list have nicknames, a full list can be found at List of U.S. Marine Corps acronyms and expressions.

Armor

; Ballistic vests
* The Modular Tactical Vest (MTV) is the newest and most advanced vest in Marine inventories, with better protection and a quick-release than previous vests.
* The Outer Tactical Vest (OTV) is being replaced by the MTV for most forward units.
* The Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT) vest remains in some limited use in training and non-deployable units.
* The Full Spectrum Battle Equipment kit includes a quick-release ballistic vest, integrated breathing and flotation devices, as well as load bearing equipment. [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/InfoPapers/Armor/FSBEIndiv&Plt.pdf FSBE data sheet] ]

; Combat helmets
* The Lightweight Helmet (LWH) can be used with the older sling suspension or a newer pad suspension to fit the helmet to the head, [cite web|url=http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/AddInfo/Armor/LWH/LWH%20Sling%20vs%20Pad.pdf|title=Marine Corps Lightweight Helmet: Sling Suspension vs. Padded Suspension|work=Marine Corps Systems Command|publisher=USMC|pages=2|language=English|accessdate=2008-07-22] as well as a nape protection system to add ballistic protection to the rear of the head. [cite news|url=http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/News/Armor/LWH/Extended%20Protection,%20New%20helmet%20pads%20shield%20neck%20from%20fragments.pdf|title=Extended Protection|last=Hoellwarth|first=John|date=March 2007|work=Marine Corps Times|publisher=Army Times Publishing Company|language=English|accessdate=2008-07-22]
* The Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT) helmet has mostly been replaced by the LWH, but can still be found in some units.
* 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, EFV, and LAV vehicles to communicate with less restriction on mobility and situational awareness without reducing ballistic protection. [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/InfoPapers/Armor/ECVCH.pdf ECVCH dta sheet] ]
* The Pith helmet is worn not for ballistic protection, but to identify weapons range coaches and other range personnel.

; Others
* Small Arms Protective Inserts (SAPI) are used with the MTV and OTV to provide protection beyond what the vest itself offers. SAPI are also available in side plates to protect the torso. [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/ASSAPI.asp Side SAPI] ]
* Evaporative Cooling Vests found limited distribution in desert theaters in 2005 and 2006 [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/InfoPapers/Armor/EVC.pdf Evaporative Cooling Vest data sheet] ]
* The OTV can be adapted with the Armor Protective Enhncement System (APES) that adds ballistic protection to the shoulder, armpit, and upper arm. [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/InfoPapers/Armor/OTV.pdf OTV datasheet] referencing APES on page 2]

Load-bearing & packs

* The Improved Load Bearing Equipment (ILBE) is the latest load bearing equipment and pack to be issued to Marines. It is the first to be made in MARPAT, and greatly increases durability, comfort, and decreases complexity. It comes in a standard, [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/InfoPapers/Armor/SILBE.pdf Standard ILBE datasheet] ] Recon (which adds two side pouches), [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/InfoPapers/Armor/ReconILBE.pdf Recon ILBE data sheet] ] and corpsman versions. [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/InfoPapers/Armor/CAPILBE.pdf Corpsman ILBE] ] The ILBE load equipment provides an improved load bearing vest and the associated pouches to carry ammunition, grenades, radios, and other items.
* MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) is being phased out of inventories in favor of ILBE.
* All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment (ALICE) remains in some limited use in training and non-deployable units.
* the Gunslinger pack allows a Scout Sniper to conceal and protect his sniper rifle within the pack while on the move. [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/InfoPapers/SupportEquip/Gunslinger.pdf Gunslinger data sheet] ]

Clothing

; Cold weather clothing
* All Purpose Environmental Clothing System (APECS): Rather than issue the 3rd generation Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS), the Marine Corps has begun issing the APECS, consisting of a MARPAT parka and pant. [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/InfoPapers/Clothing/APECS.pdf APECS data sheet] ] The APECS is structurally almost identical to ECWCS shell jacket and trousers.
* The Lightweight Exposure Suit offers similar capabilities. [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/InfoPapers/Clothing/ExposureSuit.pdf LWE Suit] ]
* The Combat Desert Jacket is a lighter suit to protect Marines from the harsh desert climate. [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/InfoPapers/Clothing/CDJ.pdf Combat Desert Jacket datasheet] ]
* The Extreme Cold Weather Parka & Trouser offer heavy protection from cold weather, and include overboots. [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/InfoPapers/Clothing/ParkaTrouser.pdf Extreme Cold Weather suit data sheet] ]
* The Snow Camoflauge Uniform [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/InfoPapers/Clothing/SnowCamo.pdf Snow Camoflauge Uniform] ] is a winter MARPAT overgarment to camoflauge Marines and their equipment in snow.
* Polypropylene undershirt and underdrawer, nicknamed "polypro", is a mock turtleneck and trousers designed to be worn next to skin, and designed by Polartec. [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/InfoPapers/Clothing/SilkUnderwear.pdf Underwear, Next-to-skin, Cold Weather data sheet] ]
* The Underwear, Grid Fleece, MidWeight, Cold Weather includes a pullover and pants (in green and coyote brown), however the pants are traditionally not issued unless the recipient is expected to face a cold weather environment. [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/InfoPapers/Clothing/GridFleece.pdf Fleece data sheet] ]
* A cap made from microfleece is given to Marines in most environments. [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/InfoPapers/Clothing/FleeceCap.pdf Cap, Hardface, MicroFleece, Cold Weather] ]
* Cold weather socks and scarfs are also offered to Marines going to cold weather environments.
* Mountain/Cold Weather Boots and insulated Overboots are given. The overboots are insulated with an air barrier, and include a valve to allow paratroopers to jump with them, while the Mountain/Cold Weather Boot is reinforced with chemically impregnated leather. [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/InfoPapers/Clothing/MCWBoot.pdf Mountain/Cold Weather Boot] ]

;Other
* The Flame Resistant Organizational Gear (FROG) is a fire and heat protection system designed to help 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. [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/InfoPapers/Clothing/FireFighterEnsemble.pdf Fire Fighter Ensemble data sheet] ]
* Coveralls are issued to pilots, aircraft crew, vehicle crew, mechanics, and other Marines whose duties may render other uniforms unservicable. 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 camoflauge.
* 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 perfer to purchase their own pads. The Commandant has authorized units to purchase knee and elbow pads for uniformity.

Other

* 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 Antihemorrhagic/hemostatic agent. [ [http://www.armyproperty.com/Resources/NSN-Listings/IFAK.htm IFAK] ] "Note": the Army utilizes an IFAK with different contents, but a similar purpose.
* Individual Water Purification System allows Marines to purify water to potable standards. [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/InfoPapers/Armor/IWPS.pdf IWPS data sheet] ] These can be compatible with the standard issue hydration pack, similar to CamelBak brand packs. Of course, 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. [cite journal|date=January 2004|title=Eyeing Some New Goggles|journal=Preventive Maintenance Monthly|publisher=US Army|issue=614|pages=48-49|language=English|url=http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/AddInfo/Armor/MEPS/Goggles%20614-48-49.pdf|accessdate=2008-07-22]
* Ballistic Hearing Protection is a two-sided earplug that offers Marines protection from audio damage. [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/ABHP.asp Ballistic Hearing Protection] ]
* The entrenching tool or "E-tool" is standard issue to all Marines to prepare fighting positions.
* All Marines usually receive a foam sleeping mat, a Modular Sleep System system (with a light, heavy, and waterproof sleeping bags to allow the user to adapt to ambient conditions and a compression sack to hold them), and a tarpaulin or waterproof poncho.
* No standard tactical light exists, however, many Marines choose to purchase thier own visible lights.
* 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. [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/InfoPapers/SupportEquip/MAK.pdf Martial Arts Kit data sheet] ]
* The Mechanical Breacher's Kit (MBK) allows an assault breacher to breach a door or other obstacle. [ [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/InfoPapers/SupportEquip/MBK.pdf Mechanical Breacher's Kit datat sheet] ]
* Various mountain-warfare items have been fielded, including snowshoes, skis, climbing kits, and Portable/camping stoves.

Historical items

The following items are obsolete and no longer issued:

;Armor
* Flak jacket
* Doron Plate
* M1 Helmet
* M1917 Helmet "Brodie" helmet

;Load-bearing equipment
* M1956 Load Bearing Equipment
* Modernized Load-Carrying Equipment
* Various types of haversacks were issued in WWI.

;Other
* P-38 can opener
* mess kit

References

External links

* [http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/default.asp Program Manager, Infantry Combat Equipment website]
* [https://www.mccdc.usmc.mil/FeatureTopics/MEP/info.htm# Marine Enhancement Program] , a joint entity with the Deputy Commandat for Plans, Policies and Operations, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, and Marine Corps Systems Command