The All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment (ALICE) was adopted as Standard A on 17 January 1973 to replace M-1956 and M-1967 systems.

The SPEAR Body Armor/Load Carriage System (BALCS) consists of body armor, an equipment load carrying subsystem, and a backpack subsystem.

The waterproof clothing bag is intended to be a carrying bag providing waterproof protection for rations, extra clothing, personal effects, and the intermediate cold and extreme cold sleeping bags. It is not constructed to withstand rough use or handling. Should the area of operation or assigned function involve rough handling and waterproofing is required, the waterproof bag should be placed inside a bag of more rugged construction such as the duffel bag to prevent the waterproof bag from damage that would result in leakage.

The Marine Corps Close Quarters Battle Equipment (CQBE) consists of the assault suit, assault vest system, individual assault kit, assault gas mask, assault breacher kit, and assault breacher torch kit.

The cover is designed to serve as a protective carrier for the 2-quart collapsible water canteen. The cover can be carried with the shoulder strap or attached to the individual equipment belt.

Family of Improved Load Bearing Equipment (FILBE) utilized by the United States Marine Corps is designed to allow Marines to carry equipment needed in support of combat operations. The load bearing erquipment system is modular in order to meet the unique needs of the warfighter. The system will maximize the ability to carry combat loads efficiently, minimize the burdens of weight, improve overall system compatibility and increase the combat effectiveness of the user.

Full Spectrum Battle Equipment (FSBE) reduces the component weight, provides a single point of release mechanism, and has an integrated breathing and flotation system. FSBE replaces the Close Quarters Battle Equipment (CQBE) Assault Vest System (AVS).

In 1988, the Integrated Individual Fighting System (IIFS) was adopted by the Army. The design was based on commercial backpacks modified for military use with the addition of a special fighting vest and a detachable patrol pack. The original focus was to develop a load-carrying system for use in cold weather. However, in the final analysis, the Army selected the new internal frame system as a replacement for the external framed All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment system.

The Improved Load Bearing Equipment (ILBE) is a load carrying system designed to provide a durable and lightweight means for the deployed Marine to transport individual combat clothing and equipment, and replace MOLLE.

The individual load carrying equipment (ILCE) is intended for use in hot, temperate, and cold-wet regions of the world. It is not for use in cold-dry arctic regions.

Based principally on the conclusions and recommendations of 'A Study to Reduce the Load of the Infantry Combat Soldier', 1962, and 'A Study to Conserve the Energy of the Combat Infantryman', 1964, a Quantitative Materiel Requirement (QMR), was established in 1965 calling for the development of Lightweight Individual Clothing and Equipment (LINCLOE).

Components of the Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment are similar in design to components of the standard M1956 individual load-carrying equipment.Because nylon materials and aluminium hardware are lightweight, they are used where possible in lieu of cotton materials and brass or steel hardware.The nylon materials are water resistant, retain less moisture and dry faster.

The field pack liner is intended to be used as a liner for field pack to hold items other than subsistence items that must be protected from moisture. The liner is also intended as a flotation device for the individual carrying the field pack.

The Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) was designed to replace the All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment (ALICE) and Integrated Individual Fighting System (IIFS) including the Enhanced Tactical Load-Bearing Vest.

Based on user feedback on the original system, the MOLLE requirements were modified to eliminate the need for a quick-release frame that integrates into the load bearing vest (LBV).The change allowed developers to replace the probe and socket mechanism, which caused problems in donning for some soldiers and Marines, to a quick-release mechanism for a more traditional permanently-mounted waist belt on the frame.

The Pouch Attachment Ladder System is a grid of webbing that consists of rows of heavy-duty nylon stitched onto load-carrying platforms such as backpacks and vests. This system attaches items through the 'inter-weaving' of webbing between the item to be attached and the platform to which it is being attached.

In 1963 Natick Laboratories developed a tropical rucksack for the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN).

The lightweight rucksack with aluminum frame was developed by Natick Laboratories for cold weather and mountain use as an initial effort to develop lightweight load-carrylng equipment in 1961. It weighed 3 pounds (1.4 kg) as compared to the 7.5 pound (3.4 kg) cotton rucksack with steel frame which it replaced.

The tropical rucksack is a nylon version of a cotton rucksack for ARVN forces. It has a longer back and more capacity.

The general purpose sling is an adjustable carrying sling made of olive drab 7 colored, 2 inches wide cotton or polypropylene webbing with hardware attached.

The vest has a carrying capacity of twenty-four 40mm grenades used with M79 and M203 launchers.

The belt is designed for carrying various items of individual equipment, such as the water canteen and ammunition case which are suspended on the belt by keepers or by double hooks inserted through eyelets so spaced on the belt as to accomodate this equipment. The belt is also used in conjunction with the field pack suspenders, the suspender hooks being attachable to the top edge row of eyelets to help support the weight of the belt and its attached equipment.

The carrier is designed as a suitable carrier for the intrenching tool covered by MIL-I-43684.

The case is used to carry two camouflaged individual troop first aid dressing and a package of sodium chloride - sodium bicarbonate mixture, or an unmounted magnetic compass.

The case is designed to accomodate three 30-round ammunition magazines for the M-16 rifle. Magazine spacer straps are provided for separating individual magazines, and grenade pockets with retainer straps are provided for carrying grenades. The case is provided with a tab with an eyelet for attachment to the suspender snaphook and two keepers with slide for attaching to the individual equipment belt.

The field pack cover is intended to be used over the medium and large field packs to provide camouflage.

The canteen cover is designed as a carrier for a one quart nominal capacity water canteen and cup.

The large field pack is designed to carry up to 70 pounds of existence loads which include clothing, personal items and rations.

The medium field pack is designed to carry up to 50 pounds of existence loads which include clothing, personal items and rations.

The suspenders are designed for use with the individual equipment belt on which are suspended items of field equipment such as water canteen, ammunition cases, and other items required by the soldier in the field.

The SPEAR Equipment Load Carrying System (ELCS) is a modular pocketing and harness system allows mission tailoring of load and system configuration.The ELCS is compatible with the SPEAR Body Armor and Backpack Subsystem, and provides optimum compatibility with individual equipment and weapons.

The modified commercial Backpack Subsystem (UM21) contains a backpack, patrol pack, and butt pack. The backpacks state-of-the-art internal frame affords a stable platform sufficient to carry 120 lbs. effectively. The backpack transfers load efficiently from the shoulders to the waist and provides adjustments to fit the 5th - 95th percentile male SOF operator. The butt pack attaches to ELCS or the backpack; the patrol pack attaches to the backpack, and is compatible with the other SPEAR BALCS components.

The assault vest system (AVS) provides the individual Marine with ballistic protection and/or load bearing capabilities necessary for conducting close quarters battle (CQB) missions.

The assault body armor component of the assault vest system (AVS) exceeds the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Standards for Type IIIA and provides protection from multiple impacts of steel-jacketed 9mm, 123 gr. rounds traveling at 1445 fps and all lesser threats.

The assault load bearing vest provides a means of carrying mission equipment that allows evenly distributing loads. The modular design allows use of different pouches in varying locations to adapt to different assigned tasks, weapons, equipment and left or right handed individuals. The vest may be worn over the assault body armor (ABA).

The USMC Chest Rig is a Marine Corps specific modified version of the U.S. Army's Tactical Assault Panel.

The Corpsman Assault Pack (CAP) is an improved design to replace the previously fielded MOLLE Medical Bag.

The Corpsman Assault System (CAS) is specifically intended to provide the Corpsman with a load carriage system that fully integrates with the USMC Pack and currently fielded body armor systems.

The Grenadier Set is a suite of three 40mm grenade pouches and one 40mm Grenade Multi-Round System (GMRS) to support the standard combat load for a Marine grenadier. The pouches are Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and are part of the Family of Individual Load Bearing Equipment.

The USMC pack system is specifically intended to provide the Marine with a load carriage system that fully integrates with currently fielded body armor systems.

As a critical element of the Marine's individual load,the ILBE pouches provides a stable platform for thecarriage of equipment and supplies needed across thespectrum of individual and unit operations. The ILBEpouches are a series of robust, specialized pouchescapable of carrying the basic ammunition loadrequired to support and sustain the individual Marineduring combat operations.

After Action Reports from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom demonstrated a compelling need to provide a waterproof bag to protect personal gear from the elements, rain, sand, snow, and moisture. The Marine Corps Stuff Sack will provide Marines a better method of waterproofing and sorting their personal gear stored inside the ILBE packs.

The purpose of the waterproofing bag insert/liner (WPI) is to keep clothing and equipment dry when the ILBE main/assault pack is exposed to prolonged rain or water submersion during field use.

The Assault Pack of the USMC Pack system has an approximate internal volume of 1525 cubic inches in the main compartment and 300 cubic inches in the front pocket. The Main Pack and Assault Pack components are capable of carrying a maximum combined load of 120 pounds.

The Main Pack of the USMC Pack system has an approximate internal volume of 3400 cubic inches in the main compartment and 1600 cubic inches in the lower compartment. The Main Pack and Assault Pack components are capable of carrying a maximum combined load of 120 pounds.

The USMC sub-belt integrates with Family of Individual Load Bearing Equipment components without causing interference and allows individual equipment items to be securely attached via Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS).

The large field pack with internal frame is used to transport the individual's existence load in all environmental conditions. Even load distribution is achieved through the adjustment features. The patrol pack is used for short missions, and can be attached atop the field pack.

The combat patrol pack was designed for short missions and offers 1200 cubic inches of cargo space in two compartments.

The vest is designed to transport the basic load of 40mm grenade ammunition for the grenadier. It is a one-size-fits-all item constructed of very strong nylon fabric and webbing.

The vest is designed to transport the individual's fighting load. It is a one-size-fits-all item constructed of very strong nylon fabric and webbing.

The pistol belt helps to support the field pack and is used to carry the intrenching tool and carrier, ammunition pouches, canteen and canteen cover, and first aid or compass case.

The intrenching tool carrier is made of olive drab cotton duck material and is attached to the pistol belt by means of two attaching clips located on the back. An attachment for carrying the bayonet or bayonet knife scabbard is located on the front of the carrier.

The sleeping bag carrier is designed so that the sleeping bag and other sleeping equipment can be carried on the back above the field pack. By means of a quick-release system, sleeping equipment can be dropped quickly in case of emergency.

The first aid case is used to carry either a field dressing or an unmounted magnetic compass.

The ammunition case is a shortened version of the universal ammunition case. It is designed to carry four 20-round magazines used with the M-16 rifle.

The canteen cover accommodates a one-quart canteen and a cup. The lining on the inside of the canteen cover should be kept wet during hot weather in order to help keep the water in the canteen cool. The cover should be kept dry during cold weather, however, as the lining material provides limited protection in preventing the water in the canteen from freezing.

The field pack is used to carry individual rations and equipment that are essential during field operations. It is designed to permit certain items to be carried in a number of different ways to meet changing conditions. For example, the poncho, can be carried inside the pack under the expandable flap or it can be attached to the bottom of the pack by means of the two adjustable securing straps. Extra items of small clothing, such as underwear and socks, also can be rolled and placed under the expandable flap. Outer clothing not in use can be secured under the pack or under the flap, depending on the location of the poncho. In placing items in the field pack, hard objects such as ration cans should be placed on the outside, with softer items such as clothing on the inside toward the wearer's back. A series of eyelets at the edge of the pack flap will accommodate the double hooks used on old field equipment carriers for such items as wire cutters and machetes.

The ammunition pouch is designed to carry any of the basic loads of ammunition. But with special weapons, it may be necessary to carry more ammunition than the pouches will accommodate. When extra ammunition is necessary, bandoleers of ammunition may be carried in a cross-chest manner. To place bandoleers of ammunition in the ammunition pouches, make a neat bundle by folding the bandoleers accordion-fashion and placing them in the pouches with the bandoleer straps at the top. This method permits the bandoleers to be inserted and removed easily.

The pack adapter strap permits the field pack to be attached to the suspenders at a position high enough on the individual's back to provide lower space for carrying additional items of equipment, such as canteens and first aid kits, on the pistol belt. The adapter strap also allows the field pack to be carried high enough on the back to permit the carry of heavy loads, such as mortar base plates, ammunition, or radios.

The suspenders are used to support, the field pack and the pistol belt. The shoulder pads should be centered on the shoulders in order to distribute the weight of the load evenly. The suspenders may be worn without the field pack. When wearing the suspenders without the field pack, the suspender straps should be attached directly to the pistol belt. To keep the weight of the load evenly on both shoulders, attach the rear suspender straps at even spaces from the center of the rear of the pistol belt.

The belt is made from Army shade 7 olive drab nylon webbing with black chemical finish brass hook-type buckle fastener. The medium size belt has an adjustable length ranging between 26- to 43-inches and the large size belt ranges between 33- to 55-inches. The individual equipment items are hooked through eyelets along the bottom of the belt or attached by interlocking slide keepers. The eyelets along the top of the belt are for attaching the field pack suspenders.

The carrier is used for for carrying the lightweight collapsible intrenching tool.

The carrier is 14 inches long, 12 inches wide, has straps with buckles closure for securing the sleeping bag.

The case is similar to the M1956 first aid/compass case but made of nylon.

The small arms ammunition case is similar to the M1956 M-16 20-rd mag case but made of nylon.

The canteen cover is similar to the M-1956 canteen cover but made of nylon.

The field pack is larger than the M-1961 field pack and made of nylon.

The field pack suspenders are modified H-back type suspenders.

The MOLLE medical bag was designed to carry a mix of medical supplies and equipment that could be customized for specific missions.

The MOLLE bandoleer holds up to six additional thirty round magazines and can be slung across the shoulders or fits in the claymore pocket of the main pack or the front pack of MOLLE II assault pack.

The MOLLE sleep system carrier is designed to accommodate the Modular Sleep System.

The MOLLE modularity allows for commanders to tailor the loads to　meet mission needs without unnecessary extra pockets and packs.

The MOLLE Load Bearing Vest (LBV) is a modular vest that allows commanders to tailor the loads to meet mission needs without unnecessary extra pouches and gear.The vest is designed to reduce heat build up on the back with minimum area of coverage with the H-Harness design.The wide shoulder straps of the vest help distribute the load without the need for excessive padding that can hinder mobility and sighting a weapon.

The MOLLE main pack has a volume of approximately 3,000 cubic inches.

The MOLLE patrol pack has a volume of approximately 1,200 cubic inches including the outside pocket.

The MOLLE sustainment pocket has a volume of approximately 500 cubic inches.

The MOLLE radio pouch is designed to carry a SINCGARS/ASIP radio.

The MOLLE Combat Medic Set consists of a medic bag and eight external medic modular pouches (four each for the vest and the bag). This set is duty-specific and is issued in addition to the rifleman set.

The MOLLE II molded waistbelt has no longer a female connector into which the MOLLE frame joins but straps (6) and buckles (7) to attach it to the MOLLE II frame. The waistbelt is designed to be permanently attached to the frame and to distribute part of the main pack or large rucksack load to the hips.

The MOLLE II modularity allows for commanders to tailor the loads tomeet mission needs without unnecessary extra pockets and gear.

The MOLLE comes with an on-the-move tube hydrationsystem for special missions where hands-free drinking isdesired.

The Improved MOLLE Medic Set (IMMS) is a redesign of the MOLLE Combat Medic Set. It accommodates the changes in Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) doctrine and enable combat medics to carry additional life saving medical supplies.

The MOLLE II Assault Pack has an approximate internal volume of 1525 cubic inches in the main compartment and 825 cubic inches in the large front pocket that is specifically sized to house a removable six magazine bandoleer or a standard protective mask and allow quick and easy access to it, and is capable of carrying at least a 60-pound load to include the current family of field radios including SINCGARS and ASIP. The radio can be carried in a radio pouch attached to the rear panel of the pack utilizing the 1 inch oval loops.

The MOLLE II patrol pack has a volume of approximately 1,500 cubic inches including the outside pocket that is specifically sized to house a standard protective mask and allow quick and easy access to it, and is capable of carrying at least a 40-pound load to include the current family of field radios including SINCGARS and ASIP.

The MOLLE II waist pack has a volume of approximately 350 cubic inches.

The canteen/general purpose pouch has a variety of uses.

The MOLLE II Large Rucksack has an approximate internal volume of 2900 cubic inches in the top compartment and 830 cubic inches in the lower compartment, and is capable of carrying a 120-pound load.

The MOLLE II medium rucksack has a volume of approximately 3,000 cubic inches.

The Tactical Assault Panel (TAP) replaces the Fighting Load Carrier to allow for quick-release of equipment in emergency situations.TAP is compatible with the quick release system of the IOTV/SPCS.TAP can also be worn like a Ranger Assault Carrying Kit (RACK) using the external webbing harness.