The
Improved Modular Tactical Vest (IMTV) is the newest and most advanced vest in Marine inventories, with better protection and mobility than previous vests and a quick-release.
The Improved
Scalable Plate Carrier was developed for troops in
Afghanistan because of concerns of excessive weight limiting mobility, especially in mountainous terrain.[1]
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 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
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.[6]
The OTV can be adapted with the Armor Protective Enhancement System (APES) that adds ballistic protection to the shoulder, armpit, and upper arm.[7]
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
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]
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]
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]
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]
^"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.