Personal Equipment

Each member of the Armed Forces carries an array of personal equipment with them. While it differs from branch to branch, military personal equipment generally comprises uniforms, armor, helmets, night vision equipment, optics, packs, special operations personal equipment, tools, and more.

The main pieces of armor used by the military are the modular tactical vest, the improved outer tactical vest (IOTV), and the advanced combat helmet (ACH). The modular tactical vest is advanced personal body armor that provides protection, maneuverability, weight distribution, ease of weapons handling, and reduced weight. The standard modular tactical vest provides protection against shrapnel and 9mm pistol rounds, and Marines are issued SAPI plates which are inserted inside the vest and provide protection against rifle rounds.

The IOTV is an improved version of the modular tactical vest that provides maximum freedom of movement, enhanced comfort, and more protective coverage under the arms and sides of the torso. The ACH has been in use since 2003. The helmet is lighter than the previous personnel helmet and features brackets to install Night Vision Goggles. The helmet also consists of an improved 4-point retention and pad suspension system which attaches to the shell with ballistic resistant hardware to provide proper fit and stability.

Standard night vision equipment is the PVS-14 Alpha optic. It can be powered by a single AA battery and comprises a built-in IR illuminator, fully adjustable head mount, and mil-spec optics. Other frequently-used night vision systems are the AVS-6 and PSQ-20. Personal optics equipment also includes the M150 ACOG scope, M151 Spotting Scope, and the PAS-13 Thermal Weapon Sight.

Personal packs used in the military are the Modular Lightweight-Load carrying Equipment and the Improved Load Bearing Equipment (ILBE). Both of these packs are designed to enable soldiers to carry tactical combat gear in the most effective manner for survivability and effectiveness on the battlefield. They are durable, comfortable, sustainable, and integratable with vests and other armor.

Handheld and personal tools are also an important aspect of the military inventory. This includes the M50 and M51 Joint Service General Purpose Mask, the Joint Chemical Agent Detector, PSS-14 Mine Detector, M9 Bayonet, and the Individual First Aid Kit. The final piece of personal equipment, and one that all members of the military have, is a uniform. Each branch of the military has a uniform unique to their operations. This includes the Army Combat Uniform, Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform, Airman Battle Uniform, Ghillie Suit Accessory Kit, and more.