Introduction

The world of Military Surplus (often called Army Surplus or Government Surplus) is a very expansive field. Becoming familiar with the terms and conditions that accompany the surplus equipment market takes a bit of patience.

Our Focus

Generally speaking, Revolution Depot focuses on a small subset of the greater system that the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) operates.

We target high-quality items that can be readily reused, or which are in new and like new condition. In the alternative, we also often acquire items of historical significance (which are often used, expired, and in varying conditions).

Logistics & Supply Network

The US Government maintains and operates a massive network for supplying agencies and departments with equipment. Military and Defense typically reside within the scope of the DLA.

US Government Issue (USGI)

We clearly mark and designate items to ensure you know it is a genuine item, issued by the United States Government.  This is why we typically prefix an item name with "USGI" - it indicates it is genuine issue US Government stock or supply (direct or surplus).

Standard Issue (SI)

In addition to being USGI, an item may also be standard issue. This means it is part of a supply and equipment program widely used and adopted by agencies. For example, CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) programs or field dress or field gear programs.

National Issue (NI)

These items are often issued with both Defense and GSA networks.  In example, to Law Enforcement and Military.

National Stock Number (NSN)

This is a 13-digit, standardized numeric code used to identify, catalog, and manage items in the federal supply system, NATO, and international governments. It ensures consistent identification of items, reducing inventory duplication and facilitating procurement for items repeatedly stocked, stored, or issued.

Note: A single number can cover products made by multiple manufacturers, including specific colors or patterns - as long as they meet the exact same government specifications.  For example, an item made by Acme Corp and also Roadrunner Corp could have the same NSN, or even green and red variations of that same product could also share the same NSN.

MCN (Management Control Number)

An MCN is often used for items that may not yet have a permanent National Stock Number (NSN) but are managed under the same 8430 Federal Supply Class (Footwear, Men's). This includes Military issued items. This often includes items manufactured under contract for special programs or limited operations.

Item Quality

Surplus items are classified by its condition and grade.

Condition

  • New Old Stock (NOS): These items are new and have never been issued for use to troops or individuals within the supply network. 
  • New In Packaging (NIP): These items are either sealed or unsealed, new, and have original packaging or restock packaging.
  • Issued: These items have been issued for use to troops or individuals within the supply network.
  • Expired: These items are past their shelf or storage life regardless of what condition they are in.

Grade

  • New / Excellent (EXC): In mint condition, or reconditioned (serviced) to like new.
  • Very Good (VGC, Grade 1): Issued but lightly used. May have minor storage marks or fading but no damage.
  • Good (G, Grade 2): Properly used, showing functional wear such as scratches, fading, or small stains, but still fully functional, and serviceable.
  • Fair (F, Grade 3, Damaged): Heavily used. Likely to have significant stains, missing hardware, or require repairs.

Colors and Patterns

In the US Military, colors and patterns are strictly standardized within the National Stock Number (NSN) system to ensure that items from different manufacturers are indistinguishable in the field.

This includes Military Clothing, Safety Colors, Ceremonial Flags, etc.

Camouflage

Name Sample
 M81 Woodland
Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP)
MultiCam
Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP)
Desert Camouflage Uniform (DCU) / "Coffee Stain"
Desert Battle Dress Uniform (DBDU) / "Chocolate Chip"
Marine Pattern (MARPAT)
MARPAT Winter
Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type I
AOR-1 (NWU Type II)
AOR-2 (NWU Type III)
Digital Tiger Stripe (ABU)


Standard Colors

 Name RGB (HEX) Sample
Olive Drab (OD Green) #6B8E23
Dark Olive Drab #556B2F
Foliage Green (Standard/502) #717C6F
Foliage Green (Foliage 504) #708060
Army Green #4B5320
Dark Green #013220
Sage Green #8A9A5B
Camo Green 483 #526525
Ranger Green #6A8472
Coyote Brown (Coyote 498) #81613C
Desert Tan (Tan 277) #9E8B71 
Tan / Khaki (Tan 499) #968D71
Snow White #FFFAFA

 

Uniforms

This overview covers the evolution of U.S. military utility uniform standards from the sunset of the Cold War to the high-tech modularity of today.

The Woodland Era (1981–2004)

Defined by the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU), this era favored a "one-size-fits-all" approach to global camouflage.

  • The Pattern: The iconic four-color "Woodland" print (green, brown, tan, and black).
  • Cap: The "Patrol Cap," a straight-sided, flat-topped cap.
  • Belt: A simple canvas web belt with a friction-slide brass or black buckle.
  • Pants/Trousers: Feature side cargo pockets and nylon drawstring leg ties to blouse the pants over boots.
  • Materials: Heavy cotton-nylon twill, later updated to a lighter "Ripstop" for summer.

The Universalism & Digital Shift (2004–2014)

Influenced by the Global War on Terror, branches moved away from shared uniforms to distinct, pixelated identities.

  • The Patterns: The Army adopted the grey-toned UCP (Universal Camouflage Pattern), while the Marine Corps introduced MARPAT (woodland and desert pixels).
  • The Cut: Uniforms moved from buttons to Velcro and zippers. Shoulder pockets with Velcro "loop" patches for unit insignias became standard.
  • Belts: The "Riggers Belt" became popular—heavy-duty nylon with a reinforced buckle for emergency rappelling.
  • Headgear: The beret briefly became the standard Army headgear (2001–2011) before reverting to the patrol cap for daily work.

In 2010, the Army realized its "Universal" grey UCP pattern was failing in Afghanistan. As an emergency fix, they licensed the commercial MultiCam pattern from Crye Precision for deploying troops.

  • Official Name: Called OEF-CP (Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern).
  • The Conflict: Because MultiCam was proprietary, the Army had to pay licensing fees for every yard of fabric. This led to a "camo war" where the Army sought a cheaper, in-house alternative that looked and performed the same.

The Birth of OCP (2014–2015)

The Army revisited a design called Scorpion, which they had co-developed with Crye in 2002 before the licensing deal. They modified it into Scorpion W2, renamed it OCP (Operational Camouflage Pattern), and officially adopted it in 2014 to avoid further royalties.

  • Initial Rollout: OCP uniforms first hit shelves at AAFES military clothing stores on July 1, 2015.

The Modern Multi-Terrain Era (2014–Present)

Recent years have seen a return to organic, "blob-like" shapes that perform better in varied environments than digital pixels.

  • The Patterns: The Army and Air Force transitioned to OCP (Operational Camouflage Pattern), a multi-terrain palette of greens, tans, and creams.
  • Pants: Modern trousers often feature integrated slots for removable neoprene knee pads and "blousing" bands (elastic integrated into the cuff).
  • Headgear: The "Boone Hat" (wide-brimmed) is common in deployed environments, while the standard patrol cap remains the garrison staple.
  • The Belt: Low-profile tactical belts made of stiffened scuba webbing or specialized plastics designed to support the weight of holsters without sagging.

Full Adoption of OCP (2019–Present)

The Army set a "Mandatory Possession Date" for OCP, making it the only authorized utility uniform as of October 1, 2019:

  • Accessory Update: During this shift, the standard t-shirt and belt color also changed from "Sand" (light tan) to Coyote Brown (498) to better match the new OCP tones.
  • Joint Service: Following the Army's success, the Air Force and Space Force officially adopted OCP, completing the move toward a unified combat look across three branches.

Specialized Gear (The "Operator" Influence)

As conventional forces adopted gear used by Special Operations, several "present-day" staples emerged:

  • Combat Shirts: The "Massif" style shirt—breathable, moisture-wicking fabric on the torso (to be worn under body armor) with reinforced, camouflaged sleeves.
  • Helmets: A shift from the heavy "Kevlar" (PASGT) to the High-Cut/FAST helmets, which leave the ears exposed for high-end communication headsets.

Field Gear Systems & Standard Equipment

This overview covers the history of field gear systems technology, including issued sets and kits for combat roles (e.g. grenadier, pistolman, rifleman, gunner, etc.). It also covers core elements of these systems such as: lashing straps, sleep systems (with versions), pack frames, canteens, hydration systems, medical kits (with versions), entrenching tools (e-Tool), compasses, knives, bayonets, magazine pouches (single, double, triple), 40mm grenade pouches, leader/admin pouches, ponchos, wet weather gear, cold/hot weather clothing, headwear (patrol caps vs camouflage caps vs combat caps), gloves (hard knuckle, soft, flyer, combat, etc.), LC-2 / LC-3 pistol belts, utility belts, suspenders, LCV vs LBV, bags, pouches, buckles, and other components.

The ALICE & PASGT Era (1981–1990s)

Uniform Match: Woodland BDU

Philosophy: Belt-Centric. Gear was suspended from the waist to keep the soldier's center of gravity low and the chest clear for prone crawling.

  • Load Bearing Equipment: LC-2 Individual Equipment Belt (pistol belt) with LC-2 suspenders (Y-shaped, adjustable). Later transitioned to LC-3 (slightly improved buckles and materials). ALICE harness system used with these belts.
  • Vests: The PASGT Vest (Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops) provided fragmentation protection but lacked attachment points. Soldiers wore the ALICE harness (suspenders + belt) over the top of the armor. No true vest-style load carriage until later eras.
  • Pouches & Role-Specific Kits: Constructed of nylon with metal ALICE clips and plastic "Spanish Fly" buckles. Issued in role-specific configurations.
    • Magazine Pouches: Standard ALICE triple 30-round magazine pouch (holds three M16/M4 magazines, rigid design with flap and buckle closure; typically 2–4 pouches per rifleman for 6–12 magazines).
    • 40mm Grenade Pouches: Dedicated carriers for M203 grenade launcher rounds (often single or double configurations attached to belt or harness).
    • Rifleman Kit: 2–4 ALICE triple ammo pouches plus two side grenade pockets for frag grenades.
    • Grenadier Kit: Additional M203 grenade pouches and dedicated 40mm round carriers (single/double pouches common).
    • Gunner (SAW) Kit: Larger drum magazine pouches and link belt carriers.
    • Pistolman Kit: Pistol magazine pouches and holster attachment points on the LC-2 pistol belt.
    • Canteen Pouch: Insulated nylon covers for 1-quart plastic canteens (usually two per soldier).
    • First Aid/Compass Pouch: Small square pouch typically clipped to the shoulder suspenders.
    • Leader/Admin Pouches: Limited; basic utility pouches or compass/first aid pouches used for maps and notes.
  • Headwear: Patrol Cap (Rip-stop poplin in Woodland camouflage) as standard field cap. Some units still used older olive drab "Boonie" hats or early camouflage patrol caps.
  • Gloves: Standard black leather shell gloves with wool inserts for cold weather. Limited issue of heavy-duty work gloves. No dedicated tactical or hard-knuckle gloves in this era.
  • Ponchos & Wet Weather Gear: Standard Woodland camouflage poncho (nylon, grommeted edges for shelter use) and matching poncho liner (the famous "Woobie" – lightweight, quilted, used as blanket or cloak). Wet weather set included the poncho plus over-boots and rain suit in limited quantities.
  • Cold Weather Gear: ECWCS (Extended Cold Weather Clothing System) Gen I – layered system including polypropylene underwear, fleece jacket, cold weather field jacket (Woodland), and Gore-Tex parka/bib overalls for extreme cold.
  • Hot Weather Gear: Standard Woodland BDU with rip-stop fabric; limited hot-weather variants with lighter material.
  • Canteens & Hydration: 1-quart plastic canteen with metal cup and insulated nylon pouch (standard issue). Two canteens per soldier, carried on the LC-2 belt or ruck. Limited early experimentation with bladders.
  • Medical Kits: Basic Individual First Aid Kit (early IFAK) – primarily field dressings and bandages in a small pouch. Larger platoon-level aid bags.
  • Entrenching Tools (e-Tool): M67 Tri-Fold Entrenching Tool (introduced 1967, all-metal design by Ames and others). Carried in a dedicated carrier on the ALICE ruck or LC-2 belt.
  • Compasses: Lensatic Compass (military tritium or phosphorescent version). Carried in the First Aid/Compass pouch on the ALICE harness or in a dedicated pouch.
  • Knives & Bayonets: M9 Bayonet (issued with M16/M4 rifles, multi-purpose design with wire-cutter feature). Also issued: Gerber or Ontario survival knives for select roles.
  • Lashing Straps & Accessories: Olive drab 1-inch nylon webbing straps with metal buckles for securing gear to the ALICE frame or buttpack.
  • Pack Frames: External aluminum ALICE frame (Lightweight or Standard). Used with the Medium or Large ALICE rucksack. Provided excellent load distribution and durability; sleep system, e-tool, and bayonet often lashed directly to the top or sides of the frame.
  • Rucksacks: The ALICE Pack (Medium or Large). Features an external aluminum frame, three lower pockets, and a cinch-top main compartment.
  • Field Packs: The "Buttpack," a canvas or nylon storage bag attached to the rear of the LC-2 pistol belt at the small of the back. Often used for sleep system components or rations.
  • Sleep Systems: Poncho liner (woobie), lightweight sleeping bag, and waterproof poncho. Typically rolled and lashed externally on the ruck/frame with lashing straps. Pre-MSS era systems.

The IIFS & Early MOLLE Transition (1990s–2004)

Uniform Match: Late Woodland / DCU (3-Color Desert)

Philosophy: Chest-Centric. The military began moving the load from the belt to the torso to improve mobility in vehicles.

  • Load Bearing Equipment: LC-2 / LC-3 pistol belt and suspenders still widely used early in the period. Introduction of the Load Carrying Vest (LCV) and Load Bearing Vest (LBV-88). LBV-88 featured non-removable slanted magazine pockets sewn directly onto mesh panels for a more integrated chest-centric load.
  • Vests: The LBV-88 (Load Bearing Vest) became the primary system, reducing reliance on the traditional belt. Role-specific loads adjusted by adding/removing pouches.
  • Pouches & Role-Specific Kits: The birth of the MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) system. Pouches replaced metal clips with nylon webbing straps (MALICE clips) that interweave into a grid.
    • Magazine Pouches: Early MOLLE single, double, and triple 30-round magazine pouches (flapped designs with snap or buckle closures; triple pouches popular for riflemen to maximize capacity on the vest).
    • 40mm Grenade Pouches: Single, double, and triple 40mm HE (High Explosive) pouches introduced with MOLLE (e.g., NSN-listed single and double versions from 1999). Grenadier kits often included multiple pouches for a full load of 16+ rounds.
    • Utility Pouches: General-purpose square pouches that could be positioned anywhere on the vest or LCV.
    • Rifleman / Grenadier / Gunner Kits: Modular pouches tailored for M4/M16 magazines (single/double/triple), 40mm grenades (dedicated single/double/triple carriers), or SAW drum/link bags depending on role.
    • Leader/Admin Pouches: Early leader/utility pouches for maps, notebooks, and small admin items (predecessors to the dedicated Leaders Pocket Set).
  • Headwear: Woodland or 3-Color Desert Patrol Cap (soft, foldable). Boonie hat (wide-brim camouflage) commonly issued for hot climates and field use. Early Combat Cap experiments (more structured design).
  • Gloves: Standard leather gloves with wool liners. Introduction of early tactical gloves, including Nomex flight gloves (Flyer’s Gloves) for aviators and some ground crews. Basic padded combat gloves began limited issue toward the end of the period.
  • Ponchos & Wet Weather Gear: Woodland or DCU camouflage poncho (improved lighter nylon). Poncho liner (Woobie) remained standard. Wet Weather Ensemble included poncho, rain jacket/trousers, and over-boots.
  • Cold Weather Gear: ECWCS Gen II – improved layering with better moisture-wicking base layers, Polartec fleece, and Gore-Tex outer shell in Woodland or Desert patterns.
  • Hot Weather Gear: 3-Color Desert BDU and lighter rip-stop uniforms for arid environments.
  • Canteens & Hydration: Continued use of 1-quart canteens in MOLLE-compatible pouches on the LCV or LBV. Early CamelBak-style 2–3 liter bladders began appearing as field-expedient or limited-issue hydration systems.
  • Medical Kits: Early IFAK with improved bandages and initial hemostatic agents (e.g., QuikClot in later years of the period).
  • Entrenching Tools (e-Tool): M67 Tri-Fold Entrenching Tool (standard issue, carried in MOLLE-compatible carrier or on LC-2 belt).
  • Compasses: Lensatic Compass (standard tritium version). Dedicated MOLLE-compatible compass pouch introduced.
  • Knives & Bayonets: M9 Bayonet (primary issue with M16/M4). Limited issue of folding knives or multi-tools (e.g., Leatherman) for NCOs and specialists.
  • Lashing Straps: 1-inch and 2-inch nylon webbing with plastic or metal tri-glide buckles for external gear securing.
  • Pack Frames: ALICE external aluminum frame still widely issued and preferred for its ruggedness. Early internal-frame experiments with the CFP-90.
  • Rucksacks: The CFP-90. An internal-frame rucksack designed for heavy loads. ALICE frame remained popular due to superior durability and ventilation.
  • Field Packs: The Patrol Pack. A small, streamlined day-bag that could be used for 24-hour missions or attached to the main ruck.
  • Sleep Systems: Introduction of the Modular Sleep System (MSS) – 4-piece system (Patrol Bag, Intermediate Cold Weather Bag, Waterproof Bivy Cover, Compression Stuff Sack). Often stored in a dedicated waterproof stuff sack and lashed to the ruck or frame using lashing straps.

The MOLLE II & Interceptor Era (2004–2014)

Uniform Match: UCP (Universal Camouflage Pattern / Digital)

Philosophy: Armor-Integrated. Following lessons from Iraq and Afghanistan, gear became a permanent attachment to heavy body armor.

  • Load Bearing Equipment: Traditional LC-2/LC-3 belts and suspenders largely phased out in favor of full MOLLE-compatible vests. LBV-88 continued in some reserve units early on.
  • Vests: The IOTV (Improved Outer Tactical Vest). A full-coverage armor system covered in PALS webbing (the MOLLE grid). Role-specific pouch layouts issued per combat role. The vest itself became the primary load-bearing platform.
  • Pouches & Role-Specific Kits: Standardized MOLLE II with snap-fastener straps.
    • Magazine Pouches: MOLLE II single, double, and triple 30-round magazine pouches (often "shingle" style open-top designs with bungee retention for faster access; triple shingles common for riflemen, while doubles provided balanced capacity and speed).
    • 40mm Grenade Pouches: Dedicated single, double, and triple 40mm HE or pyrotechnic pouches (e.g., NSN 8465-01-465-4416 for single HE). Grenadier sets frequently included 10+ pouches (mix of singles and doubles) for a full combat load of ~36 rounds.
    • Shingle Pouch: Open-top "speed" pouches with bungee cord retention for fast magazine access (rifleman standard; available in single/double/triple configurations).
    • Grenadier / Gunner Kits: Dedicated pouches for 40mm rounds (single/double/triple) or 5.56/7.62 linked ammunition.
    • IFAK: The Individual First Aid Kit (early to Gen I versions), a large dedicated pouch with an internal folding tray (standard across all roles).
    • Hydration: Integrated CamelBak-style bladders worn in a specialized pouch on the back of the vest.
    • Leader/Admin Pouches: MOLLE II Leaders Pocket Set / Admin Pouch – large zippered pouch with internal dividers, removable inserts for GPS/notepads, front MOLLE webbing, and slots for maps/commo cards. Primarily issued to squad leaders, platoon leaders, and RTOs for admin, navigation, and communication gear.
    • Pistolman: Drop-leg or vest-mounted pistol magazine pouches (single or double).
  • Headwear: UCP Patrol Cap (soft) and ACU Combat Cap (more structured with brim stiffener). Boonie hat in UCP for field use. Patrol Cap remained the everyday garrison/field cap.
  • Gloves: Introduction of modern tactical gloves. Hard-knuckle combat gloves (e.g., Oakley, Mechanix, or military-spec versions with carbon fiber or plastic knuckle protection). Soft-shell padded gloves for general use. Nomex Flyer’s Gloves (flame-resistant) continued for aircrews and vehicle crews. All-purpose combat gloves with improved grip and dexterity became standard issue.
  • Ponchos & Wet Weather Gear: UCP camouflage poncho (lighter, more packable). Improved Wet Weather Ensemble with better breathable rain jacket and trousers. Poncho liner (Woobie) continued in ACU color.
  • Cold Weather Gear: ECWCS Gen III – significantly improved system with multiple layers (base, mid, and shell) in UCP/ACU patterns, including fleece, soft-shell, and extreme cold weather parka.
  • Hot Weather Gear: Lighter ACU variants and FR (Flame Resistant) uniforms for hot/arid theaters.
  • Canteens & Hydration: 1-quart canteens in MOLLE pouches as backup. Primary hydration shifted to 2–3 liter CamelBak-style bladders (various commercial and military versions) integrated into the vest or ruck.
  • Medical Kits: Standardized IFAK (Gen I and early Gen II) with combat gauze, tourniquet (CAT), pressure dressing, and decompression needle. Mounted prominently on the vest for rapid access. Medic role kits included larger aid bags.
  • Entrenching Tools (e-Tool): M67 Tri-Fold (still common) transitioning to lighter ET2000 / Gerber-style tri-fold models (aluminum shaft with fiberglass reinforcement and boron steel blade, adopted by USMC ~2001 and later by Army).
  • Compasses: Lensatic Compass in dedicated MOLLE pouch. Some units began issuing backup GPS units alongside traditional compasses.
  • Knives & Bayonets: M9 Bayonet (standard). Increased issue of multi-tools (Leatherman MUT or Wave) and fixed-blade knives for breachers and special roles. Bayonet training continued but combat use declined.
  • Lashing Straps: Heavy-duty 1" and 2" webbing with side-release and tri-glide buckles for securing items to rucks and vehicles.
  • Pack Frames: Molded plastic DEI (Delrin Enhanced Insert) frame integrated into the MOLLE II rucksack. Provided better weight distribution over armor compared to earlier aluminum frames.
  • Rucksacks: The MOLLE II Large Rucksack. Features a molded plastic frame (DEI) and a separate zippered compartment at the bottom specifically for the sleeping system.
  • Field Packs: The 3-Day Assault Pack. A mid-sized pack with internal plastic stiffeners and a hydration port. Often used as a "go bag" for role-specific mission gear.
  • Sleep Systems: Modular Sleep System (MSS) – 4-piece (Patrol Bag, Intermediate Cold Weather Bag, Bivy Sack, Compression Sack). Later Improved Modular Sleep System (IMSS) variants with lighter fill and better compressibility (introduced ~2007, ACU pattern). Designed to fit inside the bottom compartment of the MOLLE II ruck or lashed externally to the frame.

The Scalable & Modern Era (2014–Present)

Uniform Match: OCP (Operational Camouflage Pattern)

Philosophy: Scalability & Weight Reduction. Emphasis on stripping gear down for speed and using laser-cut materials to shave ounces. Role-specific "sets and kits" issued based on mission and position.

  • Load Bearing Equipment: Fully modular plate carriers and scalable vests (MSV). Traditional pistol belts and suspenders are rarely used except in very light configurations or training. Focus shifted entirely to torso-mounted load carriage over armor.
  • Vests: The MSV (Modular Scalable Vest). Can be broken down from a full tactical vest to a lightweight Plate Carrier or worn under a jacket as "low-vis" armor. PALS/MOLLE grid compatible. Load is distributed across the vest rather than a separate belt.
  • Pouches & Role-Specific Kits: Laser-Cut MOLLE. Grid is cut directly into the fabric, reducing weight and bulk.
    • Magazine Pouches: Laser-cut single, double, and triple magazine pouches (including modern "Mag Taco" or friction-fit designs with Kydex inserts for rapid draw; open-top bungee or shingle styles remain common for riflemen).
    • 40mm Grenade Pouches: Lightweight single, double, and triple 40mm pouches (HE and pyrotechnic variants) with improved retention and reduced bulk. Grenadier role kits often feature modular mixes for quick access during mounted or dismounted operations.
    • Admin Pouch: Flat chest pouches for maps, pens, and tactical smartphones/EUDs (evolved from the Leaders Pocket Set with lighter materials and better organization).
    • Mag Tacos: Pouches with hard plastic (Kydex) sides for friction-fit magazine storage (common for riflemen; available in single or double configurations).
    • Leader/Admin Pouches: Updated Leaders/Admin pouches with laser-cut MOLLE, internal organization, and compatibility for EUDs/GPS. Still issued to team/squad leaders for mission planning materials.
    • Role Kits: Grenadier pouches for 40mm (single/double/triple), SAW/Gunner link bags, pistol magazine carriers (single/double), and specialized medical or breacher pouches issued per combat role.
  • Headwear: OCP Patrol Cap (standard soft cap for daily wear). OCP Combat Cap (structured with brim stiffener and Velcro for patches). OCP Boonie hat for field/sun protection. Some units issue "Ranger" or specialized caps for certain roles.
  • Gloves: Highly specialized gloves issued by role and environment. Hard-knuckle combat gloves (e.g., 5.11, Oakley SI, or military-spec with reinforced carbon fiber knuckles for protection during breaching/CQB). Soft-shell tactical gloves with high dexterity and touchscreen compatibility. Flyer’s Gloves (Nomex flame-resistant) for aircrews and vehicle crews. All-purpose padded combat gloves, cold weather insulated gloves, and mechanic-style work gloves. Many versions now include palm reinforcement and improved grip materials.
  • Ponchos & Wet Weather Gear: OCP camouflage poncho (highly packable, multi-use as shelter or ground cloth). Modern Wet Weather Ensemble with Gore-Tex or equivalent breathable rain jacket/trousers in OCP. Poncho liner updated in OCP colors with improved materials.
  • Cold Weather Gear: ECWCS Gen IV and climate-specific layers – advanced moisture management, lighter weight, and better insulation. Includes Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) variants for arctic conditions.
  • Hot Weather Gear: OCP Flame Resistant (FR) uniforms with lighter fabrics, ventilation zippers, and improved wicking for desert/jungle environments. Hot Weather Combat Uniform (HWCU) variants issued in high-heat theaters.
  • Canteens & Hydration: Legacy 1-quart canteens rarely issued. Primary system is 2–3 liter hydration bladders (CamelBak, Source, or military equivalents with quick-disconnect tubing). Often integrated into the ruck or plate carrier for hands-free use. Multiple generations with improved materials and antimicrobial coatings.
  • Medical Kits: Advanced IFAK (Gen II and later) with modern hemostatic agents, tourniquets (CAT or improved), chest seals, and trauma dressings. Role-specific kits for Combat Medics include larger aid bags with IV kits and additional supplies. Continued evolution based on TCCC guidelines.
  • Entrenching Tools (e-Tool): ET2000 / modern lightweight tri-fold models (Gerber-style or equivalents with composite handles and hardened blades). Significantly lighter than the M67; carried in dedicated MOLLE carriers or lashed externally.
  • Compasses: Lensatic Compass still issued as backup navigation. Primary navigation shifted to GPS devices (e.g., DAGR, Garmin, or Nett Warrior-integrated systems), with compass pouch often used for other small items.
  • Knives & Bayonets: M9 Bayonet largely phased out of active combat use but retained for ceremonial/training. Modern multi-tools (Leatherman MUT, Gerber, SOG) and fixed-blade knives (e.g., Ontario or ESEE models) issued more widely, especially for breachers, engineers, and special operations. Bayonet lugs still present on rifles but rarely used in combat.
  • Lashing Straps: Modern low-profile 1" webbing with quick-adjust buckles, shock cord, and daisy chains for flexible external lashing on rucks and vehicles.
  • Pack Frames: Improved internal frames with better ergonomics and ventilation. Many modern rucks use lightweight composite or plastic frames optimized for wear over body armor. External frame options largely phased out in favor of integrated internal designs.
  • Rucksacks: The Medium Ruck (and variants). A 60-liter pack designed to bridge the gap between an assault pack and a heavy rucksack, optimized for use over body armor. Multiple external lashing points.
  • Field Packs: Deployment duffels and bags have largely standardized to Coyote Brown. Smaller assault packs often customized per role (e.g., extra grenade storage for grenadiers).
  • Sleep Systems: Improved Modular Sleep System (IMSS) and later generations (lighter synthetic fills, better bivy materials, and enhanced compression sacks). Some units transitioned to even lighter commercial-off-the-shelf or ECWCS Gen 3 equivalents. Often stored in dedicated internal compartments or lashed to the top/lid of the ruck using modern lashing straps. Emphasis on packability and quick deployment.