Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1086092
from double layer of Cordura and the flap is single layer. On the bottom of each pocket there is a brass drainage hole. Top (or external pockets) are designed for double M16 30rd magazine and the internal ones are for single magazine. Both have snap and Velcro closure. The small pockets on the bottom are for M67 frag grenades. There is a webbing strap to secure the grenade spoon. These are closed with snap only. Every pocket features a webbing strap on the outside for easier opening. Each of the panels has four Velcro and snaps tabs for main belt attachment. The back panel has rectangular shape and was made from two layers of fabric. Two back vertical straps are sewn to this panel. On the outside there is a horizontal 2-1/4 MIL-W-4088 T/8C nylon webbing straps for ALICE equipment parts. There are two plastic D-rings for buttpack, MBC carrier or patrol pack attachment. There are two belt attachment tabs. Back panel is connected with front panels with 550 cord with cord-lock. Front panels are connected with two buckles with straps. Belt is not required for use, but it is only way to attach additional canteens, bayonet or ALICE-compatible pouches. The belt attachment tabs make the belt adjustment not so easy and setting up a kit might be frustrating. The shoulder harness is one-piece. Each of shoulder strap is about 120 mm wide and 350 mm long. They are wider on front and narrower on the back. Straps are padded for comfort and on the outside, they are made from Cordura fabric. Bottom is slick and, on the top,, there is webbing strap. Each shoulder strap features non-slip buckle for height adjustment, but there is no part to secure the excess of the webbing (in ALICE harness there were elastic webbing loops). Usual solution was the duct tape. Suspenders are connected just behind the neck with two layers of 2-1/4" webbing, sewn interweaved to create three ALICE clip slots and two wider slots on the shoulders. On the front of each shoulder pads there is another strap of 2-1/4" webbing with three ALICE clips slots. Usually, ALICE compass case with first aid dressing was attached on the left. Each of vest's shoulder strap features also a horizontal webbing strap with snap used to stabilize shoulder straps of FPLIF or patrol pack. The permanent attachment of patrol pack to the vest was not recommended. First contract for VTLB was awarded 1st June 1991 (DLA100-91-C-0419). Another run was SPO100- 94-C-0321 but since 1995 the new version as Vest, Enhanced, Tactical Load Bearing was produced under same contract. The total number of the first generation of the vest from the first contract is approx. 1 million units. The exact date of vest design remains unknown. Vest, Enhanced, Tactical Load Bearing NSN: 8415-01-296-8878 After a full-scale adoption of IIFS, two problems were reported. Vest was too hot for high temperatures and the vertically sewn magazine pockets were not ergonomic. Reaching magazine, especially in prone position was almost impossible. In the earlier load bearing systems, during crawling most of the soldiers unbuckled the belt and moved the pouches to the sides of the body, so they could reach the magazine pocket. What's more, the vest was rated as not rugged enough. The magazine pockets weren't as stiff and durable as in reinforced ALICE pouches. Old pouches allowed for easier draw too. The vest for re-designed. The main Cordura fabric was replaced with polyester mesh. The magazine pockets were slanted and moved to the sides and bottom. Because they couldn't be sewn directly to the mesh, a layer of thin nylon webbing and Cordura circles were added. The thicker and rubberized Cordura fabric was used in the magazine pockets. The bottom frag pouches received additional hook & loop fastener. The back panel fabric was replaced with two layer of mesh. The NSN remained unchanged and contracts were awarded in 1994, 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2008. The final SPM1C1- 08-C-0030 was awarded 1st July 2008. EQUIPMENT