Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1086092
Experimental 1986 Adventure Specialist VTLB with improved patrol pack attachment system. SPIES (Special/Patrol Insertion Extraction System) load-carrying vest/harness. Similar idea to the IIFS TLBV but never a part of the system. focus more dedicated burden Labs by load Integrated Individual Fighting System is one of the most underrated individual equipment of US Army and US Marine Corps. It is relatively new and some of its parts are still in the service. First articles about the IIFS appeared in the early 2000s, but these stories, merged with fairy-tales of Wikipedia and surplus traders, can create chaos about what was included in the system, what were the names and where it was used. The IIFS is out of production now, frontline units are using totally different gear (IIFS vests could be seen during Basic Training few year backs) and it seems that it is a good timing to write a story about it. According to "Use and care of the Integrated Individual Fighting System" manual from 5th August 1991, the IIFS consisted of four main parts divided into following components: LOAD BEARING COMPONENT Tactical Load Bearing Vest (TLBV) labelled often as Vest, Tactical, Load Bearing (VTLB) 40 MM Grenade Vest labelled Vest, Grenade Carrier (40 mm) Field Pack Large with Integral Frame (FPLIF) Extreme Cold Weather Sleeping System (ECWSS). EQUIPMENT