Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1086092
difference between manufacturers. Last FPLIF contract was awarded 13 November 2008 (SPM1C-07-D-1560). IIFS-style gear and common mistakes in the past The buttpack in Woodland camouflage is very often classified as a part of IIFS. Even the buttpacks were removed from inventory in 1960s and 1970s, they were still being manufactured as Training Packs. Since 1968 there was MIL-SPEC for nylon buttpack (8465-00-935-6825) and some of these were manufactured for USMC as M1967 and since 1978 as Field Pack, Training for US Army. The nylon buttpack in the first version was manufactured until 1994. Since SPO100-97-C-5012 contract awarded 1st December 1996, the specs were changed. The NSN remained same, but the CG483 nylon duck was replaced with 8 oz. Woodland Cordura. Packs were expanded in the top part (up to 25x20x15 cm). The rubberized storm flap was replaced with the same coated nylon as the one used in poncho and the adjustable cinch was added. The buttpack features 2-1/4" webbing on the back and the sides to attach pack to the belt and for additional pockets on the sides. There are two long webbing straps around the bag which have multiple use: closure, compression, poncho or poncho liner attachment. Last batch was manufactured under SPO100-04-D-4232 contract from 19 Aprli 2005. This piece was never included in the IIFS and its manufacturing was launched couple years after IIFS was already in service. In 1990s couple of vests similar to VTLB were developed (not including commercial variants in multiple colors). One of the examples is Vest, Load Bearing (8415-01-440- 9528) which close to VTLB but features no fixed pockets. Instead of pockets it has slanted rows of 2-1/4" ALICE webbing on each of front panels, metal D-rings on the back panel, fixed belt loops and front panels are connected with back panel with two straps instead of cord. This vest was developed for Marine Corps Force Recon Units as a part of STABO harness replacement, the SPIES (Special/ Patrol Insertion Extraction System, 8415-01-433-9176). There were few different pouches and other items for the SPIES developed. The system was used to infil or exfil recon teams under the helicopter and the vest had to be reinforced, that's the reason for simplification. One of the common mistakes is repeated rumor about LC-2 canteen covers in Woodland camouflage. First and only time such information appeared was the Gordon Rottman's "US Army Combat Equipment 1910-1988" book by Osprey Publishing. After years, the author confessed that this information wasn't based on facts but on some unclear photo. In late 1980s and early 1990s such covers were indeed commercially manufactured by S&S Garment and the one seen could be a private purchased one. Another mistake is branding LC-2 belt with black Fastex buckle as LC-3 or IIFS. It was never a part of IIFS system. The buckle was changed when it appeared that black Fastex works better than grey QR buckle and that's the reason why the specs were changed. The adjustment of LC-2 belt was criticized by many solders, so it was changed too. All kind of ALICE belts were used with VTLB. We are not sure why FPLIF packs are called CFP-90. Such name never appears in the R&D documents, manuals nor contract awards. IN USE The VTLB and FPLIF manufacturing was launched in 1991. For the first contract over a 1M units of vests were manufactured. The total number could be around 10.5M. The number manufactured should be enough for all GI's who required them. Initial plan for IIFS was to completely replace ALICE, but it had never happened. The reasons were multiple: deliveries, unit regulations and the fact that the IIFS wasn't a revolution as it changed just some of the equipment. IIFS offered better weight distribution, comfort and capabilities but you could never get rid of ALICE as still components were shared. For some soldiers, like SAW gunners, the new vest was completely useless. In some units, the new equipment was issued but soldiers quickly turned them back to CIF and were using ALICE harness. EQUIPMENT