The more important the goal of your mission, the more costly mistakes and neglect of trifles will cost you. You can hardly give a more correct and accurate example of this thesis than war. It is in a war that any little thing very quickly becomes fatal.

US soldier equipment

We understand this and, for this very reason, we have paid so much attention to not-so-significant, at first glance, elements of the equipment of an American soldier, such as uniform and camouflage. What relates to a soldier's outfit is not just a set of materials and devices created by designers to make a soldier look stylish. It is a symbiosis of materials, colors, and devices that combine the conclusions drawn over the long years of the existence of the American army. The only task of equipment was and remained the preservation of the life of an American soldier because it is our brave guys and girls who guard our democracy and the state that are the highest value.

Military experts from around the world rarely agree. But where they have an identical opinion is that the US Army is by far the strongest in existence today. This is determined not only by the quantity and quality of weapons and military equipment. Moreover, the central aspect of such an assessment is how the ordinary soldiers are provided. And, in this matter, we still have no equality.

In the last two parts of our conversation about the equipment of the US Army soldier, we focused on the most important things. We talked about all the stages of the evolution of the design of the form and the materials from which they were made. This long journey characterizes not only the current technology but also through a long journey of trial, error, and practical application on the battlefield. But also the general attitude of the command to the value of the only life of an ordinary soldier and his safety. The same statement is also true for the coloring of the uniform, which is designed to complicate the identification of a soldier on the battlefield.

All the endless funnels of the country's defense sector are aimed at only one goal: to increase the country's defense capability. And, what gives us pride and confidence is that the price for increasing the combat readiness of the army has never been the life of an ordinary soldier. After reading today's article, you will be convinced of this again.

The Sole Survivor Policy

It is unlikely that something can characterize the policy of the American state in the field of military representation of the state in the world and its attitude towards the personnel of the army, like The Sole Survivor Policy. Even if you have never heard the name of this principle, you are familiar with it. All this thanks to Steven Spielberg and his movie Save private Ryan. This delightful and inspiring story turns out to have a solid historical foundation and legislative origins.

The Sullivan brothers on board USS Juneau: Joe, Frank, Al, Matt, and George.

During World War II, The Sole Survivor Policy was the US Department of Defense's response to a personal tragedy for the Sullivan family. Five brothers from this family served on the USS Juneau and died at the same time when it was sunk. After that, the army leadership decided to neutralize the possibility of repeating such personal disasters. Since then, relatives from the same family were assigned to different military units so that the likelihood of losing everyone at one time was excluded. Moreover, if one of the brothers or close family members died, the second was sent home so that the blow to the family from the war would not be so fatal.

Why are we talking about this? Not only because we are genuinely proud of the humanism and attention that the state has shown and continues to show towards ordinary US citizens. Such concern seems even more significant and touching against the background of other states, especially the period of warfare in the mid-20th century.

For example, the USSR, which tried to wage the Cold War with the United States and keep the pace set by them in the arms race. The communists collapsed under the weight of their savagery, inhumanity, and barbarity. The most striking example of their politics and military paradigm was the price of victory in World War II. They just filled the Nazis with the corpses of their soldiers. And this trend continued until the very end of the state. The actual military talent of the same Marshal Zhukov manifested itself in the Korean campaign when he, commanding attacking North Korea and having all the trump cards in his hands, managed to lose the war. Russia continues the tradition of disdain for its soldiers and a primitive attitude towards its people.

It is the attitude towards our troops, and towards each soldier personally that forms our high-tech and advanced army. As you can see, this fact has deep historical roots. And it is confirmed by the present. Therefore, every guy or girl on the battlefield is equipped with the most up-to-date equipment that we will talk about now.

Combat Helmets

In non-combat conditions, troops use simple headgear that matches the requirements in which the unit is located. It can be panamas, caps, and hats that correlate with the primary color of the camouflage.

Now the army is undergoing modernization, during which a transition to innovative helmets IHPS (Integrated Head Protection System) is envisaged.

Night vision and thermal devices

• night vision monocular
• night vision binoculars
• night vision goggles
• night vision weapon sights

The army uses a full range of devices: monoculars, binoculars, fixed telescopes, and, of course, goggles. Each device has its pros and cons, and each is used under the right conditions. But, special attention should be paid to night vision goggles, which are often fixed on the helmet and allow the fighter to instantly switch to night vision mode, throwing them back into the working position with one movement.

Naturally, the army receives the most advanced and best examples of this optical technology. Their minimum weight and optimum ergonomics characterize them. It is the army that is the first to test unique technologies. It is after them that the devices enter the broad market.

In other conditions, each fighter has tactical goggles equipped with three types of lenses and allow not only to protect vulnerable eyes but also to act effectively in any, even the most adverse conditions. Responsible for this are lenses specialized for windy weather, sandstorms, and sun protection.

Bulletproof vest

This is the thing that is designed to protect the soldier in a pinch when the enemy's bullet has already been fired, and it remains to rely only on God's mercy and the reliability of the equipment. But, at the same time, one should not exaggerate the role of this piece of equipment. Standard body armor does not protect against all possible calibers and types of weapons.

The bulletproof vest of a fighter of the US Army often consists of several parts. In addition to the central part that covers the chest has removable elements that cover the neck, limbs, and groin area. The first versions, reminiscent of today's vests, appeared after the Second World War, which taught humanity a harsh lesson. First of all, this lesson concerned the fragility of human life and the need to protect it at all costs.

There is no doubt that this model is currently the best personal protective equipment for a US Army soldier. But, the main thing that pleases us is that looking back at the history of the development of body armor, we can be sure that our scientists follow modern trends and will introduce innovations in the design of armor as soon as possible.

Backpack and tactical vest

When talking about the equipment of an American soldier, it is impossible not to recall the elements that allow a soldier to store and move personal items and small parts of equipment designed to perform combat missions. As you can imagine, this equipment is essential, as it should allow you to take everything you need with you while allowing the fighter to remain mobile.

MOLLE modular combat gear is responsible for solving this challenging task in the American army. Today, second-generation MOLLE equipment is relevant for combat units. It consists of a tactical vest and a backpack.

The unloading vest is combined with a waist belt. It contains compartments for storing additional personal weapons, a tactical flashlight, a canteen, spare clips for primary weapons, pouches, offensive and flash grenades, a compact set of tools, etc. The design of these clothing items is as light and comfortable as possible, allows you to personalize the location of the equipment, and has a particular system that will enable you to remove it if necessary quickly.

USMC FILBE

The backpack accommodates oversized cargo, including an MRE food ration. In the standard outfit of a soldier, everything is placed in the backpack, including clothing. Depending on the objectives of the raid and the time of year, it can be packed with a removable camouflage, sports uniform, a reflective belt, extra socks, removable shoes, a poncho, an assault-pack, a raincoat, a sleeping bag, and even a notebook with a pen, and a combat tutorial. The backpack also contains a three-liter Camelback dehydration system and dry rations.

Let's take a closer look at some of the elements. For example, MSBS is a sleeping bag made of modules. It is packed in a unique bag, designed for cold and warm weather, and has a special mat to keep warm.

MSBS sleeping bag

The power supply system in the field, considered the best in the world, deserves a separate discussion. Like any other element of the equipment of an American fighter, dry rations are constantly being improved and changed. The basis for the current nutrition system remains the MRE food ration, developed in the 80s of the twentieth century. This food underwent a massive renovation in 1993 when 14 components were removed from it that was not popular with fighters. At the same time, more than 70 new products were included. At the same time, the menu was expanded, and even four options for vegetarians appeared. The weight of the solder is only less than 2 lbs. At the same time, the food has an incredible shelf life. So, within half a year, it remains completely intact, and up to three years, it has a freshness of 80 percent. The amazing facts about the diet of the typical American soldier do not end there. This topic deserves a separate, long article.

All MRE menu

The backpack and unloading equipment contains everything a fighter needs and even a little more. At the same time, their weight is a good 35 lbs.

Communication system

It is only natural that communication between units and individual fighters is essential, if not the most critical of modern warfare. Communication shortens order generation and execution time, saves lives and speeds up information transfer.

Knee pads, elbow pads, and tactical gloves

We have combined these equipment items into one item for the simple reason that they are similar in functionality and meaning. All these things are aimed at protecting the soldier's limbs and allowing him to be much more effective because they neutralize the nuances of the terrain with which to interact with the terrain.

Army boots

So we got to the most crucial topic - army boots. A thing that is responsible for how comfortable, which means how quickly and efficiently the fighter will move. You can provide the soldier with luxurious food and the best weapons, but all this will not matter if his boots are rubbed. The US Army knows this better than anyone.

During the war, all the shortcomings of the footwear, which were made of tarpaulin and leather, but were not adapted for combat, were quickly revealed. Therefore, after the Second World War, the correct conclusions were drawn. There have been several significant changes in this short period, and the shoes have evolved from a leather sole to a rubber sole. At the same time, the main priority was established: to create a versatile and reliable shoe.

WWII US army boots

As a result of practical experiments that touched on everything - from materials to types of lacing, shoes began to take on the look we were used to. Engineers not only comprehended the truth in their practice, they actively studied the experience of other countries. For example, many nuances were learned from the German troops. Beneficial were the boots used by the Nazi paratroopers.

These experiments culminated in the legendary Jungle boots, based on which Okinawa Boots were created in the 50s, which were field-tested during the Korean campaign. At the same time, the Vibram outsole was designed, which has very well proven itself in the future.

Jungle Boots will remind themselves at the beginning of the Vietnam campaign, although these were boots of a different design with Panama soles. During this time, this item of clothing acquired a cult status. In 1967, the development will lead to the appearance of the Combat model, which in 1984 will enter its second iteration.

As a result, Combat boots and Jungle boots became the basis for all subsequent US footwear. The army constantly set higher standards, and manufacturers responded with innovative solutions and materials. That is why today's shoes of a US Army soldier are not just something that they put on their feet. They are the quintessence of reliability and convenience, which has a cult status in all layers of society.

Ballistic eyewear

In addition, I would like to recall the things that protect one of the most vulnerable sense organs of a soldier - eyewear. They are designed to protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation, dust, sand, and, of course, from splinters and impacts.

There are many modifications and options for goggles, but all of them must meet the requirements of the following high standards: U.S. military standard (MIL-PRF-31013) and U.S. civilian standard (ANSI Z87.1 - 2010). In addition, they correlate with the requirements adopted in Europe - the European standard (EN166, 169, 170 & 172).

The development of this military accessory began at the end of the 19th century and continues today. Modern ballistic eyewear may include interchangeable lenses, a built-in communication headset, and other options.

Additional equipment options

We have touched upon the essential elements of the US fighter's outfit. We deliberately do not touch upon the topic of the soldier's weapons, both primary and secondary, because this topic is so ambitious that it deserves a separate text, like the history of this weapon. But, a few pieces of equipment do not fall under our classification, but we would like to talk about them.

 

But, all this will be tomorrow. Today, let's take a closer look at the details of the current equipment of a modern soldier.