List of United States Marine Corps individual equipment


This is a list of individual combat equipment issued by the United States Marine Corps. This list does not include items that are issued as Uniforms of the [United States Marine Corps|uniforms] or List of weapons of [the United States Marine Corps|weapons and ordnance].
Many items on this list have nicknames. See list of [United States Marine Corps acronyms and expressions].

Defensive

; Ballistic vests
; Combat helmets
  • The Enhanced [Combat Helmet (United States)|Enhanced Combat Helmet] is a made of high-strength polyethylene with superior ballistic protection compared to previous Kevlar helmets. The ECH is being issued to all units. Previous helmets like the LWH are being retained for training and noncombat use.
  • The Lightweight Helmet can be used with the older sling suspension or a newer pad suspension to fit the helmet to the head, as well as a nape protection system to add ballistic protection to the rear of the head.
  • The MICH TC-2000 Combat Helmet is issued to some specialized units.
  • The Enhanced Combat Vehicle Crewman’s Helmet allows the crew of AAV and LAV vehicles to communicate with less restriction on mobility and situational awareness without reducing ballistic protection.
  • Most pilots and aircrew wear a flight helmet for protection from aviation-related hazards, but typically offers little ballistic protection.
  • The Pith helmet is worn not for ballistic protection, but to identify weapons range coaches and other range personnel.
  • The Integrated Helmet System is a new hi-cut system being introduced to infantry units. The helmet was designed to support single-size components for ease of maintenance and supply logistics, with a clear upgrade and support path through its service life. The system is typically used in tandem with a Hearing Enhancement Device produced by 3M.
; Other armor
; Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense

Load-bearing & packs

  • The Family of Improved Load Bearing Equipment is the latest load bearing equipment to be issued to Marines. It replaced the previous ILBE because of incompatibility with body armour systems. The FILBE system is a solid coyote brown color. It is a modular system that allows its users to configure the system to individual/mission need. It consists of a larger framed rucksack, labeled "USMC MAIN PACK," a smaller assault-style pack, labeled "USMC ASSAULT PACK," and a three-liter CamelBak hydration carrier.
  • The standard canvas or nylon seabag, a militarized duffel bag, has been issued to service members of all branches since before World War II. However, the increase in equipment issued to an individual Marine has made containing and transporting it all in a standard seabag difficult, in addition to a tactical load-bearing pack. The deployment bag holds the same cubic footage, but rugged wheels allow it to roll much like a ruggedized version of commercial rolling luggage.
  • A rubberized waterproofing bag liner has been provided to Marines for decades as a way to protect the contents of a tactical pack from water. Newer versions have a purge valve to expel excess air to compress the sack.
  • The gunslinger pack allows a scout sniper to conceal and protect his sniper rifle within the pack while on the move.

Clothing

; Cold weather clothing
  • All Purpose Environmental Clothing System : Rather than issue the 3rd generation Extended Cold Weather Clothing System, the Marine Corps issues the APECS, consisting of a MARPAT parka and pant. The APECS is structurally almost identical to ECWCS shell jacket and trousers.
  • The Lightweight Exposure Suit offers similar capabilities.
  • The Combat Desert Jacket is a lighter suit to protect Marines from the harsh desert climate.
  • The Extreme Cold Weather Parka & Trouser offer heavy protection from cold weather, and include overboots.
  • The Snow Camouflage Uniform is a winter MARPAT overgarment to camouflage Marines and their equipment in snow.
  • Polypropylene undershirt and underdrawer, nicknamed "polypro" and officially known as "silkweight", is a mock turtleneck and trousers designed to be worn next to skin, and designed by Polartec. Flame-resistant versions are available.
  • The Grid Fleece Midweight underwear includes a pullover and pants. While the pullover is commonly issued as a warming layer in most locations, the pants are traditionally not issued unless the recipient is expected to face a cold weather environment. Flame-resistant versions are available.
  • A cap made from microfleece is given to Marines in most environments.
  • Cold weather socks and scarfs are also offered to Marines going to cold weather environments.
  • Mountain/Cold Weather Boots, later renamed Rugged All Terrain Boots, and Extreme Cold Vapor Barrier Boots are given. The overboots are insulated with an air barrier, and include a valve to allow paratroopers to jump with them, while the RAT Boot is reinforced with chemically impregnated leather for durability and stability.
;Other
  • The Flame Resistant Organizational Gear is a fire and heat protection system designed to help protect Marines from burn injuries associated with roadside bombs.
  • Units with firefighting capabilities are issued firefighting suits and breathing apparatus">Scuba set">breathing apparatus.
  • Coveralls or jumpsuits are issued to vehicle crew, mechanics, and other Marines whose duties may render other uniforms unserviceable. They can have varying degrees of fire protection, and come in green and coyote brown to match the seasonal change of utilities from woodland to desert camouflage. Pilots and aircrew typically wear flight suits and flight jackets, as well as g-suit, pressure suits, and life vests as needed.
  • Various gloves are offered by the Corps. Often, most Marines receive simply a woolen liner and leather shell, however, those who require more specialized gloves are issued them.
  • The Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform has built-in slots for knee and elbow pads, but many Marines prefer to purchase their own pads. The Commandant has authorized units to purchase knee and elbow pads for uniformity.
  • The Corps is also contracting to receive protective silk underwear in use by the British Army. While not designed for ballistic protection, the so-called "blast boxers" do provide wound mitigation to groin injuries.

Other

Historical items

The following items are obsolete and no longer issued:
; Armor
; Load-bearing equipment
; Other