Field Gear

    Standard  1'x  1'x 6" WW2 pack makes a good 1 day pack or 3 day mission
    pack. ALICE is not waterproof, so you need  internal  waterproof  bags.
    ALICE  can be used with or without a frame, however the frame holds bag
    away from bag and allows air flow between pack  and  back.  Entrenching
    tool  -  WW2 type is the strong 2 piece unit. The modern 3 peice foling
    unit breaks under heavy use. Some 2  piece  have  a  pick  for  working
    frozen soil. Good knife = the K-BAR utility knife, the Ontario same but
    with  less blade stock. Ammo belt holds everything. It's suspenders are
    attached to the magazine pouch. The pistol belt  has  3  rings  in  the
    belt.  Older  types have fabric tunnel, newer ones have slides (clips).
    Old suspenders are the H-type with 4 belts, newer ones  Y-type  with  3
    belts.  Compass  and 1st Aid kit go on either the right suspender strap
    or left front lower belt. Old poncho are heavy rubber. Newer  ones  are
    lighter but wear out quicker and transmit light, older ones can be used
    to  make light- proof "tent" for reading maps, etc on night operations.
    The WW2 GI mess kit is worthless as it is  noisy  and  will  give  your
    postion  away,  so you stuff the insides of it with your spare socks to
    make it noisefree, however remember that it reflects  light  at  night.
    the  "eLbow"  flashlight  clip WILL slip, get a lanyard. The newer ones
    have a switch guard, prevents accidental turn on during day and lose of
    battery power. You need to red lense to prevent from losing your  night
    vision.  The  M-9  gas mask you can change quickly in the field and you
    can aim your rifle with it on, canister is on left side so  forward  is
    open.  The M-17 gas mask you can't change quickly in the field and your
    can't aim your rifle with it on. The M5 jacket, newer ones have velcro,
    older ones, snaps. Field jacket hoods - older ones snap on, newer  ones
    are  in  an  inner bag. The wolf fur is the best hood. The intermediate
    liner is for above freezing. The dry/wet cold is for 0 to frezzing. The
    extreme weather is for  0  to  25  below.  Dry  clean  means  you  must
    re-waterproof.  The  Shell is for 40 degrees and up. Remember your wind
    chill thermometer. The winter gloves can button on to secure the glove.
    The Sea (C) bag has cover, strap and hook. The WW1 pack was  meant  for
    your   bedroll,   period.  Good  for  sleeping  bag  with  ground  roll
    outside/below.