Military Gear

the complete set of things necessary for carrying hand arms, ammunition, personal protection equipment, entrenching tools, provisions, water, and so on. The design and composition of the military gear depend on the development of the weaponry, tactics, and technical equipment of the troops.

In the armed forces of the USSR the complete set of military gear for sergeants and soldiers in motorized rifle units consists of a belt; a shoulder strap; pouches for grenades and for submachine-gun magazines; cases for a canteen, small shovel, oilcan, and protective stockings and gloves, and a knapsack, which holds a poncho and helmet when they are not in use, spare foot cloths, a mess tin, a mug, and provisions. In the pocket of the knapsack are kept toilet articles, a towel, a spoon, and personal articles. Combat and transport vehicles, as a rule, are used to transport and store the knapsacks.

Military gear for enlisted men in other combat arms and military specialties differs mainly in the items designated for carrying ammunition appropriate to the assigned types of weapons. Military gear for officers includes a belt and shoulder strap, a map pouch, and a pistol holster.