Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The ACH is .5 lb. lighter than the Ground Troop and Parachutist Helmet and provides fragmentation and ballistic protection. This helmet is cut higher all around the helmet, to reduce interference with the Interceptor Body Armor and MOLLE Rucksack. It also allows for greater mobility, especially in the low-crawl position, and allows for greater hearing ability. Comfort is improved due in part to the lighter weight, as well as the padded suspension system making the helmet more stable.

Also known as the Personal Armor System for Ground Troops, the PASGT Helmet provides ballistic protection against fragmenting munitions. It has a small visor and contains a cradle suspension system. Additional components are available to improve impact protection between the helmet shell and head as well as parachutist retention straps to ensure the helmet does not roll forward off the head during airborne operations.

The Soldier Intercom is a handheld-type VHS short range two-way radio with whisper headset intended for squad members to enhance verbal and non-verbal communications during night, urban or heavily wooded operations when lines of visibility are obstructed. The system also includes a carrying case and support components to program up to 32 channels and perform battery charging and life expectancy maintenance.

The Tubular Hydration System integrates in the MOLLE Rucksack/Assault Pack and allows for hands-free, on-the-move hydration. The water pouch can hold up to 70 ounces.

The Interceptor Body Armor is a combination of an Outer Tactical Vest and ceramic Small Arms Protective Insert plates. The Outer Tactical Vest stops fragmentation, as well as handgun rounds. The front and back ceramic plates are able to stop multiple rifle rounds.

The MOLLE vest is a modular system consisting of a load carrying vest, multiple packs and pouches that can be configured and tailored to suit the user's need and mission requirements. It includes a Tubular Hydration System and is compatible with Interceptor Body Armor. The front of the vest contains webbing that allows for ammunition, first aid, canteen, grenade and radio pouches to be attached to it. This same webbing is found on the front of the Interceptor Body Armor. Therefore, if the MOLLE is not needed during certain missions, Soldiers can transfer their pouches to the Interceptor Body Armor. The Main rucksack, Assault Pack, Combat Butt Pack and NBC Equipment bag have the same lacing system to allow “plug and play" attachment of any of the pockets and pouches.

Nomex Flyer's Gloves are snug fitting thin gloves constructed of flame resistant Nomex and leather to provide outstanding tactility and flash fire protection and basic anti-contact/temperate environmental protection.

The Knee and Elbow Pads are a Commercial Off-the-Shelf Technology that the Army has procured to compliment their fielded equipment items. These allow for elbow and knee joint protection when Soldiers are crawling on the ground, or dropping to the ground.

The Desert BDU is a 3-color pattern of tan, brown and sage jacket and trousers. This type of pattern makes it harder for the enemy to detect the outline of the Soldier among his surroundings day or night. Permethrim insect protection is impregnated in the fabric to reduce the occurrences of insect bites.

The Desert Combat Boots were designed during the first Gulf War. They are a tan variant of the black Enhanced Hot Weather (jungle) Boot with a 100% rubber sole for comfort on soft sand and hot weather construction for ventilation. The DCB is extremely effective in hot sandy environments.

The AF Desert Flyer's Boots are a tan version of the recently adopted black Infantry Combat Boot. They have a waterproof breathable liner and composite sole construction for impact protection and durability against more rugged terrain. The AF DFB is significantly more suitable to high mountainous desert and lower temperatures.