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Personal Load Carrying Equipment (PLCE) is one of several tactical
webbing
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systems of the
British Armed Forces.
Dependent upon the year of design, and the
decade
A decade () is a period of ten years. Decades may describe any ten-year period, such as those of a person's life, or refer to specific groupings of calendar years.
Usage
Any period of ten years is a "decade". For example, the statement that "du ...
of introduction, the webbing system was named and is commonly referred to as the ''85 Pattern'', the ''90 Pattern'' or the ''95 Pattern'' webbing.
The basic configuration consists of a belt, a shoulder harness and a number of pouches. Associated with the PLCE webbing system is a series of other similar load carrying equipment, individual items and rucksacks that are produced of the same materials and which are compatible.
Purpose
The purpose of the PLCE webbing system is to retain the means by which a British soldier may operate for 48 hours or conduct a mission-specific task. Items and components may include a variety of munitions and weapon ancillaries, a three-fold
entrenching tool
An entrenching tool (U.K.), intrenching tool (U.S.), E-tool, or trenching tool is a digging tool used by military forces for a variety of military purposes. Survivalists, campers, hikers and other outdoors groups have found it to be indispensabl ...
, a
bayonet, food and water (including a means to heat water and prepare food),
Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear ''(CBRN)'' protective clothing and communications equipment. Soldiers often carry other personal items such as waterproof clothing and spare socks.
History
The PLCE webbing system replaced the
58 Pattern webbing, which was
Olive drab
Olive is a dark yellowish-green color, like that of unripe or green olives.
As a color word in the English language, it appears in late Middle English. Shaded toward gray, it becomes olive drab.
Variations
Olivine
Olivine is the typica ...
(OD/OG) in colour and made of
canvas.
This system, after having been introduced to the forces in 1960 and considered long obsolete by 1980, was still part of the standard issue equipment of the
British Armed Forces during the
Falklands War in 1982.
To overcome the common problems with canvas materials, such as shrinking and accelerated decomposition in damp climate conditions, arctic climate conditions or constant exposure to wet terrain, military load bearing systems, outside of the range of use by the British Armed Forces, had been revised to incorporate or be produced of newer and tougher synthetic materials.
During the
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War (also known by other names) was a conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. It was the second of the Indochina Wars and was officially fought between North Vietnam a ...
, the
United States Armed Forces
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. The armed forces consists of six service branches: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. The president of the United States is ...
had introduced and serviced the M-1967
Modernized Load-Carrying Equipment
Modernized Load-Carrying Equipment, also known as M-1967 Modernized Load-Carrying Equipment or MLCE, was introduced into United States Army service in 1968 during the Vietnam War. The M-1967 MLCE was not specifically designed to replace the canva ...
(MLCE) in 1968 and later the
All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment
The All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment (ALICE) is a set of load-carrying equipment adopted as United States Army Standard A on 17 January 1973 to replace the M-1956 Individual Load-Carrying Equipment (ILCE) and M-1967 Mo ...
(ALICE) in 1974. Both systems had incorporated non-decomposing synthetic fabrics and were produced of highly durable
nylon
Nylon is a generic designation for a family of synthetic polymers composed of polyamides ( repeating units linked by amide links).The polyamides may be aliphatic or semi-aromatic.
Nylon is a silk-like thermoplastic, generally made from pe ...
.
Following this influential lead and reconsidering the progression and renewal of military load bearing systems around the world, Britain developed
72 Pattern webbing, which mainly consisted of two ammunition pouches, to be worn on the front and a field pack, to be worn on the back, made of
Polyurethane
Polyurethane (; often abbreviated PUR and PU) refers to a class of polymers composed of organic units joined by carbamate (urethane) links. In contrast to other common polymers such as polyethylene and polystyrene, polyurethane is produced from ...
-coated nylon and
Butyl rubber
Butyl rubber, sometimes just called "butyl", is a synthetic rubber, a copolymer of isobutylene with isoprene. The abbreviation IIR stands for isobutylene isoprene rubber. Polyisobutylene, also known as "PIB" or polyisobutene, (C4H8)n, is the ho ...
. This system was never generally issued but was a Troop Trials Equipment.
The
National People's Army
The National People's Army (german: Nationale Volksarmee, ; NVA ) were the armed forces of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) from 1956 to 1990.
The NVA was organized into four branches: the (Ground Forces), the (Navy), the (Air Force) a ...
(''Nationale Volksarmee'') of the
German Democratic Republic
German(s) may refer to:
* Germany (of or related to)
** Germania (historical use)
* Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language
** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law
**G ...
designed and introduced the
''Uniformtrageversuch'' 85–90 (UTV 85–90), resembling, with the exception of the clothing system, a modified duplicate of the British Type
58 Pattern webbing, inheriting very similar features in appearance and function. The shoulder harness was of identical design, the belt had featured the use of identical buckles and 58 Pattern C-hooks had been incorporated in all components. Complementary items, such as pouches, had been changed in design and size, to meet
Warsaw Pact
The Warsaw Pact (WP) or Treaty of Warsaw, formally the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, was a collective defense treaty signed in Warsaw, Poland, between the Soviet Union and seven other Eastern Bloc socialist repub ...
requirements. The webbing system and components were produced of more robust
Nylon
Nylon is a generic designation for a family of synthetic polymers composed of polyamides ( repeating units linked by amide links).The polyamides may be aliphatic or semi-aromatic.
Nylon is a silk-like thermoplastic, generally made from pe ...
and featured the
Strichtarn camouflage pattern. Whilst this late improvement was observed by the British Armed Forces and being found to be an affront, especially against the
British Army of the Rhine
There have been two formations named British Army of the Rhine (BAOR). Both were originally occupation forces in Germany, one after the First World War and the other after the Second World War. Both formations had areas of responsibility located ...
(BAOR), no further considerations have been made, as the testing of prototypic PLCE equipment was already underway.
Patterns
85 Pattern
Developments resumed with the progression of the firearms development and introduction of the
SA80
The SA80 (Small Arms for the 1980s) is a British family of 5.56×45mm NATO service weapons used by the British Army. The L85 Rifle variant has been the standard issue service rifle of the British Armed Forces since 1987, replacing the L1A1 Se ...
family of British small arms. Trials of experimental PLCE webbing and
Combat Body Armour (CBA) were conducted with selected units in 1984 and 1985. Being very similar to the first standard issue PLCE webbing system, it used snaps of proprietary design for closure on all pouches.
90 Pattern
Seven years after the
Falklands War, the first standard issue PLCE webbing was introduced in 1989 as the ''90 Pattern'' webbing and was
Olive (OD/OG) in colour.
The original components used Type
58 Pattern C-hooks for the belt attachment, and angled D-rings for the shoulder harness attachment on the ammunition pouches. There were separate left and right pouches. The first utility pouches in production had additional belt attachments for high mounting, similar to the ammunition pouches of the
1937 Pattern Web Equipment
1937 Pattern Web Equipment (also known as '37 Webbing') was an item of military load-carrying equipment. It replaced the 1908 Pattern and 1925 Pattern—on which it was based—and was standard issue for British and Commonwealth troops from its in ...
or
44 Pattern. Later produced PLCE webbing of the 90 Pattern incorporates ambidextrous yoke fittings and the standard PLCE webbing belt attachments (see below).
The PLCE webbing system was also adopted by the
Danish Defence Forces (''Forsvaret'') in the
M84 camouflage pattern
The M/84 camouflage pattern ( da, M/84 Pletsløring, lit=M/84 spot camouflage), is the former camouflage pattern of the Danish military. The M/84 is a derivative of the '' Flecktarn B'' pattern produced by the German firm Marquardt & Schulz. Usi ...
and by the
Defence Forces of Ireland (''Óglaigh na hÉireann'') in Olive drab. The Permanent and Reserve Defence Forces now employ the
Integrated Protection and Load Carrying System (IPLCS).
Many other countries still issue or have issued similar load bearing systems. By way of example, in its year of introduction to the forces, the
United States Armed Forces
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. The armed forces consists of six service branches: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. The president of the United States is ...
have adopted the
Individual Integrated Fighting System
The IIFS (''Individual Integrated Fighting System'') was introduced in 1988, to serve as a fighting (arms, ammunition etc) and existence (food, first aid, etc) carrying system - a possible replacement for the All-Purpose Lightweight Individual ...
(IIFS).
The newest variant of the PLCE webbing system, of the 90 Pattern, has been in production since 1992 and has the
Disruptive Pattern Material
Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM) is the commonly used name of a camouflage pattern used by the British Armed Forces as well as many other armed forces worldwide, particularly in former British colonies.
The main variants of DPM are a four-colo ...
(DPM) camouflage pattern of the partially obsolete
Combat Soldier 95 ("Soldier 95") clothing system.
The official name remained unchanged.
95 Pattern
With the introduction of the
Combat Soldier 95 (CS95 or "Soldier 95") clothing system in 1995, the common misconception arose that a complete revision of the 90 Pattern PLCE webbing system was taking place. The clothing system underwent final development and entered troop trials in between 1992 and 1995. Garments were manufactured for the trials, yet the PLCE webbing system issued, officially remained of the 90 Pattern. Due to confusion, or for the sake of convenience, individual components of the webbing system, were by 1995, unofficially named, described and specified as the Type 95 Pattern webbing, as having been widely understood to be part of the Combat Soldier 95 clothing system. No official name change had taken place. The only array of PLCE components that could be considered of the unofficial 95 Pattern, are those components produced during or after that year.
Construction
The PLCE webbing system is produced from double-layered 1,000
Denier internally rubberised
Cordura
Cordura is a collection of synthetic fiber-based fabric technologies used in a wide array of products including luggage, backpacks, trousers, military wear and performance apparel.
Originally developed and registered as a trademark by E.I. ...
Nylon
Nylon is a generic designation for a family of synthetic polymers composed of polyamides ( repeating units linked by amide links).The polyamides may be aliphatic or semi-aromatic.
Nylon is a silk-like thermoplastic, generally made from pe ...
, a long lasting and hard wearing fabric.
Olive webbing of the same material ("1000 D") is being incorporated, along with a variety of hard wearing plastic fasteners
(ITW Nexus),
Hook and loop fastener
Hook-and-loop fasteners, hook-and-pile fasteners or touch fasteners (often referred to by the genericized trademark velcro, due to the prominence of the Velcro Brand) consist of two components: typically, two lineal fabric strips (or, alterna ...
s (
Velcro
Velcro, officially known as Velcro IP Holdings LLC and trading as Velcro Companies, is a British privately held company, founded by Swiss electrical engineer George de Mestral in the 1950s. It is the original manufacturer of hook-and-loop fast ...
) and anti-magnetic press stud fasteners ("Pull the Dot").
The pouches are opened and closed with Spanish Tab fasteners, they can be closed in two ways, quick release or secure. Small sections of
Velcro
Velcro, officially known as Velcro IP Holdings LLC and trading as Velcro Companies, is a British privately held company, founded by Swiss electrical engineer George de Mestral in the 1950s. It is the original manufacturer of hook-and-loop fast ...
, sewn on the inside of the lids of the pouches and the top front section of the pouches, allow for easy and effortless fastening. Added silencer strips allow them to be covered when not needed.
A standard ammunition pouch as issued ("Pouch, Ammunition, Universal, DPM, IRR") has two pockets; single pocket versions ("Pouch, Ammunition (Other Arms), DPM, IRR") are available for those not required to carry as much ammunition. Pouches designated to hold ammunition initially contained a dividing strip to hold two magazines in separate compartments and eliminate rattle. Some soldiers, especially infantry soldiers, often removed these dividing strips to make it easier to insert and remove magazines. They also found that three magazines would then fit comfortably and without excessive noise, giving a total capacity of twelve magazines per person in a standard fighting configuration. Later issue ammunition pouches were manufactured without dividers, as eight magazines was not thought to be sufficient for sustained firefights. Without dividers, each pouch can alternatively contain one grenade.
Infrared reflective (IRR) coating and dyes are incorporated in all fabric and webbing of the PLCE webbing system, which replicates the near-infrared reflectance of natural foliage. For example, green foliage is highly reflective to near-infrared light and thus appears white when viewed through IR optics (or bright green through night vision). The IRR camouflage pattern therefore works correctly when viewed through infrared
night vision optics just as it does in visible light. Non-IRR fabric would appear as a solid colour dependent on its reflectance and the camouflage pattern would be lost.
Order of dress
The Infantry Trials and Development Unit (ITDU), based in
Warminster
Warminster () is an ancient market town with a nearby garrison, and Civil parishes in England, civil parish in south west Wiltshire, England, on the western edge of Salisbury Plain. The parish had a population of about 17,000 in 2011. The 11th-c ...
, conducted trials with the PLCE webbing system. It had decided for the system to be fit for purpose, and divided the system into three orders of dress:
* Assault Order.
The Assault Order consists of the essentials needed to conduct a military task in the theatre of war. Ammunition, the water bottle, the entrenching tool, the bayonet, the helmet, and
CBRN
Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence (CBRN defence) are protective measures taken in situations in which chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear warfare (including terrorism) hazards may be present. CBRN defence consi ...
(Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) protective clothing (stowed in one of the detachable side pouches of the rucksack) is to be carried on operations and patrols of only short duration.
* Combat Order.
The Combat Order is the Assault Order in addition to the means of stowage for rations and personal equipment, that enable the British soldier to live and fight for a period of 24 hours. The second side pouch of the rucksack is now carried. In practice, the patrol packs are used by many units and individual soldiers instead of the side pouches, as they are to be found larger in size and more convenient.
* Marching Order.
The Marching Order is the Combat Order in addition to the carrying of the rucksack (
Bergen
Bergen (), historically Bjørgvin, is a city and municipality in Vestland county on the west coast of Norway. , its population is roughly 285,900. Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway. The municipality covers and is on the peninsula o ...
) and is the fighting load required for operations of up to the duration of two weeks, without means of resupply, except for ammunition, rations and water. The complete Bergen (with side pouches attached) is being carried.
Configuration
The initial basis of the PLCE webbing system is the belt; it features two D-rings at the back to attach to the shoulder harness, and many rows of narrow vertical slots sewn into the fabric. Two or more front pouches (ammunition or utility) attach to the belt; these have belt loops and feature T-Bar plastic tab attachments to provide more stability and security when connected to the belt. Every major component of the PLCE webbing system features two T-Bar plastic tab attachments.
The six-point shoulder harness attaches to the two D-rings on the belt and the two A-rings on each front pouch chosen. This benefits the distribution of weight and allows for a more comfortable carry, than provided with the use of a four-point shoulder harness. Pouches that are to be worn on the back (field pack, utility, water bottle, respirator, wire cutter, entrenching tool) attach to the belt using the same loop and tab system.
The detachable side pouches of a Bergen (''Pouch, Side, Rucksack, DPM, IRR'') can be attached to the dedicated shoulder harness (''Yoke, Pouch Side, Rucksack, DPM, IRR'') to construct a day-sack.
Scaling
In 1997, the
Defence Clothing & Textile Agency (''DCTA'') had decided that Type ''90 Pattern (Infantry)'' equipment was to be scaled and issued in the following capacity.
* 01. ''1x Carrier, Entrenching Tool.''
* 02. ''2x Pouch Side, Rucksack.''
* 03. ''1x Carrier, Water Canteen.''
* 04. ''2x Pouch, Ammunition, Universal.''
* 05. ''1x Pouch, Utility.''
* 06. ''1x Haversack, Respirator.''
* 07. ''1x Yoke, Main.''
* 08. ''1x Yoke, Pouch Side, Rucksack.''
* 09. ''2x Strap, Pouch Side, Yoke.''
* 10. ''1x Belt, Waist (of appropriate size).''
* 11. ''2x Strap, Utility, O/D, IRR.''
* 12. ''1x Bayonet, Frog, DPM, IRR.''
* 13. ''1x Rucksack (Infantry) (of appropriate size).''
* 14. ''1x Bag, Insertion, Rucksack.''
* 15. ''2x Bag, Insertion, Pouch, Side, Rucksack.''
* 16. ''1x Bag, Transparent, PLCE, Rucksack.''
* 17. ''2x Bag, Transparent, PLCE, Pouch, Side, Rucksack.''
The standard issue accoutrement today, dependent upon the branch of service, was changed to the capacity of two front pouches (''Pouch, Ammunition, Universal, DPM, IRR'') instead of one. To this, privately purchased water bottle or utility pouches and hip pads are often added. The entrenching tool pouch (''Carrier, Entrenching Tool Case, DPM, IRR'') is sometimes used as an alternative water bottle pouch.
Multi Terrain Pattern (MTP) PLCE is replacing all Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM) PLCE as the core issued webbing equipment for the British Armed Forces, this program started in 2015.
Components
The following example of individual components, are all current issue items of the
British Armed Forces, however many Commercial variants are available.
* Webbing:
** Yoke, Main, DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-132-1560** Belt, Waist, Small, OD, IRR.
SN 8465-99-132-1563** Strap, Utility, OD, IRR.
SN 8465-99-132-1566** Strap, Waist, O/A.
SN 8465-99-730-2314(OD)
** Pad, Hip Protection, DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-869-0392** Pouch, Ammunition, Universal, DPM, IRR.
465-99-132-1557** Pouch, Ammunition (Other Arms), DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-978-5367** Pouch, Utility, DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-132-1558** Pouch, Radio, DPM, IRR, N.I.
SN 8465-99-978-7651** Haversack, Respirator, DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-132-1559** Carrier, Water Canteen, DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-132-1556** Carrier, Entrenching Tool Case, DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-132-1554** Frog, Bayonet, DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-132-1567** Frog, Bayonet, IRR.
SN 8465-99-011-2306(OD)
** Sheath, Jungle Knife, DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-341-8350** Sheath, Machete, DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-495-9250** Holster, Pistol (Other Arms), DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-978-5365** Holster, O/A, R/H, DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-306-0049** Harness, Holster, Other Arms, DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-978-5366** Bag, Ammunition.
SN 8465-99-679-8281(''Manufactured to hold 200 rounds of ammunition for the
FN Minimi
The FN Minimi (short for french: Mini Mitrailleuse; "mini machine gun") is a Belgian 5.56mm light machine gun/squad automatic weapon developed by Ernest Vervier for FN Herstal. First introduced in the late 1970s, it is now in service in more tha ...
light machine gun.'')
** Yoke, Pouch Side, Rucksack, DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-132-1561* Ancillaries:
** Plain Other Arms Scabbard for Bayonet (fits inside frog)
** SA80 Infantry Scabbard for Bayonet with Sharpening Stone and Saw/Wire Cutters (fits inside frog)
* Auxiliaries:
** Harness Panel, Drop Leg, Desert DPM.
SN 8465-99-562-6399** Holster, Pistol, L/H.
SN 1095-99-869-2071(''BLK'')
** Water Bottle Pouch.
SN 8415-99-461-4942(''DDPM'')
** Pouch, Knife/Torch.
SN 8415-99-461-4936(''DDPM'')
** Individual Hydration System.
SN 8465-99-842-7034(''DPM'') (''Camelbak Products, LLC'')
** Individual Hydration System.
SN 8465-99-687-2284(''DDPM'') (''Camelbak Products, LLC'')
** Field Pack.
SN 4240-99-800-9601(''DDPM'')
** Field Pack.
SN 8465-99-434-6734(''MTP'')
* Tactical Equipment:
** Chest Webbing, DPM, IRR, N.I.
SN 8465-99-978-7650(''Chest Rig with three ammunition pouches, two utility pouches and a map pocket.'')
** Pouch, Rifle Grenade, G.S., DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-616-7708(''Now technically obsolete, with the adoption of the SA80 with
UGL.'')
** Bandolier, G.P., DPM, IRR.
SN 1305-99-701-8285** Underslung Grenade Launcher (UGL) Bandolier.
SN 1310-99-246-1848** 11 Round 40mm Grenade, Bandolier, Woodland DPM.
SN 1305-99-371-1332(''BCB International Limited'')
** Waistcoat, Mans, General Purpose Ops.
SN 8405-99-527-1800(''All Arms Waistcoat with two ammunition pouches, four utility pouches, two general purpose pouches and two pockets.'')
* Medical Equipment:
** Pack Medical, Battlefield Ambulance, DPM, IRR.
SN 6545-99-131-3964** Pouch Medical, DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-978-4567(''First-Aid Trauma Pack'')
** Pouch Medical, Side Rucksack, DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-130-9326* Rucksacks:
** Patrol Pack, 30
Litre
The litre (international spelling) or liter (American English spelling) (SI symbols L and l, other symbol used: ℓ) is a metric unit of volume. It is equal to 1 cubic decimetre (dm3), 1000 cubic centimetres (cm3) or 0.001 cubic metre (m3 ...
, DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-869-3875** Rucksack and Frame, (INF) Long Convoluted Back, DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-978-9220(''Bergen'') (''
Rucksack
A backpack—also called knapsack, schoolbag, rucksack, rucksac, pack, sackpack, booksack, bookbag or backsack—is, in its simplest frameless form, a fabric sack carried on one's back and secured with two straps that go over the shoulders ...
, Infantry, or All Arms in later manufacture.) (100
Litres
The litre (international spelling) or liter (American English spelling) (SI symbols L and l, other symbol used: ℓ) is a metric unit of volume. It is equal to 1 cubic decimetre (dm3), 1000 cubic centimetres (cm3) or 0.001 cubic metre (m3). ...
'')
** Rucksack and Frame, (INF) Short Convoluted Back, DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-978-9221(''Bergen'')
** Pouch, Side, Rucksack, DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-132-1555** Rucksack and Frame, (INF) Long Convoluted Back, MTP, IRR.
SN 8465-99-361-7307(''Bergen'')
** Rucksack, Radio Carrier, DPM, IRR.
SN 5820-99-869-211(''Allows comfortable carry of Model 320, 350, 351, 352 and Cougar radios.'')
** Rucksack, Other Arms, DPM, IRR.
SN 8465-99-978-5364(''A smaller Bergen with holdall-style carrying handles and pack-away shoulder straps, designed to be carried in vehicles.'')
** Field Pack, Air Support Back, DPM, IRR.
SN 8485-99-380-6492(''Large rucksack with 6 external pouches on the rear, and provision for an extra side pouch to be attached across the top. This item has been issued to some
SF,
Pathfinder
Pathfinder may refer to:
Businesses
* Pathfinder Energy Services, a division of Smith International
* Pathfinder Press, a publisher of socialist literature
Computing and information science
* Path Finder, a Macintosh file browser
* Pathfinder ( ...
and
STA Patrol Troops of the
British Armed Forces.'')
Assault vest
![Doctor who convention (6868814538)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/Doctor_who_convention_%286868814538%29.jpg)
A new standard issue piece of equipment (''Waistcoat, Mans, General Purpose Ops.'') that was designed for carrying essential items on a more secure platform than the original webbing system.
This consists of a typical
waistcoat
A waistcoat ( UK and Commonwealth, or ; colloquially called a weskit), or vest ( US and Canada), is a sleeveless upper-body garment. It is usually worn over a dress shirt and necktie and below a coat as a part of most men's formal wear. ...
design, fastened with three
ITW Nexus clips. Two triple ammunition pouches are situated on the left hand side of the coat, along with a utility pouch, small utility pouch and a zippered pocket with an internal holster. The right side is similar but with three large utility pouches, along with a small utility pouch and again a zippered pocket with notepad holder. All pouches open and close with
ITW Nexus clips as well as having storm seals.
The vest is adjusted through four ladderlock fasteners and webbing, the shoulders are adjustable with
Velcro
Velcro, officially known as Velcro IP Holdings LLC and trading as Velcro Companies, is a British privately held company, founded by Swiss electrical engineer George de Mestral in the 1950s. It is the original manufacturer of hook-and-loop fast ...
material. The concept is to gain a secure load carrying system that fits over body armour comfortably. There are various types of this vest depending upon the year of manufacture. The originals are as described above but newer models have loops on the left side for the bayonet frog, clips for a large hydration pouch, name patches on the left side, and a small utility pouch. Most recently, the Spanish tab fasteners are being incorporated again, instead of the
ITW Nexus clips.
The standard issue assault vest, depending on the operational requirements, is available in either the
Disruptive Pattern Material (''DPM'') camouflage pattern, or the
Desert DPM (''DDPM'') camouflage pattern. Commercial variants are available in multiple colours, such as Black, Green, or the American
Desert Camouflage Uniform (''DCU'') camouflage pattern.
Criticism
The main criticism of the PLCE webbing system amongst members of the
British Armed Forces is that the belt is prone to slipping. Some soldiers opt to change the plastic buckle for a
Roll-Pin type, whereby the belt is threaded and tightened each time it is put on.
Future
In 2015, VIRTUS, the Personal Protective Equipment and Load Carriage System, began being issued to high readiness units.
Due to the introduction and constant improvement of protective equipment, such as the
Osprey Body Armour (''OBA''), the PLCE webbing system is incompatible so Osprey Mk 4 has a MOLLE belt and under armour Yoke to allow Osprey pouches to be used as belt equipment.
After the first introduction in 1989, PLCE in its current MTP form is still Britain's core issue webbing equipment which is compatible with ECBA armour and Mk 6 and 7 helmet, with Osprey issued to non-deployed infantry, leaving Virtus issued to deployed Infantry Commando and Parachute Units.
Most other nations are developing, or have developed more modular load bearing systems, such as the
Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) which is being widely employed by most branches of the
United States Armed Forces
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. The armed forces consists of six service branches: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. The president of the United States is ...
. Following this major improvement, the
Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) had been incorporated into the
Osprey Body Armour (OBA) platform, which is currently being issued to British troops on operations world-wide.
Users
![RDF Assessment Training Ex in Glen of Imal (5067115839)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/RDF_Assessment_Training_Ex_in_Glen_of_Imal_%285067115839%29.jpg)
*
*
*
*
See also
*
List of webbing equipment
References
Further reading
*
External links
PLCE on the 'Army Rumour Service' Encyclopedia{{commons category, Personal Load Carrying Equipment
British Army equipment
Personal military carrying equipment
Luggage
Military equipment introduced in the 1980s