Individual integrated fighting system

The IIFS has conceptual roots in combat and load carrying vests designed by Natick Laboratories for the employment and use by United States Navy SEALs during the Vietnam War. The concept of a load carrying vest is that the weight of the equipment carried by the infantry rifleman is more evenly distributed over the body than with the employment of a load carrying concept of older design.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

The IIFS load carrying vest, as having been a major conceptual improvement over precuring load-bearing systems,{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}} was designed to replace the individual equipment belt, individual equipment belt suspenders, and small arms ammunition cases.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}} These components have been an integral part of the ALICE system. The small arms ammunition cases continue to be utilized with the IIFS concept, to enable the carriage of additional small arms munitions.

File:A student at the Scout Sniper Instructor School armed with an M16A2 carbine rifle moves through the woods while on patrol during a field training exercise - DPLA - 62e2de96cef6cdc86c15278755bb5331.jpeg at Quantico, VA, armed with an early M4 carbine and moving through the woods while on patrol during a field training exercise]]

Trial variants of the IIFS have utilized both the ALICE water canteen cover and ALICE field first aid dressing case in the woodland camouflage pattern. The entrenching tool cover had remained unchanged and was also utilized during testing.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

In the original design, as well as during troops trials, the TLBV incorporated panels made of Kevlar, to improve the protection of the infantry rifleman, when worn in conjunction with the PASGT flak vest. The weight of this prototypic vest was considered to be too excessive to continue to consider this concept.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

The IIFS has been phased out in the United States Armed Forces, and has been replaced with MOLLE and MOLLE II during the 2000s.

Like the ALICE system, the IIFS can be broken down into a fighting load and an existence load. The entire system consists of eight separate components.

The IIFS fighting load consists of the following standard issue components:{{Cite web |title=Individual Integrated Fighting System (IIFS) |url=http://inrd.gotdns.com/alice/iifs.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213212601/http://inrd.gotdns.com/alice/iifs.htm |archive-date=13 December 2024 |access-date=29 April 2025 |website=inrd.gotdns.com |quote=The IIFS system was a partial replacement for the ALICE system. Replacing the suspenders would be a dedicated vest with sewn in pouches. The vest would hold the ALICE belt where you would still have ALICE pouches. The pack system was a major upgrade, with neat pack that was a large internal frame rucksack with a removeable patrol pack. The primary color is Woodland Camo, but at least one 3 color desert has been spotted from USAF private purchases. Large overstocks of existing olive drab Alice items and the end of the cold war prevented mass changeover of all existing Alice items to Woodland Camo or even full implementation of the IIFS system.", ( about TLBV): "This is the IIFS system that replaces the old ALICE suspenders. It attaches to the Alice pistol belt. It has it's{{sup|[sic]}} own integrated pouches for the Rifleman. You can use the Alice pouches on the belt too. Nice but definitely more expensive then the suspenders. It has two double pouches, two single pouches, and 2 frag gernade pouches, I don't care for it personally as the smaller mag pouches don't handle M14 magazines too well. This is the first version that had some Breathability issues, and the place of the Ammo pouches was found to be too high.", ( about ETLBV): "This is the updated version, it has mesh to make it breath better. The pouches are moved down and made 45 degrees. The pouch makeup is the same as before.", ( about 40mm vest): "This is the Grenaders vest, not much use to most of us. Pass on it.", ( about IIFS buttpack): "Whats old is new again. This is litteraly the M1967 Field Pack was brought back to use with the IIFS vest in Woodland Camo. It will attach to the back of the IIFS vest or if you attach a couple Alice clips you can use it just like the old M1967 butt pack. it has webbing on the side you can slide lighter Alice pouches on. This version has longer straping to weave onto the back of the IIFS vest using the two loops on the back of the vest, but it will still work as a butt pack. It is however now missing the loops to use with the M1967 suspenders.}}

• Vest, ammunition carrying. [NSN 8415-01-317-1622]
• Vest, tactical load bearing. [NSN 8415-01-296-8878]

File:IIFS Tactical Load Carrying Vest.jpgThe primary component of the IIFS, the tactical load-bearing vest – TLBV (vest, tactical load bearing [NSN 8415-01-296-8878]), is constructed of a seven-ounce nylon fabric printed in the woodland camouflage pattern, and weighs 1.8 pounds empty. The TLBV is compatible with the standard ALICE individual equipment belt. The individual equipment belt is secured to the TLBV by way of 10 belt loops that use both hook and pile fasteners and snaps. The TLBV has four permanently attached ammunition pockets that can carry six 30-round cartridge magazines for the M16 assault rifle. The pocket covers are secured by one snap and a strip of hook and pile. A pull tab is used to open the pocket. Located directly below the ammunition pockets are two pockets, designed to hold the M67 fragmentation grenade, they will also hold handcuffs should a member of the US Army Military Police Corps or USAF Security Forces be wearing the vest. The shoulders are protected by 1/2 inch [1.27 cm] foam padding. The TLBV closes in front with two chest straps using plastic quick release buckles. Two 2{{fraction|1|4}} inch [5.71 cm] webbing sections and two D-rings sewn to the back of the TLBV can be used as equipment attachment points.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

In 1995, due to issues concerning chest and back ventilation caused by the non-breathable fabrics incorporated, the TLBV was redesigned, and officially redesignated the enhanced tactical load-bearing vest (ETLBV). No changes to the national stock number have been made.{{When|date=June 2025}} The two major modifications were the slant of the magazine pouches inward, for easier removal of small arms magazines, and the exchange of the fabric panels, which retained body heat, both situated on the front and back, with lighter mesh panels.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}} The ETLBV was phased into the supply system by the Defense Personnel Support Center in 1996 or onward.{{Cite web |date=June 1996 |title=Product Update: Improved Combat Butt Pack (ICBP), Enhanced Tactical Load Bearing Vest (ETLBV) |url=http://www-sscom.army.mil/warrior/96/jun/produp.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980420104718/http://www-sscom.army.mil/warrior/96/jun/produp.htm |archive-date=20 April 1998 |access-date=12 June 2025 |website=sscom.army.mil |quote=SSCOM's Project Manager-Soldier has recently approved Product Improvements developed by SSCOM's Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center to the current Butt Pack and Individual Load Bearing Vest. Both projects were conducted under the Soldier Enhancement Program. (___enter___); Improved Combat Butt Pack (ICBP) (___enter___); The Improved Combat Butt Pack is designed to provide soldiers with an efficient method of carrying a small sustainment load for short missions as well as providing the means for carrying more equipment on the ALICE ruck sacks than their capacity allows. The ICBP will be phased into the supply system by the Defense Personnel Support Center as residual supplies of the current butt pack are drawn down. The estimated date of supply is September 1996. (___enter___); Enhancements include: (enter); *attachment capability with the Standard Pistol Belt and ALICE System and the Enhanced Tactical Load Bearing Vest (enter); *enlarged to accommodate increased load demand (enter); *woodland camouflage pattern fabric, water resistant lining, quick attachment rings and quick release opening (enter); *lighter weight (___enter___); Enhanced Tactical Load Bearing Vest (ETLBV) (___enter___); The Enhanced Tactical Load Bearing Vest is designed to improve the weight distribution of the soldiers load and reduce the encumbrance imposed by load bearing equipment. It will increase the soldier's flexibility in carrying fighting load components, which vary according to quantity and mix of ammunition, type of weapons, and Mission, Enemy, Troops, Terrain and Time(METT-T). Additionally, the ETLBV will reduce heat stress and fatigue, providing the soldier with maximum ventilation. The ETLBV will be phased into the supply system by the Defense Personnel Supply Center. (___enter___); Enhancements include: (enter); *replacement of panel fabric with a nylon mesh material (enter); *repositioning of magazine pouches (+++Notes+++) * = bullet list character}}

File:IIFS Grenade Carrier Vest.jpgA secondary component of the IIFS, the 40mm grenade vest, alternatively grenade carrier vest (GCV), or simply ammunition carrying vest (vest, ammunition carrying [NSN 8415-01-317-1622]), is intended for use by the infantry rifleman (grenadier), armed with either the M203 or M79 grenade launcher.{{Cite web |date=January 1998 |title=Product Update: 40 mm Grenade Vest |url=http://www-sscom.army.mil/warrior/98/jan/produp.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980420102750/http://www-sscom.army.mil/warrior/98/jan/produp.htm |archive-date=20 April 1998 |access-date=12 June 2025 |website=sscom.army.mil |quote=NSN: (enter); 8415-01-317-1622 (___enter___); Description: (enter); The 40 mm Grenade Vest is for use by soldiers armed with the M203 or M79 grenade launcher. The vest has permanently attached open-ended pockets designed to accommodate 14 high explosive and four pyrotechnic rounds. The vest will be worn with the Individual Equipment Belt and over the PASGT Body Armor. (___enter___); The basic material is eight ounce nylon duck, printed in the Woodland Camouflage Pattern. The vest comes in a single, universal size. It will replace the Vest, Ammunition Carrying, LIN Y00790, NSN 8465-00-146-1667 series. (___enter___); Availability: (enter); The vest is being fielded using Central Funding and Fielding procedures. After controlled fielding to high priority units is completed in early FY99, it will be made available for requisitioning by the rest of the Army. (___enter___); For more information contact the Army Support Office at (215) 737-2530.}} It is constructed of a seven-ounce nylon fabric printed in the woodland camouflage pattern and weighs 2.1 pounds empty.{{Cite web |title=Grenade Carrier Vest {{!}} ciehub.info |url=https://ciehub.info/equipment/loadbearing/IIFS/VestGrenadeCarrier.html#gsc.tab=0 |access-date=12 June 2025 |website=ciehub.info (clothing and individual equipment) |quote=The vest is designed to transport the basic load of 40mm grenade ammunition for the grenadier. It is a one-size-fits-all item constructed of very strong nylon fabric and webbing. (___enter___); Materials Used (enter); The vest is made of a lightweight nylon fabric with foam padding in the shoulder straps. Two plastic quick release buckles are used to secure it in front. (___enter___); Concept of Use (enter); The vest is intended to be worn with the standard equipment belt. The belt is attached to the belt loops at the bottom of the vest. (___enter___); Description of Item (enter); The vest consists of the suspenders, a left, right and back panel that are connected with adjustable drawcords in a corset lacing system secured by cord locks. The vest weighs 2.1 lbs empty. It provides space for 14 HE Grenades and 4 Pyrotechnic Projectiles in permanently attached grenade pockets. (___enter___); Specifications (enter); *MIL-V-44362 (___enter___); Nomenclature (enter); *VEST, GRENADE CARRIER (40-MM) (___enter___); Logistics (enter); *PGC: 20828 (___enter___); *8415-01-317-1622 (+++Notes+++:) * = bullet list character}} The ammunition carrying vest is compatible with the standard individual equipment belt which is secured to the ammunition carrying vest with 10 belt loops. The loops use hook and pile fasteners and snaps. The ammunition carrying vest has 18 permanently attached ammunition pockets that can carry 4 pyrotechnic and 14 high explosive 40mm rounds. The pocket covers are secured by one snap. A pull tab is used to open the pocket. The shoulders are protected by 1/2 inch [1.27 cm] foam padding. The ammunition carrying vest closes in front with two chest straps using plastic quick release buckles. Two 2{{fraction|1|4}} inch [5.71 cm] webbing and two D-rings sewn to the back of the ammunition carrying vest can be used as equipment attachment points.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

In addition, the following ALICE system components are utilized with the IIFS:

• Belt, individual equipment. [NSN 8465-01-322-1965]
• Carrier, entrenching tool. [NSN 8465-00-001-6474]
• Case, field first aid dressing. [NSN 8465-00-935-6814]
• Cover, water canteen. [NSN 8465-00-860-0256]

File:Alice04.jpg

Along with the TLBV, a new individual equipment belt was later introduced, featuring a black plastic ITW Fastex quick-release buckle and redesigned adjustment system. The original concept included the use of the earlier renewed individual equipment belt, which featured a grey side-release buckle, commonly referred to, due to its early prestige manufacturer, as the Bianchi pistol belt.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}} It was decided that instead of contracting new individual ALICE components in the woodland camouflage pattern, that the remainder of already existing and widely available ALICE components will be utilized with the IIFS. These being mainly the water canteen cover, the field first aid dressing case, entrenching tool cover and small arms ammunition cases.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

The ALICE system small arms munitions pouch (case, small arms ammunition [NSN 8465-00-001-6482]) is also frequently used in conjunction with the IIFS to enable the carriage of additional small arms munitions. This is especially true with grenadiers (for example, M203 grenade launcher operators) utilizing the IIFS 40mm grenade vest, which has no provisions for carrying 5.56mm magazines.

File:Defense.gov News Photo 000712-F-4141A-001.jpg, who prepare for a simulated attack on Vadu Beach, Romania, during Exercise Rescue Eagle 2000 on 12 July 2000]]

During Operation Just Cause in the year 1989, and later Operation Desert Storm in the year 1991, the M-1967 modernized load-carrying equipment (MLCE) system's field pack (field pack [NSN 8465-00-935-6825]) was issued for use with the IIFS system. Designated the 'training field pack', it is a modified olive green version of the pack, sometimes referred to by soldiers as a buttpack, has been utilized for a three-day training pack (typically in conjunction with the ALICE system, yet was not a designated component of it).{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

In the mid-1990s, the improved combat buttpack (ICBP) was designed to be the replacement for previous field packs, as a part of the Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP). The various improvements of the ICBP included: being enlarged to accommodate increased load demand, being made lighter weight, increasing camouflage capability with the use of woodland camouflage pattern fabric, and finally, by using new certain quick attachment rings (aka O-rings) and a pair of quick release buckles near the opening of the pack to streamline its ease of wear and accessibility. The new plastic hardware (i.e., buckles, ladderlocks, D-rings, etc) had the added benefit of eliminating the possibility for loud metal clinking or jangling noises generated by the legacy hardware.

Having been approved by the Project Manager-Soldier (PM-Soldier), the improved buttpack was to be phased into the supply system by the Defense Personnel Support Center as residual supplies of the original buttpack were drawn down. The estimated date of supply was September 1996, according to the Soldier Systems Command's (SSCOM's) The Warrior magazine.{{Cite web |date=June 1996 |title=Product Update: Improved Combat Butt Pack (ICBP), Enhanced Tactical Load Bearing Vest (ETLBV) |url=http://www-sscom.army.mil/warrior/96/jun/produp.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980420104718/http://www-sscom.army.mil/warrior/96/jun/produp.htm |archive-date=20 April 1998 |access-date=12 June 2025 |website=sscom.army.mil |quote=SSCOM's Project Manager-Soldier has recently approved Product Improvements developed by SSCOM's Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center to the current Butt Pack and Individual Load Bearing Vest. Both projects were conducted under the Soldier Enhancement Program. (___enter___); Improved Combat Butt Pack (ICBP) (___enter___); The Improved Combat Butt Pack is designed to provide soldiers with an efficient method of carrying a small sustainment load for short missions as well as providing the means for carrying more equipment on the ALICE ruck sacks than their capacity allows. The ICBP will be phased into the supply system by the Defense Personnel Support Center as residual supplies of the current butt pack are drawn down. The estimated date of supply is September 1996. (___enter___); Enhancements include: (enter); *attachment capability with the Standard Pistol Belt and ALICE System and the Enhanced Tactical Load Bearing Vest (enter); *enlarged to accommodate increased load demand (enter); *woodland camouflage pattern fabric, water resistant lining, quick attachment rings and quick release opening (enter); *lighter weight (___enter___); Enhanced Tactical Load Bearing Vest (ETLBV) (___enter___); The Enhanced Tactical Load Bearing Vest is designed to improve the weight distribution of the soldiers load and reduce the encumbrance imposed by load bearing equipment. It will increase the soldier's flexibility in carrying fighting load components, which vary according to quantity and mix of ammunition, type of weapons, and Mission, Enemy, Troops, Terrain and Time(METT-T). Additionally, the ETLBV will reduce heat stress and fatigue, providing the soldier with maximum ventilation. The ETLBV will be phased into the supply system by the Defense Personnel Supply Center. (___enter___); Enhancements include: (enter); *replacement of panel fabric with a nylon mesh material (enter); *repositioning of magazine pouches (+++Notes+++) * = bullet list character}}

File:IIFS Field Pack.jpg

The IIFS existence load comprises the following components:

• Field pack [NSN 8465-01-286-5356]
• Pack, patrol, combat [NSN 8465-01-287-8128]

File:Port-au-Prince airfield seizure.jpg, are seen securing Port-au-Prince Airport on 22 September 1994, the first day of Operation Uphold Democracy]]

The field pack, also known as field pack, large with internal frame [FPLIF] or commercially as combat field pack 1990 [CFP-90], is constructed of an 8.0 ounce backcoated nylon fabric printed in the woodland camouflage pattern which has excellent abrasion resistance and water repellency. The weight of the empty field pack is 8 pounds. Two major sections make up the field pack; the sleeping bag compartment, and the main compartment. The main compartment has a false bottom that may be opened for full use of the field pack when a sleeping bag is not carried. The outside of the field pack has one long tunneled pocket and two smaller cargo pockets, all using compression straps for securing contents. Equipment attachment points in the form of 2{{fraction|1|4}} inch [5.71 cm] webbing and 1 inch [2.54 cm] webbing loops are located throughout the field pack.

Early versions of the pack were produced by Lowe and are considered superior to the production "CFP-90"; the principal reason for this is the use of cotton thread on the production model. The Lowe version is distinguished by having a brown canvas sleeping bag compartment, no top closing flap (the "Pack, Patrol, Combat" is used instead), a black snow collar, a unique suspension system, and black nylon thread.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

The internal frame comprises two aluminum staves running the full height of the field pack. The staves are removable. The suspension system is adjustable allowing the user to position the field pack where it is most comfortable. The field pack has lower back padding as well as an extended lumbar support pad and the shoulder pads are made of bi-laminate foam. A softer, open cell foam is against the body for comfort followed by a stiffer closed cell foam for stability and good recovery after compression.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

Two strap assemblies with quick release buckles allow for the attachment of the combat patrol pack atop the field pack when both packs are used together. When used in combination with either the 40mm grenade vest or TLBV, the field pack shoulder pads are worn over those of the vest, where they are retained by two one inch [2.54 cm] pieces of webbing.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}File:IIFS Combat Patrol Pack.jpg

The combat patrol pack is designed for short missions and offers {{Convert|1200|cuin|L|abbr=off|sp=us|disp=}} of cargo space in two compartments. The main compartment is padded to protect the back from heavy, sharp items. The main compartment incorporates two tiedown straps that can be used to stabilize equipment such as a field radio. The combat patrol pack has a separate shoulder harness. When used in combination with either the 40mm grenade vest or TLBV, the combat patrol pack shoulder pads are worn over the vest shoulder pads, and retained for stability by two one inch [2.54 cm] pieces of webbing. The combat patrol pack can also be used in conjunction with the field pack. With the "LCS-88" experimental version, the patrol pack attached directly to the shoulder straps of the LBV, and a waist belt was used to keep it from bouncing around.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

The ECWSS (extreme cold weather sleeping system) was designed to interface with the ECWCS (extended cold weather clothing system) ensemble.

The ECWSS comprises the following components:

• Sleeping Bag – The sleeping bag is made of nylon fabric that encloses a continuous filament polyester insulation. The sleeping bag is a mummy type, which uses a double 'draft tube' configuration to improve protection in the zipper area. Specifically, it has a {{Convert|71|in|cm|sp=us|adj=on}} zipper that allows rapid exit. Adjustments across the shoulder and hood area can be made with the drawcord and barrel lock. A row of snap fasteners along the opening allows for the installation and removal of the bivy cover.

• Cover, Bivy – The cover is made of a moisture vapor permeable water-proof fabric. The cover was designed to be removable to facilitate better air drying of the sleeping bag.

• Bag, Stuff – The bag reduces the bulk of the sleeping bag to less than 1 cubic foot. The bag is constructed of a waterproof nylon fabric. The compression straps are made from webbing with standard buckIes.

• Hood and Socks – Included in ECWSS as accessories are a hood and socks for added head and foot climatic protection. The hood and socks are made of a polyester fiberpile material.

• M-1967 modernized load-carrying equipment
• All-purpose lightweight individual carrying equipment or ALICE
• Modular lightweight load-carrying equipment or MOLLE
• Buzo Tactico assault vest used by the Argentine Buzos Tácticos

{{reflist}}

• [https://www.gear-illustration.com/2015/11/17/individual-integrated-fighting-system-iifs/ IIFS vests | gear-illustration.com] – High-quality images
• [https://www.gear-illustration.com/2016/01/08/iifs-pack-subsystem-fplif/ IIFS field+patrol pack | gear-illustration.com] – High-quality images
• [https://www.gear-illustration.com/2016/01/22/training-field-pack/ Training field pack | gear-illustration.com] – High-quality images of the ICBP (woodland-patterned improved buttpack, although are uncaptioned)

{{US Army uniforms}}

Category:Military equipment of the United States

Category:Personal military carrying equipment

Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1980s