From the beginning of the twentieth century, United States military individual load-carrying equipments were fabricated mainly of cotton duck and cotton webbing. Throughout the First and Second World Wars, as well as the Korean War, cotton-based load-carrying equipments served the infantryman with little change in their design and construction. In 1954 a new load-carrying system was developed to meet the needs of the infantryman on the perceived battlefields of the Cold War. At the onset of the Vietnam War it was clear that this new cotton-based webbing system was not acceptable for use in the humid environment of the jungles of Southeast Asia.

About the Author

C A Monroe has had an interest in military history for many years, and has studied and collected US Army uniforms and equipment for over twenty years. Craig Pickrall has had an interest in military history for many years, and has studies and collected US Army uniforms and equipment for over twenty years.

Prizes

Features and reviews in Classic Arms & Militaria, Skirmish, Combat & Survival and Soldier magazines. Reviews in Military Historical Society, War Studies Journal, Military Illustrated and Military Book Review.