Equipment pack and clothing

EQUIPMENT
PACK AND CLOTHING

(NAVMC— 3627)

1944

Published : —
For Instructional Purposes Only.

MARINE CORPS SCHOOLS
MARINE BARRACKS, QUANTICO, VIRGINIA

This pamphlet presents a complete course of instruction
in Equipment, Pack, and Clothing as conducted at the Officer
Candidates' School, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, Virginia.
It includes the physical organization and arrangement of the
instructions, hour by hour, as well as the scope of the subject
to be taught in each period, the text references, locale, equip-
ment required and the actual lectures or instruction given.

B. T. FAY,

Colonel, USMC,

Commanding.

APPROVED:

W. T. CLEMENT,

Colonel, USMC,

Commandant, Marine Corps Schools.

SECTION 1

1. Outline.—

TIME:
REFERENCES :

SCOPE

TYPE OF INSTRUCTION

PLACE :

TRAINING AIDS:

ASSISTANTS:

Three Hours.

Pamphlet: The Pack, USMC,

M1941
MCM 15-25
NR 122-3.

Equipment issued to individual
Marine :

Nomenclature of Pack; Con-
struction of Packs. Marking
of Clothing.

Lecture, Demonstration, Appli-
cation.

Classroom, Squadrooms or Out
of Doors.

Charts (When available)
#1 Haversack
#2 Knapsack
#3 Suspenders (Belt)
Actual Equipment
Packs Constructed,

1. Light Marching Pack

(LMP)

2. Marching Pack (MP)

3. Field Marching Pack

(FMP)

4. Transport Pack (TP)

5. Field Transport Pack

(FTP)
Equipment issued to individual
Marine.

Two NCO's to aid in demonstrat-
ing construction of packs.

SECTION 2

First Hour

Introduction'.

Equipment issued to enlisted personnel in the Marine
Corps.

Nomenclature of:

Chart #1 — Haversack
#2 — Knapsack
#3 — Suspenders (Belt)
NOTE: If charts are not available, parts may be pointed out by using
actual equipment.

Types of Packs : Their contents : When they are used.

2. Lecture First Hour. — In order that each individual
Marine may rely upon himself and not his buddies, both in the
barracks and in the field, it is necessary that he know the use
of and how to care for all the equipment and clothing issued
to him. A man who doesn't take proper care of his clothing or
assemble his gear correctly, can become mighty miserable
both on the march and in the barracks, and become an impedi-
ment and detriment to his outfit. Not only does inefficiency
effect him physically but it detracts from his appearance as
well. Consequently, in order to assure a neat and well dis-
ciplined outfit, it is necessary that inspections be held to see
that each individual knows how to take care of his equipment,
how to use it, in what condition his clothing must be kept,
and where to mark his clothing so that it doesn't go adrift.

3. Equipment Issued. — In addition to his clothing, each
enlisted man in the Marine Corps is issued the following
equipment :

a. A pack composed of a haversack, knapsack, and belt
suspenders.

b. A cartridge belt.

c. A bayonet with scabbard.

d. A rifle, carbine, or BAR and the necessary gear
needed to keep the weapon in good condition and proper work-
ing order. The man armed with the rifle or carbine will be
issued a combination tool, a brush and thong, and oiler and an
oil and thong case. The BAR men will have access to a spare
parts and accessory kit. All three weapons will have with them
a gun sling, leather (web for the Ml Carbine) .

e. Mess Gear composed of a meat can w/cover, knife,
fork, and spoon.

f. A canteen and cup w/cover.

g. A first aid pouch w/packet.
h. A poncho.

i. A shelter-half with a pole, five pins, and guy line.

In combat and training units, additional gear will be
issued. This additional gear will generally be :

a. A Steel helmet with fibre liner.

b. A gas mask.

c. An intrenching tool. Shovel, pick mattock, or ma-
chete.

d. Field rations.

All of this equipment is assigned to the individual and
it is his duty to care for it. It must be kept clean and in
serviceable condition. Gear that becomes unusable through
ordinary wear and tear can be surveyed through the Quarter-
master. Gear lost through carelessness or damaged on
purpose will be paid for by the person concerned.

Now to learn the nomenclature of our haversack,
knapsack and belt suspenders !

4. Nomenclature. —
NOTE: Each part is pointed out on the chart as mentioned.

INTRENCHING TDDL
ATTACHMENT
BLANKET RDLL

CHART 1

STRAP

BAYONET
ATTACHMENT

SUSPENDER
STRAP

FLAP STRAFf
BUCKLE

BLANKET
ROLL STRAP
BAYONET
LOOP

"D" RING

COUPLING
PACK STRAP

LOOP
FLAP 5TRAP

5U5PEN0EP
STRAP/ KEEPER

FLAP

SLIDING
END
BUCKLE

INTRENCHING
N TOOL STRAP
P^BELT SUPPORTING
STRAP

Figure 1. — The Haversack.

a. First the Haversack: (See Figure 1.) On the haver-
sack body we have the flap, the flap straps and the flap strap
buckle. The top blanket roll strap which is sewed right to the
haversack. The two blanket roll straps, are on either side and
the blanket roll strap loops through which the straps pass.
The largest straps which are fastened to the haversack are
the suspender straps. On the suspender straps we may have
one of two arrangements. The older pack will have a "D"
ring and a sliding end buckle. The newer type will have an
"M" buckle which takes the place of the "D" ring and sliding
end buckle. On the straps near where they fasten to the pack
you will find a cloth loop which is known as the suspender strap
keeper. Here we have the entrenching tool attachment and
the entrenching tool strap, the bayonet attachment and the
bayonet loop. When the bayonet is worn on the pack, the
ring goes to the rear. When worn on the cartridge belt, the
bayonet ring goes to the front. The small strap fastened to the
haversack is the belt supporting strap which hooks to the rear

of the cartridge belt. The two narrow wire loops are the
couplings through which the coupling strap on the knapsack
passes when we are wearing a TP or an FTP. On the bottom
of the haversack we have the pack strap loops. The heavy web
strap passing around the bottom and the sides of the haver-
sack is known as the reenforcing strap.

b. Now for the Knapsack.

COUPLING STRAP

CHART 2

FLAP

FLAP
STRAP
BUCKLE

REINFDRCE
STRAR

FLAP
STRAP

BLANKET ROLL
STRAP LDOP

PACK STRAP
LDDPS

CDUPLING
5TRAP BUCKLE

Figure 2. — The Knapsack.

NOTE: Parts are pointed out on the chart as they are mentioned.

On the knapsack body we have the knapsack flap, flap
straps, and flap strap buckles, our coupling strap and coupling
strap buckle, blanket roll strap loops, and pack strap loops,

and on the bottom and sides of the knapsack a reenforcing
strap. (See Figure 2.)

c. On the suspenders we have the front belt supports
at the end of which we have hooks; suspender rings, sliding
end buckle, and pack straps at the end of which we have
snaps. (See Figure 3.) Note that the portion of the suspenders
called the pack straps is the portion of the suspenders between
the sliding end buckle and the snaps.

J

CHART 3

Snaps

i

*- Pack Strops -

Sliding
End '
Buckles

„

v

Suspender
Rings

Front
Belt
Supports

Hooks

Figure 3. — The Belt Suspenders.

d. The blanket roll which we make up to carry on a
FMP or a FTP is composed of the shelter-half, pole, five pins
and guy line and one or two blankets. The blanket roll may
be either long or short depending upon which pack it is to be
carried.

5. Types of Packs, — Now for the different types of packs,
their contents and when they are used:

a. The smallest and lightest pack is the Light March-
ing Pack (LMP) composed of only the haversack and may
be prescribed when the cartridge belt is not worn.

b. The Marching Pack (MP) is composed of the haver-
sack and the belt suspenders. In it you will carry rations,
toilet articles, one undershirt, one pair of drawers, one pair
of socks, mess gear, and poncho. Attached to the haversack
we have the bayonet (ring to the rear) and scabbard, intrench-
ing tool, and steel helmet if it is not being worn. This pack
is used as a combat pack, and on marches or field exercises
not involving bivouac.

c. A Marching Pack (MP) plus a short roll becomes a
Field Marching Pack (FMP). This pack is used for marches
and field exercises involving bivouac.

d. The next pack in size is the Transport Pack (TP)

composed of the haversack, knapsack and belt suspenders.
We already know what goes into the haversack but now that
we have coupled the knapsack to the haversack let us see what
can be carried in the additional space. In our knapsack we
can carry additional clothing, generally: one pair of shoes,
one pair of trousers, two shirts, two pair of socks, two under-
shirts, two drawers, and any other items which one cares to
carry and has the room and physical endurance to do so. The
Transport Pack (TP) is used when traveling by ship or rail,
or other transportation when blankets are not required in the
immediate possession of the men. It is also used for field
exercises when slow movement due to carrying extra weight
is not of importance.

e. Our largest pack is the Field Transport Pack (FTP)
composed of the Transport Pack (TP) plus the long blanket
roll. It is used when traveling by ship, rail, or other transport ;
or for field exercises when slow movement due to carrying
extra weight is unimportant.

f . Additional packs which can be made up but which
are seldom worn by the average enlisted man are the:

(1) Knapsack pack composed of the knapsack, belt
suspenders and cartridge belt and used in conjunction with
other equipment which must be carried on the shoulders, i.e.,
"walkie-talkie" radio set.

(2) Knapsack musette pack composed of the knap-
sack and a web trouser belt used as a shoulder sling. May be
used by Officers or prescribed for others.

(3) Knapsack pack, hand carried, is composed of
the knapsack only. The coupling strap is used as a handle.

(4) Baggage pack composed of the knapsack and
a short blanket roll. It may be prescribed to secure equip-
ment left behind on the march or to be moved ashore or trans-
ported forward.

SECTION 3

Second Hour

Construction of Packs. — (Each step explained: Demon-
strated by assistants : executed by students) .

a. Light Marching Pack.

b. Marching Pack.

c. Field Marching Pack.

d. Transport Pack.

Lecture — Second Hour

6. Construction of Packs. — First, because it is the small-
est, we will construct a Light Marching Pack.

a. (1) Pass the free ends of the haversack suspender
straps through the pack strap loops from front to rear having
first given them a half turn inward so as to cause them to lay
better.

(2) Take the free end of the haversack suspenders
and put a simple overhand knot in them.

(3) Pass the flap strap through the "D" ring or
knot itself and then buckle them.

(4) Adjustment to fit each individual is controlled
by the tying of the knot.

b. The Marching Pack (MP) is the pack used most.
To construct this :

(1) Couple the haversack suspenders to the belt
suspenders by passing the free end of the haversack suspender
strap through the belt suspender ring, double the haversack
suspender strap back upon itself and pass it through the haver-
sack suspender keeper.

(2) Pass end of belt suspender pack straps through
haversack pack strap loops from front to rear. Give the pack
strap a V2 turn inward before passing through loops as this
gives them a flatter position against the body.

(3) Cross the pack straps behind the haversack.

(4) Couple belt suspenders onto haversack sus-
pender "D" ring or "M" buckle by snapping the snaps.

(5) Try on the pack without the cartridge belt
and adjust pack straps and haversack suspender straps until
comfortable. The belt does not, repeat, does not hold the pack
down. If properly adjusted, the suspenders and belt supports
hold the belt up.

11

(6) Put on belt and fasten belt suspender hooks
into eyelets along the top edge of the belt. Hook the haver-
sack belt supporting strap into the center rear eyelet on the
belt.

c. To continue on to the Field Marching Pack from a
Marching Pack, all we need to do is add a short roll. The short
roll is constructed by :

(1) Lay your shelter-half out flat.

(2) Lay your blanket (s) on the shelter-half with
the ends of the blanket covering the triangular ends of the
shelter-half and one side of the blanket (s) a few inches in
from the button edge of the shelter-half.

(3) Fold the blanket (s) in equally from each end
so that there is the width of one tent pin between the ends of
the blanket in the center.

(4) Place your tent pole in the center of the
blanket along the covered edge of the shelter-half, place the
guy line and two pins on a line with the pole at the edge of the
blanket where the triangular end of the shelter-half is exposed,
place the remaining three pins at the other end in a corre-
sponding manner.

(5) Fold the blanket (s) into the shelter-half so
that the pole and pins are covered, then fold the triangular
part of the shelter-half into the center from each end.

(6) Roll your blanket (s) and shelter-half, starting
at the side which contains the pole and pins.

(7) Bind the roll with the tie-ties and assemble to
pack by means of the blanket roll straps.

d. Next we have the Transport Pack which is composed
of a Marching Pack plus the knapsack but minus the roll.

(1) Assemble the knapsack to the haversack by
passing the knapsack coupling strap through the couplings on
the haversack. Draw the strap up snugly and buckle.

(2) Lengthen the haversack suspender straps and
the pack straps and pass the end of the pack straps through
the knapsack pack strap loops.

(3) Cross pack straps behind the haversack.

(4) Couple pack strap snaps onto the haversack
suspender "D" rings or "M" buckle.

(5) Adjust pack straps and haversack suspenders
to fit the individual.

(6) Put on your belt and fasten the hooks. This
pack rides better and feels more comfortable when riding high.
NOTE: If the men are not wearing too bulky clothing" such as sheep-
skins, etc., the pack straps may be passed through the loops
in the reenforcing strap across the rear of the knapsack
before they are passed through the knapsack pack strap
loops.

12

SECTION 4

Third Hour

Construction of Packs, continued. —
a. Field Transport Pack.
Marking of Clothing. —

a. Why clothes are marked.

b. Where clothes are marked.

c. How clothes are marked.

d. Possession of clothing containing names other than
your own.

Lecture — Third Hour

7. Construction of Packs, continued. — a. The Field Trans-
port Pack is composed of the Transport Pack with the long
blanket roll attached. To make the long blanket roll :

(1) Lay your shelter-half out flat.

(2) Fold your blanket (s) end to end and lay on
your shelter-half with the single fold, along the edge of the
shelter-half which holds the tent peg loops. The blanket should
be pulled back far enough so that about four to six inches of
the shelter-half along the bottom edge is exposed.

(3) Place your tent pole in the center of the
blanket along the edge of the single fold.

(4) Place two pins and the guy line on the same
line with the tent pole and at one end of the blanket near one
of the triangular ends.

(5) Place the remaining three pins on a line with
the pole, and at the other end of the blanket in a correspond-
ing manner to the two pins and guy line.

(6) Now fold the triangular ends of the shelter-
half over the blankets into the center.

(7) Roll the roll beginning at the side holding the
pole, pins and guy line and rolling towards the side of the
shelter-half containing the buttons.

(8) Bind the roll with the tie ties and assemble to
the Transport Pack.

NOTE: Both the long and short roll can be more easily constructed if
two men work together. If the men have only two blanket
roll straps, for the FTP, it is necessary that they be used in
the knapsack blanket roll strap loops.

8. Marking of Clothing. — The marking of clothing is one of
the "musts" in the Marine Corps.

13

a. Clothing is marked so that each individual will be
able to keep track of his own gear and keep in his own posses-
sion that which is rightfully his. Every man is issued the same
amount of clothing by the Quartermaster. If men were not
instructed and made to keep their clothing marked, eventually
some of our less scrupulous comrades would have a locker
jammed with clothing and some of us would be lucky to have
enough clothing left to comprise a complete uniform.

b. In order that everything will be uniform and to save
looking over each article of clothing completely for an identi-
fying name, each article of clothing will be marked in the
following manner :

Shoes — Inside, near top, parallel to upper edge.

Socks — On the smooth weave of the sock, 1" from, and
parallel to, the seam joining the ribbed and smooth weave.

Drawers — On the outside of the right half waist band,
parallel to top edge.

Undershirts — Across center of back, inside, 1" below
collar.

Trousers — Inside right waistband, over watch pocket.

Belts, woven — In center of under side of belt, parallel
to top, and 6" from buckle.

fBlouse
-{ Overcoats

[Field Jackets — On lining of right sleeve, near and
parallel to the shoulder seam.

Shirts — In the center of the inside, rear, of the collar
band, parallel to seam joining back to collar.

Garrison Cap. — In the center of lining of right side, 1"
from and parallel to lower edge.

Gloves — Inside wrist, parallel to edge.

Barracks Cap Frame — On inside of sweatband, in the
center at the right side, and parallel to lower edge.

Cap Covers — Inside of band, on the right side, on double
edge.

Leggings — On the inside, 1" from and parallel to top.

Scarfs — In the center of neck loop of scarf.

Blankets — Marked in 1" white letters on the face of
the blanket in center of lower stripe.

Sewing Kit — l1/-?" from and parallel to upper edge.

Clothing such as sheepskins, dungarees, sun helmets,
etc., can be marked as designated by unit commanders. You
will also mark your towels, sweatshirts, and any other articles
you have in your possession.

c. Laundry markings are not sufficient as identifica-
tion because they are only initials. You will be issued or you
may purchase a rubber name stamp which will have on it your

14

first two initials and your last name. The prescribed regula-
tion size of the letters on the stamp is %". In the event you
do not have a stamp and are unable to obtain one, you will
stencil your clothing legibly with a pen and indelible ink.

d. It is quite possible you may have clothing in your
possession with another man's name in. It may have been
issued to you or you may have bought it. In case you have,
go to your Company Office and have a record of it made in your
Record Book.

Don't have clothing in your possession that you can't
account for.

Navy Regulations 122-3 states that: "Enlisted per-
sonnel are forbidden to have in their possession without per-
mission from proper authority an article of wearing apparel
or bedding belonging to any person in the Navy other than
themselves."

15

SECTION 5

Fourth Hour

Display of clothing on the bunk.
Pack Displays.

9. Display of Clothing on the Bunk. — a. For the Fourth
Hour (if available) have the men practice laying out a Cloth-
ing Display on the Bunk and then make up any pack you wish
to designate. For the Display of Clothing on the Bunk see
Figure #4.

b. Have a wall locker made up properly with clothing
stowed correctly as an exhibit. The recommended stowage of
clothing for a double wall locker is depicted in Figure 5.

17

Figure 4. — Display of Clothing on the Bunk.

18

0k

Figure 5- — Wall Locker Display.

(During the summer r#pnt?hs the storm cap will be

replaced by the fiber helmets.)

19

10. Pack Displays. — a. The occasions calling for the dis-
play of equipment vary throughout the different organizations
in the Marine Corps, but the displays, when made, are for a
single purpose: namely, to afford the commanders of the
unit an opportunity to check in detail the presence and condi-
tion of the individual Marine's equipment. A pack display
involves the laying out on the deck for inspection the entire
contents and component parts of that particular type of pack
being displayed. The gear is arranged so that the inspecting
officer or NCO can, in a minimum of time, check to see that
each individual Marine of his unit has all of his equipment,
that it is his own and no one else's, and that it is in good condi-
tion. Pack displays have been and are frequently called for
before a unit transfers from one station to another or before
it embarks for overseas. Detailed inspection of pack displays
are often made aboard ship prior to impending amphibious
operations.

b. Layout pattern. — The layout pattern recommended
is very simple and basic and one that follows through logically
from the most simple display (equipment on the bunk) to the
most complex, (field transport display). Starting with the
display of equipment on the bunk — a display used for routine
equipment inspection for troops quartered in barracks — all
gear remains in the same relative position for the other lay-
outs, the only change made being the placing of additional gear.
This arrangement helps the Marine remember how to make up
his display.

20

RT) 4378

Figure 6. — Display of Equipment on the Bunk.

21

c. Equipment on the Bunk.— (See Figure 6). Notice
that this display can be made up quite rapidly, as the arrange-
ment of equipment such as mess gear and web equipment is
very simple. Notice particularly how the mess gear, bayonet,
cartridge belt, first aid kit, and tent poles, pegs, and rope are
laid out. This pattern is basic and will be used in all the follow-
ing displays of packs.

d. Field marching display less rations, gas mask, and
entrenching tools. — Notice how the blanket is folded. Notice
also how the "basic pattern" mentioned in (c) has been re-
tained and how all individual markings on clothing are clearly
visible. See Figure 7.

e. Field marching display, complete. — Rations, gas
masks, and entrenching tools may not always have been issued
to the individual Marine. Notice that the symmetry of the
display is the same whether the extra gear is present or not.
See Figure 8.

22

«\V^

23

"; <«':: „ *£:#'. t

., * K m"m^ n

*•**«

a*.n

ft

a

o
O

O

o3

PL.

PS

E

S

E

24

f. Field transport display less rations, gas mask, and
entrenching tools. — Notice how the blankets are folded this
time, so that they give more space for equipment to be dis-
played upon. See Figure 9.

g. Field transport display, complete. — The same as (f )
except the rations, gas mask, and entrenching tools have been
added. See Figure 10.

25

Figure 9. — Display of Field Transport Pack, Less Rations, Gas Mask,
and Entrenching Tools.

I

.

I i^wUe

26

Figure 10. — Display of Field Transport Pack, Complete.

1338S MCS QUANTICO, VA. 9-1-44-3M

27