DPM military backpack military equipment Vest

DPM military backpack military equipment(PLCE)

PLCE replaced 58 Pattern webbing, which was made of olive canvas: this system was outdated by the 1980s. The US introduced nylon M67 (and later ALICE) type webbing during the Vietnam War to overcome the issues associated with canvas in damp climates. Following their lead, Britain developed 72 Pattern webbing, which consisted of two front ammo pouches and a rear butt pack made of butyl laminate. This was never generally issued, but was a Troop Trials Equipment.

Developments resumed with the introduction of the SA80 weapons system in the mid- to late 80s. Trials of experimental PLCE and combat body armour were conducted with selected units in 1983/84, following which 85 Pattern PLCE was issued on a restricted basis. It was very similar to the first issue PLCE, but used snaps for closure on all pouches.