ALICE

All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment

The Alice system was adopted by the US Army in 1974 and they started issuing it in 1975.

It replaced the older LCE and MLCE systems.

The ALICE system still keeps to the idea of separate fighting and existence loads.

The fighting load typically consists of clothing, equipment, arms and ammunition essential for the current mission. This would be kept in pouches attached to the belt and suspenders.

The existence load consists of all other items necessary for personal and environmental protection. Where possible this would be not be carried but would be transported separately, otherwise it would be carried in the field pack.

Fighting Load Components

Individual Equipment Belt

Entrenching Tool Carrier

Field First Aid Dressing Case

Small Arms Ammunition Case

Water Canteen Cover

Individual Equipment Belt Suspenders

The Small Arms Ammunition Case is designed to carry three 30 round M16 magazines.

The Individual Equipment Belt Suspenders is similar in design to the British Army PLCE yoke.

Existence Load Components

Medium Field Pack

Large Field Pack

Field Pack Frame

Field Pack Cover

Various Webbing Straps

The ALICE system (or components of it) is still being used in the US Army today.