ILBE

As the MOLLE system has been used in Iraq, the United States Marine Corps realized they needed a slightly different carry system. They wanted a pack with larger load-bearing capability, a smaller overall volume, and the ability to carry 60 mm and 81 mm mortar rounds external to the pack.

The Corps also wanted improved durability, reduced system complexity, give more comfort to the wearer with better integration of the load carrying features with the body armor system. Assault in urban warfare is altogether different from open desert and jungle environments. A need to carry weaponry in contrast with survival supplies is emphasized. With these mission-related issues in mind, the Corps developed the pack known as Improved Load Bearing Equipment - ILBE.

The idea of ILBE is to more easily configure the pack for the mission at hand and to maximize the mobility, survivability, and lethality of the Marine in combat environments. The feature mentioned above, the ability to carry mortar rounds external to the pack, is augmented with the ability to carry 120 pounds as required in intense assault operations. Yet the pack itself must not be bulky, no larger than 6000 cubic inches. This would include a 4500 cubic inch main rucksack and a 1500 cubic inch assault pack along with 100 ounces of liquid.

The ILBE is currently the most advanced military backpack in use by the U.S. Military today.

The ILBE features ability to accommodate three types of load:

• Assault Load
• Approach March Load
• Existence Load

The ILBE assault load features little more than water and ammunition. This ILBE configuration is used for deploying under combat conditions where food and supplies aren't needed, but a greater amount of fighting gear has to be carried.

The assault load is ment to weight less than the other configurations.  It is configured so the average Marine can carry and conduct combat operations indefinitely with full combat effectiveness.

The ILBE approach march load is the configuration necessary to conduct combat operations for extended periods with the prospect of daily re-supply. Such a load permits a 20-mile hike within eight hours with the expectation that the Marine could maintain 90% combat effectiveness.

The ILBE existence load includes the supplies that would be needed to support the bearer when immediate re-supply is not possible. The pack contents vary with climate, terrain, season, and the disposition of the surrounding population.

By now most Marines have ILBE equipment. The versatility of such packs makes them desirable for numerous civilian uses and a variety of packs adapted from the ILBE experience are becoming available.