M1956 Universal Small Arms Ammunition Pouch, 1st Pattern

Description

This is a small arms ammo pouch that was used in the US Military. This is the first pattern of the M56 ammo pouch. First pattern pouches include a stiffener in the front of the pouch, which was removed with the introduction of the second pattern. The stiffener limited the overall amount of M14 magazines that were able to be carried in the pouch, the M14 being introduced as the main small arms rifle for the US Military at the time. First pattern pouches can fit two, where the second pattern can fit three. The pouch is meant to be worn on the M56 pistol belt, with Soldiers carrying two of these pouches. Magazines are secured by a flap that has a metal clasp, that a strap is then woven through. There are straps on both sides of the pouch for attaching and carrying hand grenades as well. On the back are ALICE clips for carrying the pouch and a strap for connecting the pouch to worn suspenders, for additional support of the load.

The pouch was designed with the intent to carry a variety of different magazines. It can hold six 8 round M1 clips, 2 BAR mags, two M14 20 round mags, four 30 round M2 carbine mags, and even three 40mm grenades. The M16 was developed and adopted after these pouches were designed and as a result the initial 20 round M16 mags were to short for easy retrieval from the pouch. 4 of those mags can fit in the pouch and to make pulling them out easier a sock or bandage was typically placed under them, to raise them and make them easier to get to.

Features:

• Includes Two (2) ALICE Clips – This includes two (2) metal ALICE clips that allow the user to attached it to ALICE compatible gear.
• ALICE Compatible – This item uses the ALICE, All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment, system. This system was used by the US Military starting in 1973 and was replaced with MOLLE gear. The system uses simple metal clips (slide, belt keepers) to mount pouches and accessories to webbing on gear and equipment.
• ILCE System – Individual Load Carrying Equipment, M1956. This system was adopted after the Korean War to replace the WW2 and previous era equipment that was standard across the US Military. The equipment was developed to be used in the possibility of a European war against the USSR. The basic issue of the equipment consisted of a pistol belt, suspenders, two ammo pouches, canteen pouch, E Tool pouch, sleeping bag carrier and a field pack. M1956 equipment was used through the Vietnam War and after it as basic issue. During the Vietnam War its replacement, ALICE gear, would be issued alongside it. By the time of the Vietnam War it had undergone some improvements and was referred to as LLCE M1956, Lightweight Load Carrying Equipment. Further improvements would fall under the M1967 pattern and were made of lighter nylon material.
• Can Fit Variety of Magazines – Can fit multiple types of magazines. See description for more details.

Manufactured by:

• Various Government Contractors – This item is manufactured for the US government by various contractors.

Country of Manufacture: USA – This product is manufactured in the #1 country, the USA.

Issue Type: USGI – These are genuine US government issued items made to military specification (mil-spec).