|
 Every
soldier of the Irish Army Reserve upon completion of the enlistment
process is issued with a DPM (Disruptive pattern material) camouflage
uniform. It is based on the layer principle and is designed to provide
the soldier with exactly the right degree of protection for any operational
environment. The basic uniform consists of socks, boots, trousers, t-shirt,
shirt, smock (combat jacket), and beret (cap). For cold conditions troops
are also issued the Norwegian fleece, gloves, and woollen jumper which
are worn under the combat tunic. This basic uniform is issued to each
recruit. In addition to his uniform he will also be issued personal hearing
protection and on when required waterproof clothing.
During recruit training
soldiers are taught how to effectively maintain their uniform for operational
conditions and present themselves in a soldierlike manner at all times.
At this point in their training the importance of personal appearance
is emphasised.
To operate on the
ground (in the field) the infantry soldier needs to carry, in addition
to weapons and ammunition, such items as water, food (ration
pack), protective equipment, spare clothing, a sleeping system, cooker,
maps, and more. To fight effectively the soldier cannot obviously be expected
to carry everything at once.
 PLCE
(Personal Load Carrying Equipment) or webbing (58 pattern) is used to
carry what the soldier needs to fight and survive on. This consists of
a yoke (harness) holding various pouches for ammunition, grenades, water,
food etc... In addition to carrying this the infantry soldier wears a
combat helmet during tactical training on the ground.
The rest of his equipment
(sleeping system, spare clothing etc...) is kept in a rucksack (bergan)
which can weigh anything from a minimum of 15kg depending on the situation
and the duration of the exercise.
|
