Belgian Army Individual Webbing System M71

ABL M71 Set

Individual Web Equipment (IWU)

1971-1990s

Individuele Webb-uitrusting (IWU) / the Individual Web Equipment (IWU), commonly known as the M71 model, was the standard issue gear for Belgian soldiers from 1971 through the late 1990s.

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This is a : Belgische Armee Trageausrüstung M71 

M71-draagsysteem / Webbing 

Équipement de combat M71

 

Description

Belgian Army webbing Set M71

The Belgian Army M71 webbing set is a modular, olive green load-bearing system used during the Cold War, featuring components made from durable cotton webbing and largely inspired by US and British designs.

Physical Description

Material & Design

The M71 set is known for its durable construction using heavy-duty olive-drab canvas or cotton webbing. The design is a classic Cold War type, drawing influence from both the American M1956 Load-Carrying Equipment and the British P37/P58 patterns. The components connect securely via a system of metal clips and buckles, which are a characteristic feature of this style of equipment.

History note Category

While development began in 1971, widespread production and distribution only fully ramped up around 1978. By the late 1990s, the system was phased out in favor of modern modular vests and equipment featuring the iconic Jigsaw camouflage pattern.

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Standard Components

The complete M71 system is comprised of several individual parts that can be configured to a soldier's needs:


Pistol Belt (M71 Pistol Belt) / Combat Belt / Gevechtsgordel: The central piece of the system, this sturdy olive-drab (OD) green cotton belt features a series of three-hole patterns for attaching various pouches and the H-straps.

H-Straps (M71 H-straps / Yoke) / Draagstel (Koppelriem-schoudergordel: An H-shaped shoulder harness that attaches to the pistol belt, distributing the weight of the carried equipment across the shoulders for better comfort and stability.

Ammunition Pouches (M71 FAL Ammo Pouches) / Munitietassen: Typically two pouches designed to hold magazines for the FN FAL rifle, which was the standard service weapon at the time.

Buttpack (M71 "Munitietas" / Haversack): A larger utility pouch worn at the rear of the belt, used for carrying rations, personal items, or other field gear.

Canteen Cover (M71 Canteen Cover) / waterfles houder : A pouch designed to hold the standard issue plastic water bottle.

Bayonet Frog (M71 Bayonet Frog) / bajonethouder: A loop or sheath attachment for securing the service bayonet to the belt.

Shovel Pouch (M71 Folding Shovel in Pouch) / Schoptas: A carrier for the entrenching tool.

Rucksack (M71 Rucksack): A compact backpack (around 24 liters in volume) for carrying extra supplies not stored on the belt.


ABL-tentzeil / An ABL tent canvas is a multifunctional Belgian military tent canvas that can be used as a tent, rain cape, or poncho, complete with poles, stakes, and ropes for set-up.

Printed Label

Object Associations




Associated people and organisations

• Belgian Army
• Webbing System M71

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Deutsch	Niederländisch (Vlaams/België)	Französisch (Belgique)
Trageausrüstung M71	M71-draagsysteem / Webbing	Équipement de combat M71
Koppel (Gürtel)	Koppelriem	Ceinturon
Koppeltragegestell	Koppeldrager / H-harnas	Bretelage / Harnais
Munitionstasche	Munitietas	Porte-chargeur
Brotbeutel (Mehrzwecktasche)	Gevechtstas / "Buttpack"	Sac de combat / Musette
Feldflaschentasche	Drinkbustas	Porte-gourde
Spatentasche	Schoptas	Porte-pelle
Rucksack	Rugzak	Sac à dos

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M1971 ABL field gear - Page 6

Deutsch

Trageausrüstung M71
Koppel (Gürtel)
Koppeltragegestell
Munitionstasche
Brotbeutel (Mehrzwecktasche)
Feldflaschentasche
Spatentasche
Rucksack