I know that this subject has been brought up, but what is a soldier's every day carry. The stuff they carry on their belt and pack. Also what Multi-Purpose knife do troops carry in the U.S.? <img src="images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

The Camillus stainles steel utility knife is fairly common. It has a spearpoint blade,awl,can opener and bottle opener ( doubles as flat screwdriver. The A/F survival knife is issued to all services as needed. Most bayonets are theoretically designed for multiple task use. Getting something issued and having a knife are two different things <img src="images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />. When I was attached to a Motor Lifeboat Station I was told " have a boat knife by monday." Nothing was issued or even suggested. I had a Ontario survival knife from arctic survival school , a stainless steel finnish puukko and a Ulu <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> The local State trooper ( with a personal grudge against the coasties) informed me I would be arrested carrying the A/F from the station to the Lifeboat shed. So the puukko went into a neck sheath under my float coat. There are several knives used or approved for various units and Marines buy the KA-BAR at the PXs. Lots of people simply buy their own. This is a fine tradition extending back to field made knifes made from everything from crashed aircraft to truck springs <img src="images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Well, from my years in the Corps I can say that I never saw a knife issued to a Marine.
A bayonet will be issued, but only for deployment or actual combat situations.
Never saw an issued K-Bar, anyone who had one bought it themselves.
Personally, I bought a K-Bar after boot camp, and would also carry to the field a Spyderco rescue (when they came out) and a SAK or Leatherman or some kind of smaller pocket carry knife.
They aren't too keen on giving everyone a lethal weapon when there isn't an enemy to use it on. Heck they had enough trouble with guys getting drunk and beating on each other with bare fists. (actually saw a guy get stabbed at the E-Club in Panama)
In fact regulations stated you couldn't have a knife with a blade over 3 inches in length...ON BASE...PERIOD....
If it was, you had to check it into the armory.
As far as survival gear issued to your basic ground pounder, all that was issued was a very basic first aid kit, water purification tablets and not much else.

I have never in 11 years been issued a knife. We have bayonets in the armory to be issued before combat. But just like ammo this is not EDC or issued for training.

The military FAK is amazingly sparse. But I wouldn't want many of my soldiers walking around with kits full of Vicodin <img src="images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

EDC is usually purchased at the PX. Currently most PXs are stocked with K-Bar, Cold Steel knive, Leatherman, Spyderco, various SAK, and SOG tools. So guess the answer is that is what most people carry. Most soldiers can not afford a Sabenza.

I managed to find this online:

Mandatory Basic Equipment Survey Checklist

3 Bag, Duffle, G.I., Nylon, Type II, O.D.
1 Belt, Pistol, Nylon, LC-2, O.D.
1 Harness, LBE "Y" or "H", Nylon, O.D.
2 Cover, Canteen, Nylon, O.D., 1 qt.
1 Cup, Canteen, Steel, 1 qt.
2 Canteen, Plastic, O.D., 1 qt.
3 Opener, Can, P-38, Steel or Aluminum
1 Utensil, Eating, Knife/Fork/Spoon
1 Kit, Mess, G.I., Steel or Aluminum
3 Matches, Waterproof/Windproof, Survival, Boat
2 Knife, Combat, U.S.M.C. K-Bar or Equiv
2 Pouch, Magazine, G.I., Nylon, O.D., 3 X 30 rd.
1 Shovel, Tri-fold, (G.I. Reconditioned NOT Chinese Import !)
1 Cover, Shovel, Nylon or Neoprene
1 Buttpack w/carrying Strap, G.I., O.D. (Nylon or Web)
1 Sling, Silent, 1 1/4" or M60 GPMG
1 Compass, Lensmatic, G.I., O.D., Tritium
1 Compass, Backup (Silva or Equiv)
1 Blanket, G.I., O.D., 80% Wool
1 Bag, Sleeping, G.I., O.D., Intermediate (Synthetic NOT Down)
2 Pouch, First Aid/Compass, Empty
1 Flashlight, Anglehead, O.D. or Black
1 Frame, Ruck, ALICE, LC-2 (or LC-1)
1 Ruck, ALICE, large or medium, G.I., Nylon, O.D.
1 Pr. Straps, Shoulder, Quick Release, ALICE, LC-2,(or LC-1)
1 Waist Belt, ALICE LC-2 (only)
1 Bladder, Canteen, 5 qt.
1 Poncho, Camo, Nylon , G.I., (1 req'd., 2 recommended)
1 Poncho, O.D., Rubber, G.I.
1 Liner, Poncho, Camouflage
1 pr. Pants, Rain, O.D. or Camo
1 Case, Map, Assault Systems type, Small
1 Kit, 1st Aid, Parachutist, Complete
1 Stove, Special Forces, ESBIT Type, Small
9 Hexamine, Bar, Heating (For Stove)
1 Carbiner, Steel, Black, (Search & Rescue Type)
1 Webbing, Tubular, 1" Black, Swiss seat, 14' long
1 Mirror, Distress, Signal, 2' X 3", G.I.
3 Repellent, Insect, G.I.
2 Stick, Camo.,Shades-Loam,light green,Sand,White,Etc.
1 Balm, Lip, Artic
1 Balm, Lip, Hot Climate (With #35 Sunscreen)
2 Bot Tab, Water Purifier (Potable Aqua) (Iodine NOT Chlorine)
1 Filter, Water, Micro-ceramic, (First Need)
2 Soap, Ivory (UNSCENTED)
2 Toothbrush/Toothpaste
1 Razor
1 Washcloth, O.D.
1 Towel, O.D.
1 Can, Silicone, Waterproofing Spray
4 Ration, MRE, G.I., Current Manufacture

Mandatory Clothing Survey Checklist

1 pr. Boots, Combat or Jungle
1 pr. Laces, Boot
3 pr. Socks, O.D., cushion Sole or Equiv.
3 Shirts, T.,Choice of: O.D.,Black, AIRR, or Camo
1 pr. Shells, gloves, D3A
1 pr. Liners, gloves, D3A, wool, O.D.
1 Sweater, Wool, Choice of O.D.,Black, or Camo. ONLY
1 Sweater, Acrylic, Same as above, ONLY IF ALLERGIC to WOOL
1 Belt, Pants
1 set Long Underwear, Black, Thermax
2 set Pants and Shirt set, Fatigue, Camouflage, Ripstop
G.I.Woodland, G.I.Tigerstripe Viet-Nam
1 Jacket, Field, M65 Pattern of Uniform Chosen.
1 Liner, Jacket, Field, M-65
1 Cap, Patrol, Ear Flaps, Pattern Of Uniform Chosen
1 Cap, Boonie, Pattern Of Uniform Chosen


Minimum Weapon Requirement

1 Rifle, Colt AR-15
1 Kit, Cleaning (Rod, Patches, Oil)
1 Case, Kit, Cleaning
7 Magazine, Colt AR-15, 30 Round
600 Rounds .223 Ammunition

1 Pistol, U.S. Govt Issue Type
.45 Cal Colt Govt
9mm Beretta 92F
9mm SIG SAUER P226
3 Magazine, Pistol, 15 Round
200 Rounds Ammunition

I can tell you this much, I have never seen some of the things on that list. I am a US Marine and I carry some of those items, but a mess kit, utensils? Not really. We also dont carry the 45's anymore. We do have packing lists, but you mostly carry what you want, or think you need.

Pack
two or three sets of utilities (depending on how long you will be gone for)
Gortex top and bottoms
two pairs of boots
socks, lots of socks
782 gear which is some sort of load bearing equipment including:
two canteens
ka-bar knife
butt pack with extra gear (socks, food, PSK, bungee cords etc)
folding shovel (e-tool)
at least three flashlites (this has been a huge issue about batteries until I bought a few photon lights in different colors, mostly red and white, although I have IR light for Night Vision Gear)
two compasses
coleman camp stove
water proof bag of some sort
Baby wipes,
toilet kit (shaving, toothbrush, fingernail clippers, etc)
EXTRA BATTERIES for evything I bring out with me to include my mag light and photon lights. The military flashlights use D-Cell batteries that you can get through the supply system.
Camel Back
weapon cleaning gear
sunscreen
bug repelent
and other things, I have it all packed up all the time so I dont have to worry about it when I have to go the field.

THere are quite a few of us that by civilian camping gear, as long as it is balck or OD green

Hope this helps,

Garrett