History
PLCE replaced 58 Pattern webbing, which was made of olive canvas: this system was outdated by the 1980s. The US introduced nylon M67 (and later ALICE) type webbing during the Vietnam War to overcome the issues associated with canvas in damp climates. Following their lead, Britain developed 72 Pattern webbing, which consisted of two front ammo pouches and a rear butt pack made of butyl laminate. This was never generally issued, but was a Troop Trials Equipment.
Developments resumed with the introduction of the SA80 weapons system in the mid- to late 80s. Trials of experimental PLCE and combat body armour were conducted with selected units in 1983/84, following which 85 Pattern PLCE was issued on a restricted basis. It was very similar to the first issue PLCE, but used snaps for closure on all pouches.
The first PLCE (90 Pattern) appeared around 1988, in OG. The original type used ’58 pattern c-hooks for belt attachment, and angled D-rings for yoke attachment on the ammunition pouches (so there were separate left and right pouches). The first production utility pouches had additional belt attachments for high mounting, like the ammo pouches of 37 or 44 Pattern webbing.
Newer OG webbing has ambidextrous yoke fittings and standard PLCE belt attachments (see below). The Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM) version (95 Pattern/Soldier 95) has been made since about 1992.
Read more about this topic: Personal Load Carrying Equipment
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