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U.S. Army Field Mess Gear
The M-1967 water canteen cover
During the Vietnam War a new canteen
cover was introduced as part of the M-1967
Modernized Load Carrying Equipment
(MLCE). The M-1967 MLCE was not
designed to replace the canvas and cotton
duck M-1956 Load Carrying Equipment, but
was designed for use in tropical
environments.
The water canteen cover was fabricated of
nylon cloth and webbing with an acrylic pile
liner material inside. The two-flap closure
was secured by means of metal snap
fasteners. A small pocket was added on the
front of the cover for carrying water
purification tablets. The flap of this pocket
was secured by means of hook and pile
fastener tape (Velcro). The cover attaches to
the individual equipment belt by means of
two keepers with interlocking slides in the
same manner as the earlier cover.
The two-quart canteen introduced in 1966 came with an olive green nylon cover equipped on the
back with two black metal 1956 type belt slides. The cover did not have a shoulder strap or
means of attaching a shoulder strap which meant that it took up too much space and was
awkward to carry.
The two-quart collapsible canteen that became
standard in October 1968 was issued with an
olive green nylon cover with a black high
impact black plastic closure as used on the front
of the M-1967 ammunition pouch. The opening
for the canteen spout was in the corner and the
inside was lined with green synthetic pile
insulation. There were two belt slides attached
to the back and there was a D-ring near the top
on each side for an adjustable nylon shoulder
sling.
At the time of the Persian Gulf War (1990-
1991) tan nylon covers were issued to troops
serving in the Middle East. A MOLLE version
of the cover in Universal pattern camouflage
was introduced in 2005.
Cover for the two-quart collapsible canteen
introduced in 1966.
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