Equipments, Infantry

Comprise the personal outfit of the soldier, excluding arms proper and clothing. A set of equipments is called a kit (which see). The standard equipments for infantry include the knapsack , belts , and plates , cartridge-box , bayonet-scabbard , haversack , and canteen . The knapsack, haversack, and canteen are only used in marching. In the United States there is a strong tendency towards discarding the knapsack; a roll made of the blanket, piece of shelter-tent, or overcoat, being frequently used instead. A clothing-bag is also sometimes used to take its place. The best manner of arranging and slinging the various articles carried, for the comfort and health of the soldier, is still an open question. In future wars it is probable that an intrenching tool will be added to the soldier’s equipment. The equipments for a cavalry soldier in the United States are very much the same as for infantry.