History of the military belt

Throughout history, soldiers have always worn belts to always keep tools of daily use within reach. Think of the belts that “unloaded” the weight of the chain mail, from which in addition to the sword were hung a knife, a bag that we would define as survival, containing a fire kit and other useful things.

Over the centuries, a short firearm with relative ammunition began to hang on the military belt, often also adding a bread pocket over the shoulder.

From the twentieth century we begin to have a real luggage, generally composed of belt, shoulder straps and various pockets. With technological evolution, materials and “comfort” improve, but the essential substance has remained the same for centuries if not millennia. The soldier wears the combat belt, his own first line of survival. In fact, a first aid kit (today IFAK), a “survival” kit (fire and any emergency signals), as well as a knife and for those who have a short weapon with relative ammunition, have been standard for several decades. .

Think of the ALICE system, belt, shoulder straps, magazine pouches, haversack, water bottles, IFAK, knife / bayonet, compass and any short weapon. An under belt was then added to increase comfort, the shoulder straps were replaced by vests with various pockets and hooks. Everything was worn on the bulletproof / anti-splinter vest, up to the current evolution of modular plate carriers, where the combat belt returns to separate and specialize further.

The current combat belts are highly customizable and modular according to the user’s needs. One of the most functional solutions is based on a belt with Kobra safety buckle, IFAK, knife, survival kit, short weapon and relative pockets for ammunition, all of which is then anchored to an inner belt to the trousers, which adheres with velcro to the inside of the belt. A decidedly high-level choice, fully customizable, at an excellent value for money, is offered by Direct Action , a high-profile brand appreciated by operators from many armies.