Eagle Industries wins contract for USMC Pack

October 10, 2011 SHEPARD GROUP Source: ATK

Alliant Techsystems announced today that its Eagle Industries business has received a five year, $50 million indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract from Marine Corps Systems Command to produce the US Marine Corps' new USMC Pack. Initial contract work will be performed in its two Puerto Rico manufacturing plants and is expected to be complete in September of 2012.

The USMC Pack will take the place of the current fielded pack, known as the Improved Load Bearing Equipment (ILBE). The US Marine Corps was seeking to replace and enhance this component of the Family of Improved Load Bearing Equipment (FILBE) that will better integrate with the fielded torso body armor systems.

"We take pride in producing products that support our military in combat operations and training environments," said ATK Security and Sporting Group President Ron Johnson. "The new USMC Pack provides an enhanced capability to the US Marine Corps and demonstrates ATK's commitment to helping improve the effectiveness of our forces."

The new load bearing equipment system is modular and designed to allow Marines to carry equipment needed in support of combat operations. US Marine Corps' new pack increases the overall combat effectiveness of the user by maximizing the ability to carry combat loads more efficiently, minimizing the burdens of weight and improving overall system compatibility.

Components included in the pack system are: the main pack, assault pack, assault pouch, sustainment pouch (quantity 2), hydration pouch (quantity 2), hydration carrier, hydration bladder system, sternum cinch, sub-belt, repair kit and USMC Pack instruction card. The sub-belt is excluded from the initial USMC Pack procurement and will be fielded at a later date.