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Army Reserve soldiers are issued all the required equipment and clothing. The Army operates in a wide range of conditions, from those found in arctic areas to conditions found in desert areas. The clothing and equipment issued to soldiers must accommodate this wide range of conditions. Although all equipment issued must be returned when you leave the service, soldiers keep the equipment at home, ready for use. This page does not list all of the clothing issued to Army Reserve soldiers, but highlights some of the newer clothing developed for the Canadian Forces (CF).

 

CLOTHING

CADPAT

  • Since 2001 Canadian soldiers have been dressed in the camouflage known as the Canadian Disruptive Pattern (CADPAT). It is available in Temperate Woodland or TW which is primarily green, black and brown in colour, and Arid Regions or AR. AR CADPAT is composed of three different colours of brown.

  • Soldiers in Canada are issued TW CADPAT combat shirts and pants. As well, new field clothing and equipment is or will be available in CADPAT shortly. This includes the wide brimmed combat hat, helmet cover, tactical vest, fragmentation protective vest, desert scarf, and rucksack covers.

  • More detailed information is available at the Clothe the Soldier website.

IECS

  • In addition to older issue clothing, since 2000, the CF has been steadily improving the clothing for the individual soldier.

  • The Improved Environmental Clothing System (IECS) provides a fully integrated clothing system to protect the Canadian Forces (CF) soldier in conditions ranging from wet cold to extreme cold.

  • The IECS system is based on the principle of layering, allowing the soldier to regulate body temperature through adding or removing layers.

  • The IECS System includes:
    i. Combat Jacket (to be issued in TW CADPAT)
    ii. Parka
    iii. Bib Overalls
    iv. Combat Trousers
    v. Fleece Top and Bottoms
    vi. Underwear
        1. Drawers Temperate Underwear
        2. Brassiere Temperate Underwear
        3. Lightweight Thermal Underwear
    vii. Footwear - A complete system that includes:
        1. Combat Sock System (see photo)
          a. Liner Socks
          b. Temperate Socks
          c. Cold Weather Socks
        2. Temperate Combat Boot (see photo)
        3. Wet Weather Boot
    viii. Headwear - in addition to the beret that every CF soldier is issued, Army Reservists are also issued helmets, wide brimmed combat hats, toques, and the following IECS components:
    1. Lightweight Thermal Balaclava (see photo)
    2. Lightweight Thermal Neck Gaiter
    ix. Gloves - CF soldiers are now issued four new gloves to cover a wide range of operating conditions.
    1. Temperate Combat Glove (TW CADPAT) - for general purpose use in temperate conditions of 5    oC to 35oC. (see photo)
    2. Lightweight Thermal/Mortar Glove - for dexterity in cold conditions while operating weapons, communications equipment, vehicles, etc.
    3. Combat Vehicle Crew Glove - for soldiers such as reconnaissance crewmen who are assigned to combat vehicles.
    4. Cold Wet Weather Glove - for use in cold and wet weather from +10oC to -15oC (below that temperature, arctic mitts are used).
 
 

 


Socks


Temperate Combat Boot


LWT Headwear


Combat Glove

WEAPONS

Armoured Reconnaissance soldiers operate a variety of weapons, from personal protection such as the pistol, to heavy machine guns such as the Browning .50 calibre. For more detailed information, visit the Canadian Forces website.

Browning Pistol

The Browning 9-mm pistol is carried by officers and soldiers who require a sidearm that can be rapidly drawn and fired, even in confined spaces. The pistol consists of a barrel, a slide, a breech block, a frame, and a 13 round magazine.

Specifications:
Cartridge: 9mm x 19mm
Weight: 1 kg (with empty magazine)
Length: 19.69 cm
Muzzle Velocity: 350 m/s

 


 

C7A1 Assualt Rifle

The C7A1 is an improved version of the basic C7 combat rifle, incorporating a low-mounted 3.5x optical sight. It is a Canadian adaptation of a U.S. firearm known as the M16A1E1. Attachments include the M203A1 40mm grenade launcher, the AN PAQ 4 Laser pointer and the Image Intensification Night Sight (Kite sight). It has been in service with the Army since 1986.

Specifications:
Cartridge: 5.56 mm x 45 mm NATO
Rate of Fire: cyclic, 700 to 940 rounds per minute
Magazine: 30 rounds
Weight: empty - 3.3kg, full - 3.9kg
Length: normal butt, 1.0 m
Barrel Length: 530 mm
Effective Range: 400 m

 

 

C8 Assualt Carbine

The C8 is a compact version of the standard C7 rifle. The C8 includes a telescoping butt-stock and shorter barrel. It is standard issue to armoured crews and is issued troops on special missions that require a more compact weapon.
Photo: C8 Assault Carbine

Specifications:
Cartridge: 5.56 mm x 45 mm NATO
Weight: empty 2.7 kg, loaded 3.2 kg
Length: butt closed 760 mm, but extended 840 mm
Barrel Length: 400 mm

 

 

C9A1 Light Machine Gun

The C9A1 is a Minimi (a contraction of Mini-Mitrailleuse, or mini machine-gun) equipped with an optical sight. It is fully automatic, gas operated and belt or magazine fed. It has an effective range of 600 meters. Within the rifle section, the C9A1 is used to provide covering fire for the maneuver of assault troops in the offence and to cover enemy approaches in the defence. The C9A1 can be fitted with the Image Intensification Night Sight (Kite sight). The Army has used the C9A1 at home and abroad since 1986.

Specifications:
Cartridge: 5.56 x 45mm
Operation: gas operated
Mode of fire: automatic only
Feed: belt or magazine
Weight: 7.12 kg
Rate of Fire: cyclic, 700-1,000 rounds per minute
Effective Range: 600 m

 

 

C6 General Purpose Machine Gun

The C6 GPMG is a fully automatic, air cooled, belt fed gas operated weapon that can be adjusted to fire between 650 and 1000 rounds per minute. The army uses this weapon in a number of roles. In the infantry, the C6 GPMG can be carried by dismounted soldiers and is used to provide either fire support or sustained fire. The C6 GPMG is mounted in a variety of vehicles, including the LAV III, the Coyote, and the Leopard C2. In these vehicles the C6 GPMGs are mounted co-axial to the main armament and used to provide fire support to the infantry or for local defence of the vehicle itself. In the sustained fire role, the C6 GPMG is mounted on a tripod. The C2 sight is used in conjunction with an aiming post to allow the crew to engage targets that they cannot see, due to fog, smoke or darkness. The C6 GPMG is light enough to be carried and used by soldiers on a variety of operations including patrolling, the advance, hasty defence, and delay and withdrawal operations.

Specifications:
Ammunition: 7.62 mm x 51 mm NATO
Rate of fire: 650 to 1000 rounds per minute (adjustable)
Weight: 11 kg
Length: 1,255 mm
Operation: gas operated, air cooled, belt fed
Range: Bipod 800 m, Tripod/Vehicle 1800 m

 

Browning .50 Cal Heavy Machine Gun

The HMG can be employed dismounted with a tripod for supporting fire for combat operations, or mounted on a variety of vehicles.

Specifications:
Ammunition: 0.50 Browning (12.7 mm x 99 mm)
Rate of fire: cyclic, 450 - 500 rounds per minute
Weight: 58 kg
Length: 1.65 m
Barrel length: 1.14 m
Operation: short recoil, belt fed, air cooled
Feed: disintegrating link belt, M2 or M9 links

Carl Gustav Medium Range Anti-Armour Weapon

The Carl Gustav is a section level anti-tank recoilless rifle. There are two versions of the Carl Gustav, the M2 is on issue to almost every regular and reserve army unit and the newer lightweight M3 is held by the light infantry. Despite its age, the Carl Gustav remains an effective system. The variety of ammunition available for this system and recent improvements in ammunition performance ensure that it will have a place on the battlefield for many more years.

Specifications:
Ammunition:
i. FFV 551 HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) - weight 3.2kg, range 700m
ii. FFV 502 HEDP (High Explosive Dual Purpose) for use against bunkers and fortified positions- weight 3.3kg, range 500m
iii. TP 552 weight 3.2kg, range 700m (this is a non explosive round used for training)
Length: M2 113cm, M3 107cm
Weight: M2 14kg, M3 8.5kg
Crew: 2, gunner, loader
Sight: 3x Telescopic, 12 degree field of view
Entered Service: M2 1969, M3 1988

 

 

M72 Short Range Anti-Armour Weapon

The M72 is a light, anti-armour weapon that can be used by a single soldier to destroy enemy combat vehicles and fortifications. The 66-mm warhead can penetrate up to 350 mm of armour. The unit is light and compact and can easily be carried by an individual soldier. When required, the user extends the telescopic tube, which automatically cocks the launcher and raises the sight. The user places the tube on his shoulder, aims, and squeezes the trigger to discharge the rocket to a range of up to 350m. The maximum effective range is about 220m against moving targets and 300m against stationary targets.
 
Specifications:
Calibre: 66mm rocket
Carry Weight: 3.45 kg
Carry Length: 780 mm
Firing Length: 980 mm
Muzzle Velocity: 200 m/s
Effective Range: 220 m
Maximum Range: 350 m
Time of flight to 250m: 1.4 seconds
Penetration: 300 mm of armour

 

Grenade

The standard issue grenade of the Canadian Army. Primarily used by dismounted soldiers to clear trenches and enclosed areas such as bunkers and buildings.

Specifications:
Filling: 185g Comp B Explosive (Rdx/TNT)
Length: max 89.6 mm
Diameter: 63.5 mm
Weight: 395 g
Body: pre-fragmented steel
Lethal Radius: 15 m
Casualty Radius: 15 m
Delay Time: 4-5 sec

 

EQUIPMENT

Fragmentation Protective Vest

Provides protection from grenades, shell fragments and debris resulting from explosions on the battlefield.

Ballistic Eyewear

Eye protection from shrapnel, flying debris, harmful objects or liquids.

Bullet Resistant Plates

Soldiers insert Bullet Resistant Plates into their Fragmentation Vests when the operational threat level is high. The plates protect a soldier's vital organs from hostile fire. They are capable of stopping 5.56mm and 7.62mm rounds.

COMMUNICATIONS

TCCCS

TCCCS: The Tactical Command and Control Communications System (TCCCS) replaced old radio equipment used by the Army with the state-of-the-art Iris. (TCCCS is the name of the overall project, while Iris is the name of the actual communications system). Iris provides the Army with secure, reliable and integrated communications

Light Assault Radio

The Light Assault Radio, or LAR, is the smallest radio in the Army's communications inventory. It is normally used for short-range communications between dismounted units, military police, and security forces.

Tac Vest

Designed to sustain the individual soldier for 8 - 24 hours. The TV features 12 pockets; four breast ammunition pockets, two front utility pockets, two detachable side utility pockets for one C9 ammunition drum and one 2 litre water bottle, two smoke grenade pockets and two M67 grenade pockets. In addition, the TV will have a bayonet scabbard carrier, whistle pocket, and MaglightTM pocket.

 

Small Pack System

This pack system consists of the small pack (24 L volume), and four accessory pouches (5 - 7.5 L each). It provides load carriage in operations where soldiers are required to wear fragmentation protection and carry combat supplies and sustainment items sufficient for up to 24 hours. In addition to the soldier's own carriage requirement, the Small Pack System will provide a means to carry the soldier's share of section/platoon weapons, ammunition and mission-oriented stores.

Ruck Sack

An internal frame backpack with an 80 L capacity. The Rucksack will be a basic issue item to dismounted CF personnel conducting land operations. It will provide the primary load carriage means in operations where soldiers are required to carry combat supplies and sustainment items for greater than 24 hours and sufficient for up to 72 hours.

The Night Observation Device

The Night Observation Device, Long-Range (NODLR) allows infrared thermal viewing of night or daylight targets during all weather conditions. Infrared thermal technology allows the viewer to 'see' heat sources, greatly improving observation in certain conditions such as fog and darkness.

Night Vision

Night Vision Goggles allow soldiers to drive vehicles, conduct maintenance, read maps, navigate, and conduct first aid during periods of darkness. The goggles come with a head-harness that allows for hands-free use of the NVGs. NVGs require no active visible or infrared light source in order to work. The Image Intensifier Tube amplifies existing light, which allows the user to function as in daylight conditions. The user can also activate an infrared illumination diode in areas of total darkness and situations requiring additional light.
 

 
 

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