The purpose of this publication is to demonstrate, through the study of nineteenth and early twentieth century United States infantry field equipment, that a more complete understanding of the individual components can be gained by studying them as parts of larger, more comprehensive systems than could be acquired by studying them as if they developed individually, in a vacuum. Contrary to the popular method of studying the evolution of individual components, it can be shown that the development of these components are interrelated to each other and that, in most cases, were intended to be part of a comprehensive equipment system. Thus, an understanding of the origins and development of the complete system is necessary in order to gain a thorough understanding of the individual components.

356.1860973 A436a Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.