Current military members - "standard" knife question

[SAK]

What kind of knife is currently “standard duty” for the USMC and US Army? Or is there such a thing any more? (like the Camillus / Ka-Bar fighting knife of the past.)

When my older brother was in the service in the early 70’s he gave me (kid brother) a “Ka-Bar” that I thought was the greatest gift in the world. For a nostalgia purchase I recently went to look at new models. It got me to wondering what the standard fighting/utility knife is now.

Thanks.

 

[jjcoolay]

I am not in the army or anything but dont they get to fill out there own kits with their own choice of knives??

 

[xsrdx]

Although there are a number of knives with National Stock Numbers (NSN), the only "official" issue knife for non-specialty military personnel is the M9 Buck/Phrobis designed bayonet. Some aviation and search/rescue types might get issued specific knives, but they are only issued to personnel assigned to that job.

However, knives assigned NSN's, like some of the BM automatics, can be ordered through the supply system if the unit wants to spend the money. This doesn't mean the knife has been "approved", or otherwise certified, it just means that enough units have asked for it and the supply chain responded by making them easier to buy.

In the past, everybody had the same gear. Today, units have budgets and are able to buy specific gear to improve readiness - recent examples like the Camelbak have actually been integrated into the supply system. Obviously, uniforms, web gear, small arms, body armor, etc are standard issue, but individual/personalized equipment like knives, eye protection, gloves, boots, flashlights, etc. is largely up to the soldier or the company/battalion they are assigned to.

Bottom line, most soldiers will buy and carry whatever knife they choose and can afford, within the limits imposed by the unit they are assigned to, and some units -special operations, Marine infantry and airborne/air assault in particular - may choose to buy knives for their assigned personnel.