Pack for grunts reinvented.

* A tactical sling bag that allows soldiers to keep their packs on in vehicles and permits ready access to their equipment is being perfected by the U.S. Army Soldier System Center in Natick, Mass.

Richard Landry, an equipment designer, explains the current prototype has about 700 cubic inches of space and can be slung over one shoulder. It has modular lightweight load carrying equipment webbing so the user can add pouches.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The sling bag may have many other applications, Landry mentions it could be a "valuable tool for medics. This would essentially give medics a hands-flee capability, while ensuring their supplies are readily available. Additionally, if the medic came under fire while treating a casualty, he wouldn't have to worry about leaving supplies behind. They could always be attached to his body."