EDF PERSONAL ISSUE
(please note that only equipment which substantially varies from that of the U.S. equivalent will be described here.)

DOG TAGS- PERSONAL MEANS OF IDENTIFICATION, you also get a military I.D. card, yes europeans get them too.  The European versions also act as cred sticks at all EDF facilities.

DUFFEL (LAUNDRY) BAG- A bit smaller than its us equivalent, but also wider.

Standard UNIFORM - The standard all purpose uniform, standard issue is gray, although special forces groups are issued camo versions to suit their operating environment as well.  It consists of  trousers (2 black, 2 grey each),  and a jacket (1 black, 1 grey).  The trousers portion has the same number and arrangement of pockets as the american equivalent, with the addition of two pockets on the lower legs.   The Jacket is lightly armored to sp: 6 and contains 2 side pockets, 2 breast, 1 back and two sleeve pockets.  However it considered poor taste to keep much in these pockets as it ruins the cut of the jacket and therefore gives it and the soldier wearing it a less than perfect image.  The uniform serves as both the battle and dress uniforms.  EDF funding restrictions prevent the issue of a dress uniform, ng lack of necessity.  In the soldiers home country he is allowed to wear his countries dress uniform (with the addition of two gray armbands to signify his membership in the EDF) in certain situations.  Officers jackets retain the armor, but are a styled a bit more formally.

COMBAT GLOVES- STRONG RUGGED GLOVES

 
BOOTS + 2 PAIR SHOELACES- Strong steel toed boots, with separated metal plates in the soles, to provide protection while maintaining flexibility.  Very similar to the American version

COMBAT GEAR:

BACKPACK- similiar in form and function ot its American counterpart
HEAVY BELT- The standard military carry belt, used to carry the following equipment:
COMBAT KNIFE- (SEE BELOW FOR INFORMATION)
CANTEENS-  1 liter canteen, made of plastic
basket 1- 3 50MM FRAG GRENADES
POUCH 1- Smart goggles w/ thermograph, ir, anti-dazzle, low light, tele-optics, and smartgun link, this is very compact, making the most of miniature electronic technology, and attaches directly, and fastly to  the helmet in much the same way as the american version
pouch 2- Gas mask, this version is more compact than the american version, and is very flexible allowing it to be folded up and stuffed into this fairly small pouch.  It is worn like a hood with a flexiband cuff around the neck.
POUCH 3- small first aid kit
POUCH 4- 2 glowsticks, a miniature flashlight, camouflage makeup
POUCH 5- used for personal non-military items
POUCH 6- EBM GPS, functions almost identically to the Datatel Mapmaker although it is a bit more fragile

ARMOR:

TORSO ARMOR  420EB- (SP: 20) the flexible, highly durable armored vest used by all EDF forces.  Very light but offers no arm or groin protection.  For added mobility the armor is modular, with shoulderpads, breastplate and mid-section wrap, and back plate.

NECK ARMOR- (SP: 12) heavier than the U.S. counterpart, but offering better protection, and protects the entire neck, not just the front.

HELMET 250EB- (SP: 20) A very lightweight combat helmet, it is even semi flexible.  A short range radio is installed in the helmet, with the microphone built into the chin strap and the speakers built into the inside of the helmet.  A flip down visor is standard equipped with AD, IR, and LL.

PILOTS UNIFORM AND HELMET- consisting of little more than a padded flightsuit, this uniform maximizes comfort and unrestricted movement.  The helmet is SP:20 and is equipped with Low-Light, Thermograph, Targeting Optics, and Anti-Dazzle.

H.A.S.S.A.R. ARMOR  1200EB- The European heavy combat armor.  It is basically metal gear with a few extras..  It provides SP:25 armor, comes with a helmet and removable face mask that functions as a gas mask with a built in person radio, therm optics, anti dazzle, Times square option and low light.  the jumpsuit worn underneath is armored to SP: 6 and if the full version is worn, including powered leg units (allowing the soldier to make leaps up 15 feet and 10 feet high) the soldier wearing this is almost unstoppable.

THERM-OPTIC CAMOUFLAGE- Manufactured by GOSSAR INC. of France, this armor is virtually identical in function and performance to either the Militech Ghost suit (Chrome Book 2) or the Seburo model  (SEE MASAMUNE SHIROW CONVERSIONS for info)  It includes an armored vest (SP: 16) armored shin guards (sp: 10) and a holster and magazine pouch for the soldiers sidearm.

SPECIAL GEAR:

B.A.C.L. Electronics LONG RANGE RADIO 8560EB- This is the state of the art radio telephone used by EDF forces.   300 MILE RANGE, FULL SHIELDING, JAM AND SCRAMBLE CAPABILITIES, AND ANY OTHER FEATURE YOU COULD THINK OF ARE ALL INCORPORATED INTO THIS UNIT.  It is 20 pounds lighter and connects directly into a specially built helmet (sp:20 sdp: 10) for the RTO allowing hands free operations for most situations.

HILLARD DIGITAL BINOCULARS   650EB -  These amazing and durable binoculars usea highpowered camera to view the object which is displayed on a video screen in the eye piece.  Image enhancement, low light, IR, and teleoptics, as well as a 200 shot digital camera and laser rangefinder/target system are all built in.  In event the electronics fail the device may used as normal binoculars.

EBM PNI 724 cyberdeck (MILITARY) 15,000EB - This is the military version of EBM's top of the line cyberdeck.  It has all the features and capabilities of the civilian version, but has an armored shell to protect against damage from rough use.  (see Rache Bartmoss's Brainware Blowout for more details)  It is specially designed to hook into the B.A.C.L. Electronics LONG RANGE RADIO, and because of the specially designed helmet a soldier can switch back and forth between the net and real time without losing his or her place as well as having a small visual readout of his net position displayed on the helmet in realtime.
 
 

PERSONAL WEAPONS:

ARASAKA MORITA- this assault rifle has been issued  to EDF military Special Forces personnel serving in Africa as an ongoing field test in Arasaka's bid to win the Military Assault Weapon contract.  Arasaka is hedgin their bets by attempting to sell this both to US and EDF forces, but so far only Europe has made any substantial purchases.  This weapon became a necessary purchase in response to Militechs M-52 system, as both rifles fire the Arasaka developed 10mm rifle round.   While the weapon only holds half as many rounds as it's American counterpart, it is more accurate owing to the bullpup design and longer barrel, and the shotgun/25mm grenade launcher holds 3 more rounds.  Comes in 3 varieties, Standard (featuring the underbarrel shotgun), Officers (shortened weapon, no shotgun, also popular with commandoes), and Sniper version with x500 Low Light and Thermoptic scope.  Due to its higher accuracy, many American Soldiers will keep and use any of these they manage to get ahold of.  In Africa, where conflict between the US and the EDF occurs this is especially so, and there are unsubstantiated reports of Americans ambushing EDF patrols just to get ahold of their weapons.  American commanders have gotten wind of this, and the few Moritas that have been purchased by the US Military have been issued to special forces.   (see AUTUMN BLADE for more info)

FN-RAL- The standard issue assault rifle for most European armed forces including the EDF.  Chambered in 7.62mm the FN-RAL is one of the worlds finest and most effective assault rifles.  While many Morita's have been issued the FN-RAL is still the most common rifle found among EDF troops.  (For more info see the main Book)

ROYAL ENFIELD ORDNANCE LPA1 - A very well designed and highly effective rifle, however its ammo is also very expensive and adverse conditions wreak havok on the weapons liquid propellant system. (See Rough Guide To The U.K. for more info)

ROYAL ENFIELD ORDNANCE SPITFIRE- this British handgun is the standard issue sidearm to all EDF forces.  Soldiers prefer the short barrel version while officers are issued the long barrel (not shown).  For special forces a suppressor is available as well as "Reaper" ammunition.  (See Rough Guide To The U.K. for more info)

MATSUCORP BSGP A1 465eb
P  -  +1  -  J  -  P  -  2D6+3 (10MM) -  10  -  1  -  VR
This is the standard sidearm issued to EDF military pilots, who demand style on their hips over functionality.  The odd magazine design, which is loaded from the front just under the barrel, is innovative in a weapon of this size.  The weapon is quite accurate and reliable, though reloading takes some getting used to.  The molded grips is available in either a wood finish, or with a rubberized coating.  This weapon uses caseless ammunition.

GERMANICS K-12 COMBAT KNIFE   60eb
MEL - 0 - J - P - 2D6 - N/A - N/A - VR
A light but very strong cerami-steel fighting knife.

GERMANICS K-14 BOOT KNIFE    45eb
MEL - 0 - J - P - 1D6 - N/A - N/A - VR
A standard boot knife, double edged and perfectly balanced.  EDF officers receive a longer more ornate version coated in teflon.  The handle is half hollow, and includes: compass, 6 matches, 2 band aids, snake bite kit, fishing line with 4 hooks and sinkers, and a wire saw w/ handle rings,

H&K MPK-2020- Standard submachine gun used by EDF special forces, vehicle crews, and security.  Chambered in 12mm, special forces crews receive "Reaper" ammunition in addition to standard. (see Rough Guide To The U.K. for more info)

25MM GRENADES- EDF combat troops have access to a wide variety of 25mm grenades and shotgun specialty rounds for the M-52AR assault rifles under barrel shotgun.  (See Blackhands Streetweapons for more Info)

HAND GRENADES- as above, the EDF combat soldier has access to virtually every type of hand grenade available.  (See Blackhands Streetweapons for more Info)

FABRIQUE NATIONALE RPAW  500eb
HVY - +2 - N - R - 4d10  - 1 - 1 - VR
A reloadable anti tank rocket launcher similar in capabilities but only 200eb more expensive than the American L.A.W. II. It is also more acurate, however it is a bit heavier.  (Rockets are 75eb apiece)

WALTHER DRAGONLANCE S-402    2200eb
RIF - +5 - N - R - 6d10 (.50 cal. cased) - 12 - 1 - vr
The European Heavy sniper rifle, chambered in .50 cal. this is one of the most acurate weapons in the world.  It comes with a 3 foot suppressor for situations when stealth is important.  This weapon outperforms the Barret M-90 in almost every way.  One of the few weapons the EDF uses that isn't made for caseless ammunition, mostly due to the immense surplus and availability of .50 caliber ammunition.  It also  comes standard with a Lockson scope, one of the most powerful in the world.  In fact, looking at this finely engineered weapon, one would sooner believe it is made for competition shooting, not wading through the jungle in a war zone.

ROYAL ENFIELD ORDNANCE COCKERILL 25mm RIFLE - The EDF anti-armor sniper weapon.  (See Rough Guide To The U.K. for more info)

ROYAL ENFIELD R-680 MICRO MISSILE LAUNCHER  1150eb
HVY - +3 - l - r - varies (40mm Micromissile) - 10 - 1 - vr
This weapon is preferred by EDF troops over a grenade launcher for its acuracy.  It uses larger micromissiles than the Militech Urban Missile launcher, specifically designed for the weapon.  The variety of 40 mm micromissiles  is equal to that of the 40mm grenade allowing the weapon to serve a wide variety of purposes.  (40mm micromissiles 80eb apiece)

FM-304 FLAMETHROWER  985eb
FLM  -  +2  -  N  -  R  -  SPECIAL (flame)  -  4 min.  -  4 min.  -  vr
The EDF flamethrower, the fuel supply is worn on a harness and connected to the gun by an armored (sp: 8)  flexible hose.  This weapon is heavy, and most EDF troops aren't too sure about carrying the fuel supply directly on their body when bullets are whizzing around.  However the weapon is sturdy and reliable.
 
 

CYBERNETICS:

When it comes to cybernetics the EDF is a bit less giving than the U.S., reflecting the european point of view on cybernetics.  The one thing all EDF soldiers receive is a neuralware processor.  As far as replacement cybernetics and upgrades the EDF functions in almost the exact same manner as the U.S. although will opt for bioware whenever possible.
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT OF THE EDF, PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING:

EUROSOURCE & EUROSOURCE PLUS

THE ROUGH GUIDE TO THE U.K.

SOLO OF FORTUNE 1&2

FIRESTORM: STORMFRONt AND SHOCKWAVE

BLACKHANDS STREET WEAPONS

RACHE BARTMOSS'S BRAINWARE BLOWOUT

CHROME BOOKS 1-4

AUTUMN BLADE WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT, AND ITS UPDATE

Weapons & Equipment of Counter-Terrorism

OCEANPUNK: GEAR AND EQUIPMENT

  
(Written by Deric "D" Bernier, images from Ghost In The Shell, Aliens, Starship Troopers, Matsuo, Battlestar Galactica. Star Wars Chick,  Chris Chulamanis (AKA FNG USCM) , private prop collectors (special thanks to the members of Mastucorp, Aliens Legacy, the RPF, and BBC), Soldier, Wildstorm, Metal Men, Star Wars, and Deric "D" Bernier.)