Makers of the Combat Application Tourniquet have updated the design. The update has resulted in two different versions of the tourniquet currently in use in the field, though both have the same national stock number (NSN 6515-01-521-7976). Deployed Soldiers may soon receive the updated version. The update version of the CAT, "Generation 7," features a single-routing buckle through which Soldiers feed the tourniquet belt before tightening it with the windlass (a textured black rod). In appearance, the two generations differ in the color of the fastener strap. The fastener strap on the new model is gray, compared to a white strap on the older model. Also, the new model's lot number and "G7" are visible on the device and through the manufacturer's packaging. The Army emphasizes that both models are effective. Read more about the new Combat Application Tourniquet on KitUp!