The M-1956 Load-Carrying Equipment,also known as the Individual Load-Carrying Equipment (ILCE), was the first redesign of the individual soldier's equipment since WW II. For many items, it was the only major change since 1910. LCE included the M1956 Canteen Cover, a design that was not fundamentally different from the earlier models since the aluminum canteens and stainless steel canteens  of WW II remained in use. Changes from the M1910 dismounted canteen cover included:

• Replacement of the M1910 wire hook with two "ALICE keeper" sliding attachments, named for later use with ALICE load carrying system . A webbing patch held the keepers to the cover.
• Metal snaps with a smooth black finish replaced lift-the-dot fasteners as flap closures

Like its predecessors, the M1956 LCE canteen case was constructed of heavy cotton canvas with cloth-taped edges and a synthetic wool felt lining for insulation. It was slightly oversized to accommodate both a canteen and the nested metal canteen cup.

In 1961, the M1956 Canteen Cover felt lining was replaced with a synthetic fur. In 1967, the final version of the M1956 canteen cover had nylon-trimmed edges. When the metal canteens were replaced by the military one quart plastic canteen in 1962, the M-1956 cover continued in use until it was ultimately replaced by the nylon canteen covers.

The full nomenclature of the M1956 Canteen Cover is Cover, Water, Canteen, M-1956 (or Cover, Water Canteen)