There are different types of tourniquets, but the most common tourniquet in the military inventory is the Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT).

The CAT has several notable parts, including:

- Windlass rod (used to twist and tighten the tourniquet)
- Windlass clip (used to secure the rod)
- Windlass safety strap (to keep the rod from becoming unsecured)
- Routing buckle (for routing the tourniquet band after it has been looped around an arm or a leg)