Posted: 1/17/2005 7:42:21 AM EDT
| Since I got out in 1999, I have seen this pelthora of new cool specialty gear by places like Tactical Tailor, Blackhawk, etc. Do your commands acutally let you wear this stuff. I know that some of my former superiors would have not let us use it because it was not issue. The leg rigs look particually useful for things like ammo and pro-masks (that carrier was completely useless). What is the real deal out there? |
| Depends on the unit. Where I was first stationed in Afghanistan we all had to use company holsters, but one person had his own SAPI plate holder. Out where I'm at now I can wear ANY gear that I have including if I had hiking boots or something obscene. Of course since the rules were tight where I was before, I only have a few extra pouches and snivel gear. |
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In garrison, especially the Marines, they're stringent about uniformity and frown upon anything other than issued gear. It's the CO's prerogative and some are stricter than others. The only exception that is universally tolerated would be the drop-leg holster. In Iraq it was a different story. Uniformity went out the window and everybody wore what worked for them, and no CO complained.... |
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Usually its no problem. I was wearing my SO Tech Callahan with plates with soft armor underneath until the CSM mafia starting swarming around. My setup worked better than with the IBA since the armor inside my IBA keeps shifting around causing no coverage on the sides when it shifts. I had reduced neck coverage but was the same as the guys issued paraclete. The same person who said something to me about my body armor setup folds down the coller on his IBA so its out of the way and doesnt wear the throat protector he preached about. Remember when the CSM is away the soldiers will play or do whats practical. |
| In Iraq I went apeshit with the Blackhawk catolog. The only issue LBE gear I used was the M16 mag pouch for my pvs-14s. Our first sergeant's driver wore some type of obviously non-issue boots. No problem at all. Now the battallion that releived us had a very strict LBE SOP, right down to the exact loop on the IBAS you will you to attach the MOLLE gear. I have heard more units allow whatever is practical/tactical than not. Now when we were preparing to leave the battalion did have an LBE SOP, we received 3 changes before the BN CDR and CSM said 1SG and CO decide the SOP. |
You can say that again!
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My BN has a very thourough and detailed SOP regarding exactly how gear should be worn that they obviously stole from some other unit, as the entire 3 shop put together isn't smart enought to staple the pages together without getting some backwards. 2 companies seem to follow it, the other two allow whatever works so long as it is not bright colors or cheap stuff. My Co says if it works for you, it works for him. |