Got a mountain of gear the other day, including the new vest. “Stoutly built” is the description that springs to mind. “Heavy” might also work. My hat’s off to the men (and ‘men) who are wearing these 24/7 with all the ammo and water thereunto pertaining, in hideous heat.
Seriously, we’re getting some very good kit these days. I regaled the folks at the CIF with tales of the gear that 1stLt P was issued back in 1990, such as the mythical “shelter half,” and received looks of disbelief in return. I’m still messing with this thing.
Wow, great kit!
Where does the coffee maker attach?
Didn’t you get a fancy schmancy holster to got with that gear?
Matt– I think it goes in a pouch on the back, but like I said I’m still putting it together. :-)
Slick Rick– YES I DID!! Many thanks, I’ll put that in a future pic. I’ve already used it on the range, worked perfectly.
Heavy and uncomfortable-you betcha. I had it last year for OIF, and I’m glad I was a staff puke who only wore it for short periods or in transit. But it is far better than the crap reserve units are still issued for training at the HTCs. We still have MOLLE 1s, original kevlars and flaks, and (horror of horrors)shelter halves. It’s great to come back from deployment, turn in all the new stuff at the CIF, and then dust off the old crap to go to the field.
What???? They don’t have shelter halves anymore???? (damn, I am getting old…) Next you’ll be telling me you don’t have the really cool MOPP boots/clown shoes anymore either…
Shelter Half – no big deal, but if they ever do away with my beloved poncho liner there will be trouble.
I hope you have no need for your armor old chap.
Old T: Still have the MOPP/clown boots… I got those too :-(
Doc H: Still have the p-liner, now in digi pattern. Poncho itself has been replaced by MUCH more functional tarp of similar dimensions and slightly stouter material.
LtCol P:
I must say sir that I HATE that piece of gear!! (though I wouldn’t mind it, if it stopped an AK round)!
I just got back from a short tour to Afghanistan, and had to wear that thing often. Let me assure you, sir, that it is heavier, and more painful to wear on the shoulders and back, than the original Interceptor.
Most of the infantry guys I went out on patrol with have ditched it for the lighter plate carrier, and don’t want to go back.
Semper Fi
–Sgt Battles
PS– Speaking of old gear, I made sure I had my canteen cup, which came in handy as I spent a lot of time out in non-civilized locations.
I also had with me two 2-qt canteens, which came in handy ’cause I could soak the furry liners of the covers, and keep the water cool. I also
And I even wore proudly a cartridge belt– though I bought a newer, coyote-colored one. (I just wish they’d let me deploy with a 1911 Colt .45)!
BTW, how are you, sir?
(buy guns)