One of my favorite aspects of the corner of the military that I have existed in has been the flexibility in equipment that we can use in the field. Now, that isn’t to say there isn’t basic standards, often revolving around the mandatory use of the issued Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) and armored plates. Outside of that; chest rigs, plate carriers, pouches, and other pieces of kit are often left up to the bane of every Command Sergeant Majors’ existence, “shooters preference”. Personally, I absolutely despise the CIF/RFI issued equipment that is handed out to American soldiers. Even though the Army has seen fit to “upgrade” equipment every 5-10 years, it’s often several years behind the development curve and purchased because of it’s lower cost instead of actual quality. Why does the Army do this? I have a theory that it’s because of a lack of experienced soldier input, from younger soldiers that make use of this equipment more than anyone else, and some outdated beliefs held by senior NCO’s and officers that haven’t actually been on the line in the last decade. 

The upside to this horrible equipment is that down at the company and platoon level, NCO’s and Officers tend to be more flexible about soldiers purchasing their own kit. This is because they see the impracticality of much of the basic issued equipment, and they like to see their soldiers investing in their own career through supplying themselves with better gear. I’ve been in units where you could only go so far as supplying your own pouches, all the way to helmets and body armor. In the midst of that, a lot of inexperienced privates and junior NCO’s buy equipment that is only marginally better than what is handed out by the base Central Issuing Facility. While it might serve them better and be more comfortable than what the Army provides, there is better equipment in terms of performance and durability out on the market. 

This is the start of a series that will revolve around five pieces of aftermarket kit that will be compared with what the average line soldier is currently issued. Starting next week with a look at the TAP or Tactical Assault Panel, we will compare it to what is offered by First Spear, Mayflower, Esstac, and London Bridge Trading. The following comparisons will involve the issued rucksacks, pouches, plate carriers and helmet padding. The goal of this series is to help soldiers make more informed decisions before they go to Clothing and Sales for the latest in Chinese made products, or off base to the equally questionable surplus shops that are a feature of every major Army post across the country. Instead of just looking cool, soldiers should purchase equipment that is up to date, durable, and has long term serviceability.

If any of my four readers wants to have input on any possible gear comparisons, please feel free to shoot me a message or email me at mike.a.collard@gmail.com.