I’ve written several articles about selecting tactical equipment and what considerations to make when looking to buy gear. I haven’t really spent too much time talking about what I have chosen for my personal equipment. I feel it is about time I do that.
For anyone who hasn’t read any of my previous articles, I am a US Army combat veteran. I served two tours in Iraq as a Cavalry Scout (MOS 19D) from 2006-2007 and 2009-2010. I recently resigned as a law enforcement officer in Colorado. I’ve worked as an armorer and have spent a lot of time over the last 20 years working with tactical equipment. I feel pretty confident I know what I’m talking about when discussing this particular subject.
I want to start off by saying that equipment that is used to support a mission or could potentially save your life should never be static. Evolution is essential to stay on the cutting edge. There are improvements being made in the world of tactical equipment and weaponry all the time. New calibers of ammunition are developed which leads to new weapon concepts. Advances in materials and technology lead to better systems, stronger materials, lighter weight final products. Some of those things may offer a better solution that can be integrated into your personal kit to improve your combat effectiveness and survivability.
Starting with my plate carrier, because this is one item that I plan to upgrade in the not too distant future, I am currently using a Bushido Tactical Guardian Plate Carrier. I like this plate carrier because I didn’t really have to do anything to upgrade it (unlike the Condor plate carrier I mentioned in a previous post). It has good shoulder pads, the plate pockets are backed by padding that keeps it comfortable, it has the rigid side panels with a cobra buckle-style quick closure, and it has routing and cable control built right in. It is a good plate carrier. Behind the molle panel on the front it has some built in pockets, which are great for using to mount edged weapons. I keep a Toor Knives MarlinSpike tucked along the right side, and I am still looking for my perfect solution for a fighting knife to keep on the left. I currently have a Cold Steel Counter Tac I clipped into the pocket with UltiClips. Across the front of the pocket I have an HSGI 3-mag shingle for rifle mags. On the left side of the cummerbund I have a radio pouch, though I haven’t decided on what to use for my coms yet. On the right I have a small utility pouch for carrying small but useful items. I have an IFF beacon on the back with a remote power switch that is mounted to my left shoulder strap. Since I’m right handed I don’t want the beacon being switched on and off when I shoulder my rifle. The plate pockets hold USGI ESAPI plates. Nothing really special, but also proper armor. The idea of running steel plates had crossed my mind at one point, but the slimness of the plates and limited back face deformation lost its appeal when I considered how energy transfers through a plate of steel versus how it is absorbed by ceramic. Also there is the issue that is always brought up about the secondary threat posed by spall. In the end, ceramic plates, segmented ceramic tiles, and proper modern armor designed for stopping bullets will always be better than a fancied up version of medieval plate mail.
When I was working as a cop I used a Haley Strategic D3 Belt as my duty belt. The link will take you to the latest version, which I plan to upgrade to. I have the legacy version, which was has been a great belt for me. For my personal setup I was able to take a lot of things off the belt when I left the law enforcement sector. I focus more on what I would want in a combat scenario: ammo. I have an HSGI kangaroo triple shingle on the left side of the belt giving me a total of seven rifle mags (six on my person and one in the gun) and four pistol mags (three on the belt, one in the gun). on the back of the belt I have a Micro Trauma Kit NOW! from Blue Force Gear. I found the chest decompression needle doesn’t fit particularly well in the trauma kit, so I moved it to the small utility pouch on my plate carrier. On the rear right side of the belt I have a small Winkler Knives axe that is no longer being produced. It is similar to his RnD Compact Axe. I wanted to have the axe as a breach tool. It’s excellent for breaking windows and chopping through cordage or straps. Forward of that I have a Leatherman Surge in a Haley Strategic pouch. Forward of that is the holster, which I will cover in the next paragraph, and a Zak Tool key clip. This was where I kept my keys when I was a cop, but I found it works great as a glove clip. I have several pair of gloves that I use, so I’m not going to single out any one in particular here.
The holster I use is something I pieced together during my time as a cop. When I first started I had a mid-ride Safariland holster that had an optic hood and a big plastic wing…it was stupid. The optic hood and wing were the first things to go. During DT I realized that leaving the ALS latch unprotected was less than ideal, so I got an ALS guard. For anyone not familiar, the ALS system is the retention method used in most of Safariland’s duty holsters. It has a spring-loaded block that interfaces with the ejection port of the pistol. That is connected to a lever that is activated by your thumb when you draw the gun. The guard is just a simple plastic piece that can be snapped forward to expose the lever for the ALS system, all of which can be done quickly in the motion of the draw.
With the holster sorted for function, the bigger issue I had with it was comfort. Getting in and out of my patrol car I would catch my pistol on the door frame or it was just in the way. I also didn’t like having to bring my hand up to my gun to draw it. I have long arms and big hands. I tried Safariland’s drop leg rig both with the QLS and direct mounted to the plate. I didn’t like it. What I ultimately settled on was a G-Code RTI belt mount and their Mule System. I got an adapter plate for the Safariland holster to make it RTI compatible and mounted a Centrifuge Training Negative Cant Plate and Equipment Mount to the back of the holster. This allowed me to mount a kydex carrier for my tourniquet to my holster. The entire rig dropped my duty handgun down to where it sat exactly at the point where my hand naturally rests.
That is my kit as it currently sits. As I mentioned early on and throughout this article, changes will be made. Other equipment is out there that can improve upon what I have. As a base, however, this setup will function the way I need it to for whatever purpose I may need it to serve. If you are interested in setting up your own tactical kit, I have other articles that discuss things to consider when choosing your gear. This is just how I have chosen to set up mine. And even as I change things, the same basic setup will be applied. Having a fighting knife on my offhand side is always a consideration I have when choosing armor, which is part of why I haven’t upgraded from my plate carrier yet. I’m still looking for the right combination of features.
Please, if this is something that interests you and you want to ask questions, feel free to reach out. I am always happy to share my experience with anyone looking to explore this aspect of training and readiness.
Until the next one. Stay safe.
Grey Matter Guano 