Mick-Boy's work gear (what and why)

[Mick-Boy]

This post was originally written for a "Show your fighting load out" thread on another board. I figured some folks here might be interested in some of it. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns feel free to post them.

First a brief overview.



I work on a project overseas with a pretty broad scope. I can be doing anything from overt, multi-cam and long gun stuff to low-pro, concealed pistol only work. I’ve tried to set up my kit so that I can scale it from one end of the spectrum to another without too much heart-ache. All of this gear can come and go depending on the mission.



On my body:


- IDs/Credit Card/Cash/Passport(s) – This is my “no-shit-I-have-to-leave-town-in-a-hurry” stuff. I can drop everything else, get on a plane and make it back to the US under my own financial power. The IDs are self-explanatory (I need them day to day). The credit card is one that I don’t use for anything else. It has a fairly low limit and a balance of $0. The cash is usually about $500USD and $500Eur + or - $100. Bribes, airfare, new clothes, etc. Never leave home without it. I carry both my official and my tourist PP. Most of this is in a neck ID holder inside my shirt.

- Folding knife/Flashlight – I carry a Benchmade Auto that I was issued at some point. We just got the Emerson mini CQC-15 issued but since APOs don’t let you ship home autos.. I just stick with the BM.

I’m a big believer in carrying a handheld light in addition to my WMLs. I need to look at a lot more things than I need to point a gun at. I like the 5/200lumen SF lights (mine is an E2d) because I’m mostly looking for things that are close at hand so I don’t need the higher lumens. If I need to look at something farther away I can do that. If I need to look at something that might be a threat I can use either of my WMLs. I've replaced the tail cap so the light isn't tearing up my pants all the time.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4325/36045766442_30f077ebef_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/WVeYxL)


BELT KIT:
- I use the DSG arms competition belt (http://dsgarms.com/ProductInfo/KTDSGBC-15-TAN.aspx) pretty much all of the time. I like the ability to put it on and take it off quickly without needing to thread all my batman gadgets through it. It’s not nearly as obtrusive as some of the other two piece belts that I’ve looked at. If I need to go very low-pro I wear a Maxpedition Liger belt.

From left of the belt buckle and working around I carry


- Spartan Blades CQB tool (http://spartanbladesusa.com/cqb-tool-p-98.html) – Greg Thompson (Team ROC/SOCP) runs the combatives program for the project I work on. I’m a big fan of the philosophy he teaches. Make space, access a tool, process the threat and Charlie Mike. The CQB tool to a purpose built knife for that purpose. Sucks for cutting or prying. Just good for sticking in someone repeatedly. It helps that one of the owners for Spartan Blades used to work this project so he looks out for us.

- M67 frag – For when “Please leave me alone” isn’t cutting it.

- Pistol Reloads – My pistol is my primary weapon pretty often. Having reloads just makes sense.

- Rifle mag – This is my Go-To reload for rifle. I know it’s always on my body (unlike a chestrig) so this is what I train to use as my speed reload. I’ll backfill this pouch as the situation allows.

- Med kit – I’ve been hunting for an optimum solution to the 1st-line med kit question for a while. The SOTech flat medkit is good but big. I ordered the Mayflower kit but it’s been lost in the APO system for a few months. Thankfully another mod on Lightfighter hooked me up with a purpose built pouch that has a smaller footprint than anything I’ve found yet. He’s asked me not to post photos at this time.

At the risk of rehashing a different thread on LF I’ll add a couple of thoughts; I want to be able to carry certain medical items on my person. Things that I can’t easily replicate in the field. For me, that’s Combat Gauze (x2), NPA, and a 14Ga needle (TQ is elsewhere). I’m pretty comfortable with my ability to MacGyver solutions to most other problems but hemostatic agents, NPAs, and a needle are things I can’t do.


My medkit is at the small of my back (nothing real hard in it so I’m not too worried about spinal injuries from falling on it). I can access it with either hand from any position (hanging upside down in a rolled vehicle for instance). This is stuff for me to use on myself in a pinch. I’ve got another kit on my chest rig and we’ve got medbags in the trucks.


- Pistola – G19 with a KKM threaded barrel wearing an X300. I’ve put Warren Tactical sights (tritium front, black rear), a Vickers mag release and a bit of skateboard tape onto it. Both the pistol and the pistol mags ride in kydex from JM custom kydex (http://www.jmcustomkydex.com/). I can’t say enough good things about my dealings with the owner Tony Mayer. He’s made things happen on compressed timelines a couple of times now and he builds a great product.

- CAT TQ – It’s riding in an REFactor TQ holder (http://www.refactortactical.com/product-p/reft-tourniquet-holder.htm). It’s accessible with either hand and preset to fit over my legs.


https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4302/36171305856_c1a52af3b1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X7kp3q)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4326/36077492461_f1fe8177b6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/WY3zA6)



ARMOR:
I run two different rigs. Which one I choose is mission/threat dependent. Both rigs are in the Coyote Brown color so I can wear a number of different uniforms/clothes without standing out too much.

- Mayflower low-profile armor carrier (http://www.mayflower-rc.org/store/7016/22/Low-Profile-Armor-Carrier.html) with soft armor and special threat plates – This is my go-to carrier. It’s low-profile enough that I can put a shirt over it and not look like the Michelin man at a glance but offers good coverage. I replaced the cummerbund with a BFG Ten Speed side closures.


- Velocity Systems ULV carrier with special threat plates – This is true low-pro armor built for a specific threat.

A note on “Low-pro” – I’m not trying to be able to kit up and still pass a detailed examination. If the guy looking is a professional, that’s never going to happen. What I’m trying to do is pass at a glace, or at worst, a handshake and some pleasantries. I want to be able to sit in a meeting (or drive down the road) and not LOOK like a geared up, gun-toting, knuckle-dragger. Sometimes it doesn’t matter. Sometimes it does. When it does, gear gets scaled back to the necessary levels. If I have to drop everything but a sharpened pencil to get where I need to go to make the mission happen, that’s what I’ll do (This would not be the “A” answer…). This is all about calculated risk, understanding the threats, and make choices accordingly.

-Helmet – Ops-Core FAST helmet with PVS 15s and an IR strobe.

COMMS:
(I apologize for some of this being vague) Again, this is going to depend on my rig, the location (Who do I need to be able to talk to), and the job. Several organizations run Motorola radios. If I’m wearing a Motorola it’s most likely tucked into the cummerbund on my armor carrier. I wear it here so that I can see the top and switch zones/channels without any guesswork.

If I’m running a military radio (152A) it’ll be in the pouch on my chest rig and connected to my Peltors.

Cell phones are also in use. I have two that run on different networks.

CHEST RIGS:
I try for as much commonality as I can between my 5.56 rig and my 7.62 rig. I’m not really happy with the setup I’m running right now but it’s good enough to get the job done. Next time I’m home I’m going to play around with other options.

5.56mm Chest rig – Mayflower Quad 5.56 QD chest rig. Mounted on it are a multi-tool, a suppressor pouch, a radio pouch, two frags, a med kit and an HC smoke. Most of the stuff is from BFG. The med pouch is from Dark Angel.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4330/36171305596_b79415672a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X7koXW)


https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4321/36171303066_bdfae4f335_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X7kodj)


7.62mm Chest Rig – Mayflower 7.62 QD chest rig. Multi-tool, Radio pouch, HC smoke, two frags, Med-kit. The med kit is the BGF TKN. It’s bulkier than the Dark Angel kit. My thinking here was as follows; If I’m carrying a 7.62, I’m likely farther away from bad guys (med-kit obstructing my pistol isn’t as big a concern) and farther away from medical care (I want some more medical supplies on my person).

These pouches have been in use for almost two years now (about a year in country). The Helium Whisper on the BFG pouches has held up really well so far.


https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4308/36171305436_9a8378a4c3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X7koVb)

RIFLES:
My 5.56mm is an LWRC PSD. I have an Aimpoint T1, a PEQ16, and a Surefire can on the rifle. I keep a TQ rubber banded to the stock. I use a BFG VCAS sling.

I’m not a fan of the 8in barrels and we had some problems with these LWRCs early on. That being said, it’s been running just fine for the last year.


https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4315/36045763122_11cf1185fa_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/WVeXyw)

My 7.62mm is a Knights Armament SR25 EMC. I have a Trijicon optic and a PEQ16 on it. I use a BFG VCAS sling on here too

This rifle has been fantastic so far.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4326/36045762532_c3c83c0f13_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/WVeXom)

HOW IT ALL FITS TOGETHER: (I apologize for the lousy pictures)

Low-pro

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4299/36171303646_076a265755_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X7kooj)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4303/36171303346_c50c72e76d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X7koi9)

Midrange


https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4296/36171304416_5731e75907_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X7koBA)


https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4326/36171304026_2007ede1e9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X7kouS)


Overt would just be fully kitted up and wearing utilities (If one of my coworkers came in and saw me in a full loadout taking selfies in the mirror I’d never live it down). [shithitsfan]

[Colorado_Outback]

Awesome. Ill be following this one.

[asmo]

- CAT TQ – It’s riding in an REFactor TQ holder (http://www.refactortactical.com/product-p/reft-tourniquet-holder.htm). It’s accessible with either hand and preset to fit over my legs.


Thank you for posting this up! Learned something new that I had never even thought of - but makes perfect sense. Gonna go fit my CAT now.

[muddywings]

dude-you got 20 cents in POGS right there!
Very cool review-thanks. I'm looking at that belt now.

[02ducky]

Great post, I enjoy reading your stuff Mick.

Do you wear a helmet ever,what about plates on your rigs? I guess I am looking for ratings on them. They look really thin.

[Irving]

Dumb question, I couldn't word it correctly so it didn't sound stupid.

I think it's very cool of you to put this up. I also think the ready to go tourniquet is a great idea.

[Mick-Boy]

Some quick TQ thoughts; Unless you've been in a wheel-chair for awhile, you're going to have more muscle on your legs than your arms. That means it's going to be harder to compress that femoral artery against the bone to stop bleeding in the extremity. All the TQs on my gear are pre-sized to go over my legs and fed through both sides of the buckle. I replace my TQs every rotation but I'm still not comfortable relying on the velcro to hold it closed once it's under all that tension. Yes, it's easier to cinch the TQ tight when it's only fed through one loop of the buckle and velcro'd down but both sides of the buckle is (in my opinion) a must. You can secure the TQ on an arm (one handed) by pinching the windlass portion into your armpit and pulling the slack out with the other hand. You should be able to stop the distal pulse in a limb with your TQ, using only one hand to apply it.



dude-you got 20 cents in POGS right there!
Very cool review-thanks. I'm looking at that belt now.

Hell yeah! I'm a baller that way. ;)

The belt is good to go. I had to take a lighter to the edges of mine so the wasn't dragging loose strings but otherwise it's been tip top.



Great post, I enjoy reading your stuff Mick.

Do you wear a helmet ever,what about plates on your rigs? I guess I am looking for ratings on them. They look really thin.

I do wear a helmet. Anytime I get the chance actually. I've seen more guys hurt in vehicle roll overs than in shootings. A helmet in armored vehicles is just good sense.

Both sets of plates I wear are from Velocity Systems (http://www.velsyst.com/). They aren't NIJ rated because they were developed to a client's specs to counter specific threats. They're thin but not as light as I'd like. And the API plates are a long way from cheap. Thin, light and inexpensive is the unicorn of body armor.

[TheBelly]

Mick is 100% correct on the use of helmets. Unfortunately lots of folks lose sight of the fact that you're just a pickle in a jar if the world erupts in your face.

Stop being 'cool' and start thinking about living to fight tomorrow and next week.

[SuperiorDG]

Thanks for the post. You always post stuff up that one would never thinks about because they don't have the experiences you have. Like the TQ stuff and the Under Armor shirts being like napalm you posted in another thread. I'm always picking up tips in your posts.

[MarkCO]

Thanks Mick!

[dan512]

One more small but helpful tip I have picked up from Mick (if this seems trivial I apologize) is keeping the bottom button of your cover shirt unbuttoned. It keeps whatever you have on your belt from printing as much and helps cover an owb holster when you sit down. I don't tend to carry as much shit on me, but I do like actually covering what I got.

[Mick-Boy]

RE - Concealment

In general; dark colors are better than light colors and patterns are better than solids for hiding shapes. What you can hide and where you can hide it depends on your build.

I clear my cover shirt by pulling straight up (this will most likely pop buttons on a button front shirt) with one or both hands, depending on how tight the garment is (button down with the bottom buttons undo only needs one, athletic cut softshell probably needs two).

I work with guys that modify their clothing to aid in quick access. Lining the inside of the shirt on your gun side with Duct tape gives the shirt less "flop" if you clear by sweeping the garment back with your firing hand. Sewing the buttons onto the outside portion of the shirt and then attaching velcro to the inside with Shoe Goo or something similar can allow a closed front but still let you sweep the shirt out of the way if that's your preferred method.

RE - Mindset/Expendable items (rubber bands/batteries)

This is a little bit more of a "mindset" deal but it's part of my routine.

I'm a big fan of, for lack of a better word, Rituals. By that I mean the time that you I set aside to perform a predetermined set of tasks to mentally orient myself. This could be a cup of coffee in the morning while reading the news, a glass of whiskey in the evening to close out my day when I'm home, or a couple of deep breaths through my nose and setting my feet to go through a door.

Over the last several years I've developed a particular routine. When I get in country I take the first night and lay out all my gear. I replace the rubber bands that hold the TQs on the rifle stocks. I put new TQs in/on my gear. I check the expiration date on my medical supplies and replace items as needed. I put new batteries in everything. I load all my magazines to ensure they have the right rounds in the right amounts. Finally, I put kit on and work through some dry practice making sure nothing's changed since I left.

All of this serves two purposes.

First, it ensures that all my gear is ready to go. Exposure to dust and sunlight has a way of degrading materials and velcro. Changes in temperature decrease battery life. While I'm 99% sure that my T1 would be fine if I only put a new battery in it once every 18months or so, this way I know damn well that the battery is fresh.

Second, this is the time when I'm mentally preparing. there's an old saying; "He who whets his steel, whets his courage". Preparing my kit is also my time to prepare myself spiritually and emotionally. It's my time to get my mind right. It doesn't ruin my day if our OP tempo doesn't leave room for that right away. But I greatly prefer it when it does.

[skullybones]

Thank you for this thread.
Have you developed an awareness to any pre-fight cues? Similar to Southnarc's MUC, but in foreign lands.
Thanks again.

[Mick-Boy]

The fight is usually on when the IED goes off. ;)

Seriously, TTPs (Tactics, Techniques and Procedures) can vary wildly from one area to another. Stand alone IEDs, IED initiated ambushes, complex attacks at natural choke points, manufactured delays to set up an attack and the classic 1km small arms ambush. Any and all can be in play or a combination. If the locals are hip to the scam then you might see decreased civilian presence and "wary" looks from people as you go by. If I'm in a car I'm a big fan of the "smile and wave" test. I smile and wave and see what kind of reaction I get. Sometimes the reaction is telling, sometimes it just means the westerners who've been through there before me were douche bags.

When I'm out and about on foot I sometimes ask some guys a couple of questions (I'll usually pick someone who looks like an alpha male). What I ask about doesn't matter. I just want to see how they respond. The Afghans put a lot of stock in hospitality... as long as they think you rate it. If they're sure you don't rate hospitality (which may mean they consider you an enemy) they might be pointedly rude. Again, this might mean that something's up, or it might mean that the guys cousin got the business from a westerner and he's not the "forgive-and-forget" type.

Honestly, the biggest thing (as always) is just having a handle on the "norm" and recognizing when things are outside of it. Whether it's body language or the situation on the street. If something feels "off", it probably is. That doesn't mean the fight is on, it just means something is off.

I hope that answers your question (as I sidetrack my own thread). [panic]

[JM Ver. 2.0]

This is a cool thread to read. Thanks Mick.

Sent from my teepee using smoke signals.

[02ducky]

Another quick question, gloves or no gloves? I am sure it's situation and weather related, but wanted your take on them.

Still enjoying the thread, thanks for sharing your insight.

[Mick-Boy]

You nailed it. Situation and weather dependent. I don't like the loss of dexterity but sometimes it just can't be helped.

The most dexterous gloves I've used in wet/cold(ish) weather are the Hatch Specialist gloves (http://hatch-corp.com/ns430). They're cheap, the neoprene is warmish, and the palms stick really well in wet conditions. However, they're not really warm, they wear out quickly and they're not Fire Resistant (important for use aboard aircraft that might crash or vehicles that might get blown-up).

The OR Overlord gloves (http://military.outdoorresearch.com/gov/or-gear/overlord-short-gloves.html) are fairly dexterous, fire resistant and hold up very well. But they're expensive as hell and they're not cold weather gloves.

I've been issued both the Cam SV (http://leaf.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Gloves/Cam-SV-Glove) and the Tactician AR (http://leaf.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Gloves/Tactician-AR-Glove#) gloves from Arc'teryx. The Cam SVs are my favorite for cold weather (Note - In Arcteyx speak; SV denotes gear made for Severe weather. AR denotes gear designed for All around use). The Tacticians are good gloves but they're kind of a "jack of all trades, master of none" pick. They're not really warm or really dexterous. But they are warmer and more dexterous than an option that does one or the other really well. If I could only have one pair that might be my choice.

I've used the Mechanix gloves for training at home and they worked fine but my favorite were the Southwest Motorsports hot weather gloves. When Camelback bought SWMS the gloves went away for a bit. Camelback now makes the Vent Glove (http://shop.camelbak.com/vent-gloves/d/1171_cl_1233). It's almost identical to the old SWMS offering except in black. I haven't played with the Heat Grip (http://shop.camelbak.com/heat-grip-gloves/d/1130_cl_1080) from CB but I might try a set when I'm at home next time. And of course there is the old standby of military issue Nomex Aviators gloves (http://store.glennsarmysurplus.com/gi-issue-nomex-pilot-flight-crew-gloves-p306.aspx). Which, if you can find them for the right price (under $20 for me) are probably one of the most cost effective solutions out there for a "disposable" tactical glove.

[cofi]

At the risk of rehashing a different thread on LF I’ll add a couple of thoughts; I want to be able to carry certain medical items on my person. Things that I can’t easily replicate in the field. For me, that’s Combat Gauze (x2), NPA, and a 14Ga needle (TQ is elsewhere). I’m pretty comfortable with my ability to MacGyver solutions to most other problems but hemostatic agents, NPAs, and a needle are things I can’t do.



love your posts i bought the mayflower chest rig based off your recommendation its comfortable as hell....why do you prefer a chest rig over having mag pouches at your side????


why do you carry a 14ga needle? and is it a sewing needle or a syringe????

[SuperiorDG]

why do you carry a 14ga needle? and is it a sewing needle or a syringe????

I would bet it's to release the pressure from a sucking chest wound. (Edit: I don't carry one because I've been told that if you don't know what you are doing it is real dangerous.)

[asmo]

I would bet it's to release the pressure from a sucking chest wound. (Edit: I don't carry one because I've been told that if you don't know what you are doing it is real dangerous.)

I am guessing its to do, among other things, a needle decompression of a tension pneumothorax (look up needle thoracostomy). SuperiorDG is correct - unless you have recieved specific training, and do ongoing practice, in how to do one you need to stay away from this technique. For most situations a chest seal is the preferred method for dealing with a tension pneumothorax. But I am guessing MickBoy knows what he is doing, has had the training, and has chosen to use this technique for his particular situation.

[Mick-Boy]

love your posts i bought the mayflower chest rig based off your recommendation its comfortable as hell....why do you prefer a chest rig over having mag pouches at your side????


I've got that single rifle mag on my belt as my go-to reload. Too many magazines on the belt and you start to look like the michellin man. I keep the chest rig on the floorboard of the truck if I'm not in uniform. It gets put on before I open the door in the event of contact.

I think I posted something like this before but I'm not sure what thread I posted it in. Here's my deal with extra magazines; When we invaded Iraq in 2003 I walked off the ship carrying 165lbs of gear between my ruck, armor, deuce gear and weapon (249 SAW). In 2004 most of our gear was in the trucks so my equipment weight was down to about 75lbs. After an incident assaulting a house resulted in me getting hung up climbing over a wall and looking way too much like an Echo silhouette for the fellas we were scrapping with. I decided I needed to dump more weight off of my load out.

Over the last nine years I've slowly shed weight off of my equipment in two different ways.

First - I look hard at what I use that I need now and what I use that I can stick in a pack/go-bag or leave in a truck. I can what-if situations like it's nobody's business and I'm a classic over-packer so this is a tough one for me.

My watchword here is ruthless efficiency based on the realities on the ground. How long has it been since I needed to go to that fourth magazine on my vest? Maybe it's time to drop to three? When's the last time I needed to reload my pistol more than once (or ever?) while carrying my rifle? Do I need to have two different radios on me? Can one of them stay in the bag/car etc?..

Just because I can think up reasons to carry shit doesn't mean I should. This is a very hard lesson that I have to keep reenforcing to myself.

With the exception of one drawn out running gunfight in Lutifiya, Iraq in 2004, I've never gone through more that four magazines in one contact without gaining access to a vehicle. This is mostly because I'm a big believer in accountability for the rounds I fire. The key to suppressive fire is the accuracy. Making noise on your end doesn't do a damn thing to the enemy. Effective incoming fire does. I shoot when I can identify a target. Return fire is not a woobie (that's a warm, snugly, glorious, piece of gear that exists for no other purpose than to make a grunts life a little better... for those of you not in the know;) ).

Second - I'm constantly looking for ways to maintain the same capability with less weight. Mayflower's 500D rigs, BFG Helium Whisper attachments, First Spear's stuff. All of these are ways to get the same capability out of my kit while lowering the weight.

All that being said, I have a hard time not "what if"ing myself into dozens of pounds worth of extras. I make a living planning for contingencies so envisioning scenarios that may require hundreds of rounds of ammunition isn't hard. Ruthless assessments of reality. Not what ifs.

I hope that answers your question. Sorry if I got too deep into the weeds there.


why do you carry a 14ga needle? and is it a sewing needle or a syringe????

I am guessing its to do, among other things, a needle decompression of a tension pneumothorax (look up needle thoracostomy). SuperiorDG is correct - unless you have recieved specific training, and do ongoing practice, in how to do one you need to stay away from this technique. For most situations a chest seal is the preferred method for dealing with a tension pneumothorax. But I am guessing MickBoy knows what he is doing, has had the training, and has chosen to use this technique for his particular situation.

Nailed it. The 14Ga is to relieve a tension pneumo. Yes it definitely requires training.

An easy rule of thumb is anything above the navel and below the clavicles gets a chest seal. The casualty needs to be constantly monitored once an injury to the lung has been identified.

I don't want too get too far into the weeds (I know, I know) on the medical stuff. I get about three days of live tissue trauma training annually but I'm not a medic. Here's the idiots explanation to chest trauma (as the idiot understands it anyway); The lungs work on negative pressure. The Diaphragm literally *pulls* air into the lungs thanks to the airtight seal in the chest cavity. When something breaks this seal (a bullet or shrapnel for instance) air is pulled from the outside, through the chest wall into the space between the ribcage and the lung. The best medicine is going to be an occlusive dressing over the wound and transportation to a higher standard of care. Sometimes that transportation isn't something that will happen in a timely manner. When that happens you need to get some of that air out of the chest cavity or the lungs will be compressed to the point that the casualty can't breath. A needle is the way to do that.

*NOTE* this isn't like the movie Three Kings. The lung won't re-inflate itself. What you're doing is a stop-gap to get the negative pressure again (you NEED that occlusive dressing). The patient is still going to need a higher standard of care ASAP.

[Hoser]

Excellent info. Thanks for taking the time to post it all up.

It is nice to get actual hands on, no-shit, info from someone that has actually been there and does that.

Keep your head down.

[SA Friday]

Honestly, the biggest thing (as always) is just having a handle on the "norm" and recognizing when things are outside of it. Whether it's body language or the situation on the street. If something feels "off", it probably is. That doesn't mean the fight is on, it just means something is off.


Yep. My time in Iraq, the difference between hauling ass back to the armor vs continuing the conversation was knowing what what was normal and when you were standing outside of it. Got out of the vehicles once and no less than three minutes later, my translator (an Iraqi-American with a TS and years of experience) said "this isn't right, nobodies outside and everyone's home"

Gotta go... see ya. We red-zoned that village permanently.

this is just such a huge point. You can do everything right, but you fail to listen to your gut telling you something isn't right and that is when crap goes bad.

[cmailliard]

Regarding the Combat Application Tourniquet. Mick does carry his CAT in the non traditional way of keeping it set up with the double routing vs. the standard single routing. This is a preference and as long as everyone on his Team sets it up the same and can be ready for the same setup there is no big issue with this. That said I just got a new study that was done to show the Single vs. Double Routing. Good info in this study, some surprising. Take a look at it and if you have any questions let me know.

HERE IT IS (http://www.asymresponse.com/news.html)

[cmailliard]

Nailed it. The 14Ga is to relieve a tension pneumo. Yes it definitely requires training.

An easy rule of thumb is anything above the navel and below the clavicles gets a chest seal. The casualty needs to be constantly monitored once an injury to the lung has been identified.

I don't want too get too far into the weeds (I know, I know) on the medical stuff. I get about three days of live tissue trauma training annually but I'm not a medic. Here's the idiots explanation to chest trauma (as the idiot understands it anyway); The lungs work on negative pressure. The Diaphragm literally *pulls* air into the lungs thanks to the airtight seal in the chest cavity. When something breaks this seal (a bullet or shrapnel for instance) air is pulled from the outside, through the chest wall into the space between the ribcage and the lung. The best medicine is going to be an occlusive dressing over the wound and transportation to a higher standard of care. Sometimes that transportation isn't something that will happen in a timely manner. When that happens you need to get some of that air out of the chest cavity or the lungs will be compressed to the point that the casualty can't breath. A needle is the way to do that.

*NOTE* this isn't like the movie Three Kings. The lung won't re-inflate itself. What you're doing is a stop-gap to get the negative pressure again (you NEED that occlusive dressing). The patient is still going to need a higher standard of care ASAP.

On this note the CoTCCC just published new info on Open Pneumothorax.

Here it is from the email -

Tactical Field Care (New text in CAPS)
3. Breathing
b. All open and/or sucking chest wounds should be treated by immediately applying a VENTED CHEST SEAL to cover the defect. IF A VENTED CHEST SEAL IS NOT AVAILABLE, USE A NON-VENTED CHEST SEAL. Monitor the casualty for the potential development of a subsequent tension pneumothorax. IF THE CASUALTY DEVELOPS INCREASING HYPOXIA, RESPIRATORY DISTRESS, OR HYPOTENSION AND A TENSION PNEUMOTHORAX IS SUSPECTED, TREAT BY BURPING OR REMOVING THE DRESSING OR BY NEEDLE DECOMPRESSION.

[275RLTW]

Regarding the Combat Application Tourniquet. Mick does carry his CAT in the non traditional way of keeping it set up with the double routing vs. the standard single routing. This is a preference and as long as everyone on his Team sets it up the same and can be ready for the same setup there is no big issue with this. That said I just got a new study that was done to show the Single vs. Double Routing. Good info in this study, some surprising. Take a look at it and if you have any questions let me know.

HERE IT IS (http://www.asymresponse.com/news.html)

Thanks for the link on the study. I've always prepped my CATs through the inner route. This way it was faster and 1 hand friendly for arms; for legs, I (potentially) have 2 hands free to route through both and provide a better hold on much stronger muscle groups.

[Mick-Boy]

I've got to head out the door here in a minute but a couple of questions/points I got from scanning that study;

-Was the TQ prestaged in a single/double threaded configuration or was it completely unsecured and the subjects had to thread it through one or both?

-They acknowledge that the patient was not transported at all.

-They acknowledge that dirt/mud/blood/cloth wasn't a factor.

I can take a video when I get back to my computer tonight with how mine is set up and how I apply it to an arm/leg if that would help answer any questions. I think it's highly likely that single threading would hold just fine under most conditions. Particularly in a non-combat/civilian application. I also think it's likely my T1 will work with no problem... I still have my back up irons zeroed. ;)

More when I get back.

[cmailliard]

I would guess the CAT is not setup in the double route as your's is Mick. This would have a positive affect in the time to application in your case. Also very important that mud, clothes, etc. was not involved, this will affect CAT performance.

[Mick-Boy]

Alright. Here's a 2min video where I stumblingly explain the how and why of my TQ prep.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/malonpm/Lightfighter/th_130724-061147_zps68e2818b.jpg (http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/malonpm/Lightfighter/130724-061147_zps68e2818b.mp4)

Regarding threading the TQ through one or both buckles, I see it as limiting the potential for failure with very little cost. I might be able to get a single threaded TQ on a hair faster, but I know I can get a double threaded TQ on pretty quick and I'm not just relying on the velcro to hold it in place while I'm dirty/bloody/moving all over gods creation.

[TheBelly]

Thanks for sharing this. Since I'm 2/3rds of a moron, I really appreciate the video to help me see the concept.

[Mick-Boy]

Excellent info. Thanks for taking the time to post it all up.

It is nice to get actual hands on, no-shit, info from someone that has actually been there and does that.

Keep your head down.

My pleasure. I hope some folks are finding some of the information useful.

As always the "We're all victims of our frame of reference" truism is in play. This is stuff that has worked for me in my applications. I have had very heartfelt disagreements about what constitutes "mission essential gear" with guys who've got just as much, if not more, experience as I do. What's good for guy A might not work very well for guy B.


Yep. My time in Iraq, the difference between hauling ass back to the armor vs continuing the conversation was knowing what what was normal and when you were standing outside of it. Got out of the vehicles once and no less than three minutes later, my translator (an Iraqi-American with a TS and years of experience) said "this isn't right, nobodies outside and everyone's home"

Gotta go... see ya. We red-zoned that village permanently.

this is just such a huge point. You can do everything right, but you fail to listen to your gut telling you something isn't right and that is when crap goes bad.

Sir, I'm sure you're familiar with "The Gift of Fear" and "Blink". Gut feelings can save your bacon for sure... If you're paying attention.

Something I've found very interesting is that my fiances 5 year old son can pick out people who don't look "right" almost as well as I can when he and I have sat and watched people. He knows what a relaxed human being looks like and he can tell when someone isn't. It was amazing to watch how willing he was to trust his gut where adults might second guess themselves.

[cmailliard]

Alright. Here's a 2min video where I stumblingly explain the how and why of my TQ prep.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/malonpm/Lightfighter/th_130724-061147_zps68e2818b.jpg (http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/malonpm/Lightfighter/130724-061147_zps68e2818b.mp4)

Regarding threading the TQ through one or both buckles, I see it as limiting the potential for failure with very little cost. I might be able to get a single threaded TQ on a hair faster, but I know I can get a double threaded TQ on pretty quick and I'm not just relying on the velcro to hold it in place while I'm dirty/bloody/moving all over gods creation.

Good vid, Mick.

[Mick-Boy]

TheBelly and coloccw, How does that differ from what you're taught (and teach)?

RE - Hemorrhage control and TQ application.

If I'm putting a TQ on a guy, I'm going to cause him pain. That's just the nature of the beast. A casualty on the ground that needs a TQ (ANY high pressure OR high volume bleeding) is going to get my knee on the offending artery first and foremost.

This would be on the inside of the arm (turn your bicep to the sky and push your fingers in between your bicep and tricep, that's your brachial artery) or on the pelvic girdle (about halfway between the base of your dick and the edge of your hip there is a hollow, push your fingers in until your can feel a pulse. That's the iliac artery right before it becomes the femoral artery).

That knee is to decrease/stop the blood flow while I apply the TQ on the limb. It's not going to feel good (it doesn't) but I don't necessarily know how long the casualty has been bleeding or how bad the hit is. I can't guarantee that I can get to him right after he goes down. That little bit of blood that I save by getting firm pressure (the point of my knee) on the pressure point may make a world of difference.

There was a thread in the survival section (http://www.ar-15.co/threads/110733-Why-do-you-need-medical-skills-and-tools) a few days ago where coloccw posted this. I've highlighted a couple of bits that I think anyone who carries or uses guns should keep in mind.


For those of you reading along and not familiar with TCCC/NREMT stuff I'll expand briefly: In the field, we cannot TREAT traumatic injuries (EMT-Ps excluded), only try to prevent further harm and package them up for transport to a Doc. This applies CONUS as well as OCONUS. If bullets are flying it doesn't matter if you are here or there: it is combat and combat proven protocols should be used. Stopping the bleeding, however you can, should be the main priority. If you think that pressure and elevation will work, then go at it. However, if it doesn't work then you just wasted all that time for nothing. Properly placing a TQ takes 10 seconds and works almost every time. Now you can take all the time you need to make a nice pretty pressure dressing and have the patient remain calm, etc... Taking off a TQ is not part of preventing further injury; it is treatment. A licensed Doc (CONUS) is needed to legally treat traumatic injuries. Whether a bystander on the range or an EMT-B, we cannot treat traumatic injuries. Basically, we can only stop bleeding, use basic methods to maintain an open airway, control hypothermia/shock, check and record vitals, and keep the patient calm. Get proficient at those basic skills and you can do a lot of good after an incident. Think of those as medical fundamentals: if your pre-hospital care or fundamentals are good, then the outcome should be better. Shitty fundamentals= shitty results.

[SuperiorDG]

There is a class this Sunday over at Bowers that gives a lot of info and on TQ usage.

http://www.ar-15.co/threads/27336-Casualty-Care-and-Rescue-Class-July-28th-0800-1200

[cmailliard]

There is a class this Sunday over at Bowers that gives a lot of info and on TQ usage.

http://www.ar-15.co/threads/27336-Casualty-Care-and-Rescue-Class-July-28th-0800-1200

So far nobody has signed up, we will most likely cancel it.

[275RLTW]

Nice video Mick. You can easily see that you thought out why you do things and if you are doing them for the right reasons. To illustrate the differences between "guy A" vs "guy B," and that neither line of thinking is wrong, I prep my CATs differently (routed through the inner loop). Although I know and understand that routing the TQ through both loops provides better tension, especially with environmental factors present, I keep all my CATs set up for a worst case scenario in which I need to get one on NOW and have only 1 hand available to do this. Since in the Care under Fire portion of TCCC, utilizing Self Aid/Buddy Care is before anyone coming to help me, I want to be utilizing my gear as efficiently as possible by myself. If I can stop the vast majority of the blood loss in less time, every time, then according to TCCC guidelines I can then (ideally) move to a position of cover and begin reassessing the TQ (most likely putting another one on, routed through both loops this time) as part of my Tactical Field Care. My priority for Care Under Fire is less of fixing the problem as it is making sure I can get somewhere with cover and time to properly fix it. While this approach may double the work I am doing on the same wound, I don't mind the reassessment on a potential life threatening injury. Under fire I am likely to miss something, and that could be a fatal mistake. Knowing that I have to expose the wound(s) and reassess the TQ placement gives me a chance to take a more thorough, calmer, and collected look at the problem and determine the best solution for it.

Either of the methods for prepping a CAT is acceptable provided that you 1) know how it is prepped, 2) are competent with the device and have trained with your gear prepped this way, and 3) continue to consider what you are doing any why you do them. Never stop trying to make things better, more efficient, or testing new methods/gear (in the appropriate environments, of course). Complacency kills as fast as an enemies bullet.

[Mick-Boy]

Never stop trying to make things better, more efficient, or testing new methods/gear (in the appropriate environments, of course). Complacency kills as fast as an enemies bullet.

I try to be a complete nerd in this area. It's how I've ended up with footlockers full of gear in the basement and why I've spent thousands of dollars on additional training.

For gear; the technology is always advancing. Things get lighter, cooler (temperature wise), more bullet resistant, etc. all the time. And I always want to play with the new fancy-sauce.

For TTPs; At the end of the day, there are no "keys to the kingdom" for gunfighting. Just little pieces to the puzzle and multiple ways to solve most problems. Identify what you want to work on, find an instructor (or several) qualified to teach you, set your ego aside and get to learning.

[stoner01]

Good thread. You and I think a lot alike. Always interesting to see how others have evolved their gear preferences over time.

[Mick-Boy]

Would you mind expanding on your mindset a bit?

For me, the adage "Let the mission drive the gear" is always be in the back of my mind.

Mission and threat are going to play a huge roll in selecting my equipment. For instance, awhile back we got some Crye blast belts that someone thought would be a good idea. If we were still getting slammed with IEDs all the time that might be a piece of gear that I'd look to implement. But for walking in the mountains and driving around in civilian vehicles? Not just no, but hell no. Doesn't fit the mission, doesn't fit the threat, shouldn't be included.

[stoner01]

Who me?

[Mick-Boy]

Yeah. You said we think a lot alike. I'm curious and was wondering if you'd expand on that a bit.

[stoner01]

In terms of scaling our gear we have a similar approach. In My current line of work, we really don't have many options in terms of gear. I get what they issue me. I do have some leeway with some of the gear. On my person is my issue glock 19, two spare mags, a 5.11 ATAC L1 and the benchmade auto Presidio. http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh541/stoner011/IMG_5735.jpgThis is my stateside EDC but you get the idea of what I carry.

[stoner01]

Next in line is going to be the Pig Brig and an HSP D3 chest rig. EGL makes a conversion to allow the two to be compatible. That will be my lo pro rig. The PIG is small enough to conceal under one of the 5.11 button down shirts we get. I can strap comms to it so that I always have that. Since we currently only work checkpoints and on the embassy itself, we don't have a lo/high profile requirement. Out lopro is concealed carry. and our High is donning armor and calling ERT.

[TheBelly]

Mick,

The training I've received from Uncle Sugar has been pretty lax/rudimentary in the area of how to keep someone alive. Luckily I've only had to use it minimally. My side of the spectrum doesn't really get as down into the weeds as it should. It's all about pack 'em up and get 'em on the bird. I understand a reason behind it comes down to the resource of student throughput. The other reason is that I'm not in a job path that walks around. We move big trucks full of supplies. With today's armor, it really does take a lot to penetrate the hull of an MRAP. Also, the risk of IEDs has gone down almost exponentially since my first trip in 2006-2008. We're talking one or two per week, rather than 5-10 per day that I saw 'back-in-the-day'...

We were taught the 'one-loop' method on our TQs that coloccw mentioned. We also carried three of them on each person, one on their kit and one in each of the calf pockets of the standard uniform. Having uniformity across the formation has its pros as well as cons. The big pro there was that we knew where to find them, regardless of the person.

I forced my dudes to be more proficient than required, as far as medical. One dude ended up patching himself up (pressure dressing/isreali bandage) and limping out of the blast zone of a Suicide vest IED just in time for the second SVestIED to go off. That was a pretty bad day all around.

The biggest hiderance for me is the lack of continuing and sustainment training in the medical field.

[275RLTW]

In terms of scaling our gear we have a similar approach. In My current line of work, we really don't have many options in terms of gear. I get what they issue me. I do have some leeway with some of the gear. On my person is my issue glock 19, two spare mags, a 5.11 ATAC L1 and the benchmade auto Presidio. This is my stateside EDC but you get the idea of what I carry.

No medical? If you have to put holes in people then there is a good chance you have to plug some holes as well....Even at a checkpoint I would have some E&E stuff handy (clif bar, $$$, mirror).

[275RLTW]

The other reason is that I'm not in a job path that walks around. We move big trucks full of supplies. Careful...dangerous mindset there. Jessica Lynch and the 11 from the same convoy that were executed thought the same thing. We dug their rotting corpses out of a shallow grave 3 blocks from the hospital.

We were taught the 'one-loop' method on our TQs that coloccw mentioned. We also carried three of them on each person, one on their kit and one in each of the calf pockets of the standard uniform. Having uniformity across the formation has its pros as well as cons. The big pro there was that we knew where to find them, regardless of the person.
Keep TQs close to center of your body. If you lose your leg, then your TQ in your calf pocket is gone too. Not to mention if you cant reach it (MRAP rollover???) Its very easy to just keep one looped on you belt. Even keep one on you PT belt as well (yes, you can get attacked and injured while doing PT or going to the DFAC).


The biggest hiderance for me is the lack of continuing and sustainment training in the medical field. I believe there are postings about TCCC classes locally. If there is a noted deficiency in your training or gear=FIX IT.

[stoner01]

No medical? If you have to put holes in people then there is a good chance you have to plug some holes as well....Even at a checkpoint I would have some E&E stuff handy (clif bar, $$$, mirror). Like I said, Im limited is what Im issued. I have one IFAK on my armor currently. My gear at home is set up very differently and when I get some more free time Ill go into that. Internet was being screwy again. Also something to note, while I do have an IFAK on me, there is a lot of preparation for medical emergencies, up to and including CBRNE. As for E&E, without breaking OPSEC, we have procedures in place which limit that need.

[stoner01]

My Plate carrier at home is set up much more traditionally. It is a Tactical Tailor fight light plate carrier. It has all the basics for putting holes in people, fixing holes in me and calling for things to make bigger holes. I had it set up for this contract until DoS decided that personally owned gear was a no-no. Basically, years of riding around in uparmored vehicles and standing post at a static location culminated in this carrier. It allows me to carry up to a full combat load (210rds) in the TT 3 mag shingle. On the front of that is Blue Force Gear's 3 mad Helium Whisper shingle. To the left, if worn, is BFG's pistol pouch as well. I have kept my pistol side clear as to alleviate any snags on the draw. This come into play with side plates and because I have a smaller frame. Med kit is the BFG trauma kit now with Tk holder on top. The med kit contains two pressure dressings, an Isreali bandage, quick clot combat gauze and gloves. Also a 14ga needle and sharpie for the TK. I tried to keep this rig as light and streamlined as possible. Leash manipulation is a bitch in full armor. On the back is my radio pouch for now. That is getting moved when I get back. Two reasons is 1, I cant reach it if I need to grab it and 2, because Having to carry extra gear for the dog in a pack, it tends to get in the way.

[stoner01]

Pics will come later after work since PB is a no-go here. Ill also put up picks of my belt

[Mick-Boy]

I'm a big believer that software is more important than hardware. Mindset over gear.

Robert Heinlein wrote "there are no dangerous weapons, only dangerous men". So while I have my preferences for weapons and equipment I can and will make do with different options if need be.

That said, there are a few principles that I apply to whatever loadout I'm running.

I'll always have a go-to reload for pistol and rifle. - I'll do my best to manage my ammo to keep that pouch and my gun full. Training for speed reloads is useful and you should be able to work through all your magazine pouches. Training to manage your ammo so that your gun doesn't go dry is more important in my opinion. Reload when you want to, not when you have to. I speed reload from my belt and back fill off my rig when I can.

My comms are going to be where I can get to them. - In '04 I had a PRC-119F so the radio was on my back. Since I started working as a civilian I've been keeping the radio under the cummerbund on my left side if I'm not wearing a chestrig or in the same location on the chestrig. My mike is run up to my left shoulder so I can run my mouth with minimal effort.

The unfortunate reality is that not everyone I want to talk to is going to be on the same channel. I need to be able to access the front panel or the top (depending on the model) so that I can jackrabbit from channel to channel. Team internal, QRF, air support, etc. They're all going to be on their own channel and I may need to talk to any or all of them. I need to be able to get to the radio.

Overall load - I try to keep things as slim as I can. I need to be able to fit through narrow doors and get in and out of vehicles without getting hung up. My load out has changed a good deal since my first deployment to a combat zone in '02. I imagine it will continue to evolve as long as I carry a rifle for my living. Since that's the case I try not to get too attached to any particular way of doing things.

Some older photos (I've posted these before)

This was Iraq in '04. After Fallujah most of our mission was dismounted patrolling. I'm wearing an old Black Hawk rig that's essentially a modified H-harness. I was carrying ammo, smoke, frags, comms and water weighing a total of about 75lbs (with armor and helmet). At the time the USMC had just started issuing the M16A4 and the ACOG. You can see the hand mike for the radio on my left shoulder just above the roll of electrical tape and the antenna over my left shoulder

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4304/35408645563_315eee5016_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VWWyH2)

This is Basra, Iraq in '06. I was working PSD for the State Dept out of the Regional Embassy Office at the old palace (before we had to evacuate it to the Basra Air Field in the summer of '07). This was not long before I started setting up different chest rigs for different jobs. On this day I was in the CAT (counter assault team) vehicle which is why I've got a belt fed. My rifle was in the truck along with the bag full of extra SAW drums. The vehicle was about 30ft from where I planted myself. Not an optimal solution.

My pistol is on my chest because I was doing a lot of driving. getting a handgun from a chest holster is a lot easier than getting one off of your hip or out of a dropleg. I'm carrying 8 rifle magazines, TQs on both sides of my armor and my med pouch on my armor carrier behind my right hip. My radio is under the cummerbund of my armor. You can see the antenna and PTT (push to talk) by my left shoulder. This was right around the time I saw the need to carry a fixed blade for "get the hell off me" purposes. This was also before I convinced myself that I need to be able to access the knife with either hand. You can see the handle right next to my pistol.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4310/35408644463_31341a36d9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VWWyo4)

This is how I carry a motorola now. I can access the channel nob and know how many clicks it is from my primary channel to the other channels that I may need.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4302/36171302986_1756e926db_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X7kobW)

[TheBelly]

Here's my responses to coloccw (because my quote thing is messed up). I think I've got my head wrapped around what you're getting at, but here's where the big difference can be found: I've always been in Big Army and deployed with Big Units. The non-combat Soldier gets the short end of the stick as far as the in-depth training on the tactical tasks of shooting and plugging holes. Unless the Commander jumps and screams (and I did), the allocation won't be there. I don't know your background, but IIRC it's in more specialized units that have a higher priority than Big Army Brigades.

Careful...dangerous mindset there. Jessica Lynch and the 11 from the same convoy that were executed thought the same thing. We dug their rotting corpses out of a shallow grave 3 blocks from the hospital. There's a pretty distinct difference between that unit, those Soldiers, that time in that war vs. my most recent experience of Afghanistan. I had the opportunity to get to know one of the survivors of that incident (he was a Soldier in my company). To paraphrase: they weren't prepared to poke ANY holes and they weren't prepared to plug any either.

Keep TQs close to center of your body. If you lose your leg, then your TQ in your calf pocket is gone too. Not to mention if you cant reach it (MRAP rollover???) Its very easy to just keep one looped on you belt. Even keep one on you PT belt as well (yes, you can get attacked and injured while doing PT or going to the DFAC). It's been a while since I've been blown up. It only ever happened once while I was dismounted, and it was no picnic. That being said, when you're in a vehicle, it's actually very easy to reach down into your calf pocket and grab something out of there. That's where our back-ups went. The risk of losing a leg in today's mature theaters with today's armored trucks is pretty slim. Yes, I've had first hand experience with both the 1025-1026-1114-1151 up to today's big ol' MRAP-MATV-MAXXPRO-RG31 variants.

I believe there are postings about TCCC classes locally. If there is a noted deficiency in your training or gear=FIX IT. If you know of any down here in Texas, where I'm located, I'd be more than willing to take a peek. There's a distinct difference in me getting the training I feel that I need and coordinating for that same training for 165 of America's Finest...namely money. The perspective from which I'm drawing my experiences (and fruatrations) are that of being a non-combat Soldier in Big Army. Unfortunately, we get the short end of the stick as far as the depth of training in the art and science of keeping someone alive. We can have our medics assist us, but they're only up to table 8 standards, which barely passes EMT-B. Current CLS doesn't have 'start an IV' in the MOI anymore.

When you change either of the two parameters (Big Army or non-combat MOS), then things change a bit. The Army is not about training the individual, it's about training large groups.

[stoner01]

http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh541/stoner011/IMG_5738.jpghttp://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh541/stoner011/IMG_5736.jpg

[Mick-Boy]

Stoner - That looks like a pretty well thought out set-up. What's it used for? Work? Training? Zombie apocalypse? All of the above?

If you've got a dog is that your primary mission or do you become a shooter as soon as the fight's on?

[stoner01]

As of now I have it just because (Or SHTF). I took that on my last tour to Afghan. There my primary mission was detection but if I needed to I shot back. The belt is relatively recent. I started that right before I came here. Sometimes static range drills didn't warrant the full PC. I subscribed to the everything on your armor theory for my entire career. Im so used to it now that that's how I usually run. I can add the belt if needed, but usually I don't. I should also add that Ive made a few changes since I took those pictures. The HSGI bleeder is now on the PC on my left side along with the radio pouch. The BFG ifak got moved to the belt. And the side plates are off now as well.

[Mick-Boy]

In case anyone is interested, here's a writeup I did on our experience with our LWRC guns (http://www.ar-15.co/threads/62804-LWRC-or-How-I-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-shoot-DI-guns).

The 5.56 guns are working OK now. The REPRs are still dogs.

[Mick-Boy]

Below is the writeup I did on the holsters about two years ago. I thought I had posted it here but I guess I forgot. Two years later they're still going strong.




A few months ago I contacted JM Custom Kydex (http://jmcustomkydex.wordpress.com/) with a very specific holster request for my team. I needed a holster that could accommodate a G19 with a threaded barrel and an X300 or a G17 with an X300. After talking it over with Tony from JM kydex, I asked for 20 holsters made to my specs and 20 double magazine pouches. As you can see from the photo below, Tony made up exactly what I asked for.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4299/35407791233_ae92379fa8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VWSbKc)

HOLSTER SPECs:
.080 thick black kydex
High ride
Straight drop
1.75in belt loops

To my surprise the holsters and magazine pouches arrived just over four weeks later. Factoring in 2 - 3 weeks shipping to my APO that translates to less than 2 weeks for Tony to mold 20 custom holsters.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4321/35407791433_72ab29bc9d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VWSbND)

Having 20 of them on hand allowed me to play with several examples and look at consistency and quality control. I confess I'm impressed. All 20 were well built and very nearly identical. I don't have any idea what their shop looks like but Tony's attention to detail is excellent.

The holster construction is similar to a lot of kydex molders selling holsters. I do have to give some kudos to JM Kydex for their belt loops though. I've broken several belt loops on other holsters getting into armored cars. Catching the butt of the pistol on the door frame causes a good deal of rotational force on the rear belt loop. So far I haven't been able to break JM's (and I've tried).

The holster and mag pouch both sit very tight to the body.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4304/35376485704_b19bf18638_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VU6JGG)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4327/35407791743_880f3a536f_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VWSbTZ)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4309/35407791973_3710ac6981_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VWSbXX)

I've been wearing the holster for about a month now and I've made it to the range three times. Overall I'm very happy with the product. Given the quality and level of customer service I'll be giving them more business in the future.

[275RLTW]

As of now I have it just because (Or SHTF). I took that on my last tour to Afghan. There my primary mission was detection but if I needed to I shot back. The belt is relatively recent. I started that right before I came here. Sometimes static range drills didn't warrant the full PC. I subscribed to the everything on your armor theory for my entire career. Im so used to it now that that's how I usually run. I can add the belt if needed, but usually I don't. I should also add that Ive made a few changes since I took those pictures. The HSGI bleeder is now on the PC on my left side along with the radio pouch. The BFG ifak got moved to the belt. And the side plates are off now as well.

Look into layering your gear. If you have to drop your armor, do you still have everything you need on you to survive? I always have the following on me at all times: weapon and refills, communications, survival, medical, light, E&E, and food. As I add more gear, I just add more of the same- usually bigger and better.

For example:

1st line- pistol & spare mags, cell phone, knife, TQ & quickclot (attached to holster), flashlight, $$$, & water bottle. This is my base layer. If I'm going to the gym, I have these items. If I'm going out on a mission, these go in my pockets or on belt.

2nd line (armor)- rifle & mags, radio, fixed blade knife, IFAK and more TQs, flashlight, signal mirror & more $$$, camelback & clif bar. Same shit, just more and better...

3rd line (pack)- more ammo, radio batteries & beacon, snivel/weather gear & wipes, IV/IO kits, bigger light/chemlights, e-tool/550 cord/etc..., MRE + other mission essential gear.

All the same, I just keep adding more and better items to each of the categories. This approach has paid off more than once.

[cofi]

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/malonpm/Lightfighter/SAM_1076.jpg
.

who makes that ar mag holster?

[Irving]

Mick-boy, I remember reading your review of the holster back when you posted it. It is really nice to read it in the context of how you operate and why you have the requirements that you do; as I somehow missed that the first time. Thanks for running such a great thread. Everyone chimming in has been great as well.

[Mick-Boy]

Irving,

Thanks, I thought I was going nuts. I was sure that I had posted that. It must have been lost in the great crash of (whenever it was).

I know this has kind of evolved from the original post but I'm always interested in the thought process of someone who has spent a lot of time in their gear. Like I've said before, I tend to get a lot more out of the *why*. So that's a big part of what I've been trying to touch on.

[stoner01]

The Why is the most valuable input. As to why I don't layer my gear more. I do, I just tend not to have a lot on me because I don't have a lot of real estate. I carry the basics and then some. My whole approach is to look at situations and posture accordingly. My whole train of thought is to go to a certain posture level based on the threat. Since this is geared towards me being home, that's how my gear is set up.

[cofi]

In case anyone is interested, here's a writeup I did on our experience with our LWRC guns (http://www.ar-15.co/threads/62804-LWRC-or-How-I-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-shoot-DI-guns).

The 5.56 guns are working OK now. The REPRs are still dogs.

what determines the end your weapons service life?

[Mick-Boy]

Degradation of accuracy or loss of reliability.

Unfortunately there's nothing apporaching an accurate round count on most of our guns (the exception being the DDM guns). Performance is the only real indicator that it's time for something to get shipped back to the US.

[02ducky]

I like that shirt Mick, I had to double take it, classic!!

[<MADDOG>]

Interesting thread gentlemen, and thanks for the info Mick!

I do have have one question though: why not a a thigh/separate holster off your rack? I'm a little old school, so my thought process goes along the lines if I drop my chest rig for one reason or another, I still have my pistol up.

Thoughts?

[stoner01]

While I am a fan most of the time, they can become uncomfortable and bulky.

[Mick-Boy]

<Maddog> I don't wear leg rigs for two reasons. First, they don't lend themselves to concealment very well. Second, I don't like wearing anything on my legs. If I'm walking a lot they cause chafing. multiply that over a couple of days and we're talking serious discomfort.

A drop leg holster was fine when I was jumping off a truck and assaulting a building then climbing back on the truck. I don't like them for walking to the top of a mountain outside a COP.

[275RLTW]

Since the questions about plate carriers has come back up I will add some more into this thread to keep a consolidated area for work gear (I say work gear as none of this is realistic EDC stuff in this country, LE aside).

I run 2 basic kits that I'll detail below. While I've run others, these are my two main 2nd line kits. Batman belt stuff and backpacks/breaching kits are left out of this as this is just about the carriers.

1: OCONUS rig (Tac Tailor basic plate carrier)
I wore this while running on the counter assault team in Iraq last year for DoS. It is a close copy of what I wore 10 years earlier going into Iraq with 2nd Ranger Bn. It is designed to allow me more mobility by eliminating side plates and any soft armor. As I usually carrier other gear (Radios/demo/tools) on my back I wanted to shave down weight where I felt I could safely. Side plates are only 6x6" and I always worked within a team so there were other Rangers (my PSD team were mostly Batt guys too) to my left and right. Level III soft armor is only rated for most pistol rounds and none of our threats carried pistols; just rifles and bigger. ESAPI plates were a must and usually the only armor in them.

Setup (from right to left as worn)
-Radio (MBITR). acessable with my non-firing hand so I can change channels as needed, plugged into my peltors.
-(2) Tac Tailor triple mag shingles. 6 mags ready to go
-Tac Tailor double pistol pouch (on outside of rifle mags)
-Tac Tailor Admin pouch (mirror, lighter, cliff bar, 550 cord, flint, note pad, flashlight, multi tool, etc...)
-SUNNTO wrist compass on upper left of carrier
-SOG SEAL pup knife underneath all mag pouches- accessible with left hand.
-CAT TQs attached to both sides of mag shingles by shock cord
-IFAK on left side. accessible with BOTH hands (not worn towards the back of the kit where my right hand can't reach it)
-right side kept completely slick to keep secondary weapon accessible (in appropriate 6004 holster)
-If needed-Tac Tailor dump pouch on left leg for additional door charges/flash bangs/double stuff oreos)
-(2) EMT shears tucked in molle webbing (front and by IFAK)

NO CUMBER BUN OR SIDE PLATES
-Camelback in carrier on back (kept slick so I can throw a pack/breaching kit) on as well
-Antenna from radio re-routed to back

364113641336415


2: Instructor Rig (London Bridge Trading 6094)
Basic LBT carrier with ESAPI plates front and rear as the side plates. I have side plates in this kit for 2 reasons: a) the missions are shorter and b) if the students have to wear them then I will too. This setup has a cumber bun however I don't run a secondary weapon as I am primarily teaching them how to use their big scary gun to fight.

Setup (as worn from right side to left)
-Smoke grenade in Tac Tailor pouch
-flash bang in Tac Tailor pouch
-Radio (152). acessable with my non-firing hand so I can change channels as needed, run to ear bud, mic on front center of carrier.
-(1)Tac Tailor triple mag shingle, (1) 13 Zulu kydex kangaroo triple mag insert . 6 mags ready to go, more can be tucked into integral pockets in cumber bun
-Tac Tailor double pistol pouch (on outside of rifle mags)
-Tac Tailor Admin pouch (mirror, lighter, cliff bar, 550 cord, flint, note pad, flashlight, multi tool, LCP pistol, etc...)
-SUUNTO wrist compas on upper left side of carrier
-CAT TQs attached to both sides of mag shingles by shock cord
-BFG Helium Whisper pocket dump pouch. (Students drop shit all the time)
-IFAK on left side. accessible with BOTH hands (not worn towards the back of the kit where my right hand can't reach it)
-Camelback in carrier on back (CAT TQ attached to back panel with shockcord)
-Antenna from radio re-routed to back
-If needed a Maxpedition roll up dump pouch for additional smokes, bangs, oreos)
-GoPro on left shoulder (good for AARs and footage of people doing stupid shit)
-(2) EMT shears tucked in molle webbing (front and by IFAK)

3641736419364213642336425


I keep my instructor kit nearly identical to my overseas kit to maintain some commonality. Mag pouches are in the same spot, TQs the same, almost everything is the same. This makes things simple for me as I transition from one to the other as needed. I didn't weigh them as I don't have a scale handy (gift for my ex wife!). I run medium EASPIs in both kits. I could wear larges but it starts to restrict my pistol shooting so it's not worth the extra 1/2" on each side to have them. I tried steel plates in the carrier once....I hated the sharp edges and how the thinner plates flopped around. I much prefer ceramics for overt work.

If you haven't noticed, I use a lot of Tactical Tailor gear. I remember when they were a small shop outside of Ft. Lewis, WA and Logan Coffey was making a lot of the stuff on his own. TT has always helped out 2d Batt when we needed gear designed and made and to this day they still provide exceptional quality and the best customer service I've seen or heard from a gear mfg. I have used their gear for over a decade now in some of the harshest conditions around the world and not a single piece has failed me. Their gear is worth every penny.

[Mick-Boy]

Good write up coloccw!

I get where you are coming from on the TT gear. Once upon a time I felt the same way about Mean Gene and HSGI. Then I wanted to get lighter and faster and he kept building big and bulky so I went to Travis Rolf at Mayflower. He's been knocking it out of the park with most of his gear.

On your instructor kit; Is that med-pouch subdivided?

I'm assuming that your students are also carrying IFAKs. (For the wider audience: BY SOP your IFAK is for use ON YOU. SOP is that you're not supposed to use your med gear on others). That being said, when I'm in an instructor role I want to know exactly where and how the med gear is set up. I'm not at risk of getting hit in a follow on attack because everything is going to be shut down following a major injury. So if a student or another instructor gets injured, I'm most likely (I'm 1/1 so far) going to opt to use my stuff because I trust that a)I have everything to treat a gunshot and b)it's all set up and prepped instead of still being inside multiple layers of plastic.

All that to say, the med-pouches that I've seen that don't have a removable insert tend to result in a yard-sale of med gear in the event you have to get something out. So that's the long winded explanation of why I'm curious about your pouch being subdivided.

RE: Plate size

One of the big things that keeps mediums in my vest is that larges tend to negatively impact me mounting my rifle. It's hard to burn it down when your rifle is sliding around on top of armor, shoulder straps (if any) and a cover garment (if any).



This is the law: There is no possible victory in defense. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more important than either. The final weapon is the brain. All else is supplemental." - John Steinbeck

Good contribution man. [Beer]

[275RLTW]

Yes, all the students are carrying their own IFAKs however they are utilizing the components for TCCC training. I carry stuff to deal with the most likely incidents that need immediate attention: gunshots, eye injuries, and airway issues. I have lots of TQs, combat gauze, regular gauze, NPAs/OPAs, 14ga needle, israelis, and duct tape all prepped. We always have a designated med vehicle & person with a trauma kit & backboard on scene so I don't worry about anything that isn't life threatening. Typical injuries we see are trip/fall related or from Sims/UTM. These are both field care issues (either a band aid or a trip to the hospital) so I just call for medic and keep going if possible, pauseX if necessary. The pouch isn't subdivided, just a large utility pouch since I'm usually only going into it for 1 or 2 specific items. I just arrange them items so that they are all accessible once the pouch is opened and it doesn't open all the way and allow the contents to fall out. As I said before, more medical attention is only 2-3 min away so I'm focusing on those first few minutes after an event.

[Mick-Boy]

I'm going to bump this thread to eat a little crow. After all my arguments about TQ prep I've had someone point out something that I had never considered.

While a TQ threaded through both buckles is very secure, it's also going to be slow as hell if I have to unthread it completely to put it over a limb that's been totally shattered (think: Blasted apart or run over by an armored vehicle).

for the last few months I've been running my TQs threaded through one side of the buckle. Additionally I melted the last 1in of Velcro on the strap to aid in threading it through the buckle in a hurry.

So this is me saying that if blast injuries are a real threat, threading it through both buckles and folding the last inch or so over (like I was doing before) isn't the optimal solution. Mea Culpa for passing questionable info. [fail]

[TheBelly]

Have you had different experiences where TQ design becomes a factor?

Big Green issues this one (or something similar): http://www.amazon.com/C-A-T-Combat-Application-Tourniquet-version/dp/B003IPZRYI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391521891&sr=8-1&keywords=tourniquet

It has the loop-over that was previously mentioned


I prefer to use this one (because it can be configured for use only with one side pulled): http://www.amazon.com/Softt-nh-SOF-Tactical-Tourniquet-SOFTT-NH/dp/B006QLKVSI/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1391521891&sr=8-5&keywords=tourniquet

I apologize if this is confusing, also for making folks click all over the internet. I'm at work and I can't get pics uploaded.

[Mick-Boy]

Belly,

I've carried and used both the CAT and the SOF-T. I've gotten away from the SOF-T because of the weight difference. I don't see a whole lot of difference in performance. They should both work fine.

[ClangClang]

Just bumping this up to throw a big FU to photobucket for killing all the photos in this thread.

[Mick-Boy]

I just got a Flickr account set up. I'll go through and sort it out over the next couple of weeks. I'm due to up date this anyway. The pictures were from a couple of years ago and I've adjusted some things since then.

[Mick-Boy]

Are you guys able to see these photos again?

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4297/36171300426_7efba3a390_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X7knqN)

[kidicarus13]

Yes

[Mick-Boy]

Awesome sauce. Thanks.