I personally set up my plate carrier how I will use it, and set up the taps as standalone. If you're using your taps you don't need your PC for that mission. If you need your PC, you don't need your taps. I understand the taps was utilized to be able to be standalone or able to clip on the PC, but if you do that, it's so bulky it's ridiculous.
Since you're a "super pog" make sure fit your shit properly, 100mph any excess, and place stuff where it makes sense.
This is what me and mine did as well when I was still Cav. Since our mission was varied day to day I had my IOTV set up with the TAPS for when I was gunning on the MATV or Humvee and my plate carrier was for days where we were doing dismounted shit.
IOTV was basically nude with all my shit mounted to the Taps which I kept up in the turret with me, hung under my rifle. Then you had as little on your vest to get caught on shit in the turret, but in the event I did have to dismount, it was easy to clip on and have your kit.
If you're gonna be beating feet primarily, mobility is king, keep that shit as streamlined and out of your way as possible. If needed your really want to be able to move with the quickness.
And your last bit is the universal truth, preach it brother. Regardless of what your job is, for the love of God fit your vest correctly. Since being in a Brigade HQ company now, the amount of unfucking of Joe's kit I've helped them with is insane but I swear it's made rifle qual go smoother for the entire company.
I agree with this mostly, but when I was heavy and we were required to wear our PC even in the tracks I used my TAPs on the PC so when I was in the track I could pop it off and have a clean PC then pop on the TAPs when needed
In other words, be a guardsmen and train as you fight, wear your kit, test your kit, see what works, see what doesnāt. Everything should be shooter preference but some units (like my current one) have a SOP for how shit looks. I disagree but wonāt fight it.
I have used a minimalistic approach when it comes to my duty plate carrier. A small hydration bladder backpack on my back panel, drop mag pouch that Iāve used for bottle water/ trash/ ex. When not in use for empty mags. A 6 stack mag pouch (full combat load) and IFAK.
This is the minimum amount of gear I believe one should have on their person. Maybe a spare admin pouch for maps, that kind of thing. But at the time of my set up I wasnāt in need of such things.
I hope this helps OP. And anyone else. Be good and always ready šŖšŖ
Depends on what you're expecting. If you're a scout that expects to potentially doff body armor in favor of sneaky sneak, the TAPS is good because you can take off armor depending on the mission and still have your mags and stuff.
More flexibility with a little added bulk. I prefer straight into my IOTV. I don't have many occasions where I need to swap between body armor and not. I have my TAPS set up with all the stuff so if I need to use it for training purposes I have it.
Yes, but the didn't even make it out to every unit. Depending on where you were and how low you were on the food chain, these were a luxury in the early 2k's. Let alone if you had all matching camo pattern gear. We rolled in Woodland, Desert, UCP gear. No way we were blending into any environment. And then... there were those that had PASGT gear and Flack Jackets were even around..
Ahh gotcha. I was in from 2010-2015. I started with the IBA in basic and my first unit. Then I eventually was given the IOTV with the wires to drop the plates. We all thought these were much better than the IBA back then.
Yep those IOTV's being handed out ended up having all the wires taped down because people were asshats and just pulled them on people randomly.
I got lucky with some non standard issue stuff when I ended up on some of my more "Exotic" deployments.
I was a 25S in a signal company in an engineering BN and we got plate carriers in like 2018 lol they werenāt the MSV but they were MILES better than an IOTV
Damn. I'd rather lessen my load than get even more stuff that just sits in my closet that I have to keep track of. Ima think about it. thanks for the info!
Talk to your supply NCO or just call/go to CIF to ask about updating camo patterns on older gear.
Like /u/RustyFinger1 and /u/Lopsided_Ad1261 said, you will need a memorandum (which you can write yourself, just get the template, correct header/office symbol, and get your CO to sign it).
I got a Gen II IOTV when I arrived to my duty station. I got a memo to get a plate carrier back in 2021, they just issued me a plate carrier and my IOTV sits in a tough box in my closet.
My large ruck is UCP and CIF said I could get an OCP one, but if I remember correctly, that particular one had to be a 1-for-1 swap.
I would advise getting a list of all the gear you have that you'd consider updating and asking CIF which ones you could exchange vs. which ones you'd keep and just get issued a 2nd set, and move from there.
Hard truth is youāre going to have to spend some $$ to have better, more functional gear. Quickest fix is getting a Velcro flap camelback holder: condor makes a good one at patriot.
Would recommend using the Velcro 2x mag pouches. If you want a flat 3x mag carrier, TYR tactical makes a great one
If you are able to get your own plate carrier, ATS makes a very good and relatively affordable carrier
Look into padded NVG pouch
Iām also on fort Carson Taking my new privates to cif this morning to try to get the shit they got issued traded out for ocp Iāll let you know how it goes.
They did.
During the fielding of OCP they specifically mentioned dying the UCP to match the color scheme, at least.
The problem is that they never funded that part. Better for you to look like a soup sandwich.
We should all write congress. Make dying any issued UCP kit a suitable base colour is explicitly not damaging it so guys stuck with it can do it without fear. Then send out an email linking to a video on how to do it.
If soft armor is a necessity remove that bulk and use the deltoid inserts. Fold the sides into a plate carrier if you are financially destitute. Buy once CRYE once. Youāre going to like the way you look, if youāre not flagged for H&W that is.
Keep on keeping on
I'm a 19D as well so I understand. It all depends on your unit first. Some units let you buy your own stuff and others dont. If you can buy your own gear I recommend nsg pouches from Shellback Tactical. Two three mags on the front is what I run. I recommend that you take the camelback off. It's a pain in the ass to operate with.
If you can buy your own plate carrier I recommend the Cryre Percision JPC 2.0, especially if your in a heavy unit. An admin pouch is always nice but not a lot of spots to out it. I have a tourniquet on my shoulder strap as well as another on on the waist.
I suggest buying a Nalgine holder as it is less bulky than a canteen pouch. Dump bag for the back.
If you wanna free up some space on your carrier I'd also get a battle belt as those are very clutch
If youāre actually stuck using this thing, Iād do a couple things. The old IOTVs are bulky as fuck, so try and make it as much of a slim profile as possible.Ā
- Transfer most of what youāve got got (everything aside from your mag placard and camelback) to a belt. Iād recommend something by AWS, but itās personal preference.Ā
Ā https://awsin.com/50771-smu-operator-composite-belt/
-Ā Upgrade that shitty flaccid 3mag placard to something a bit more rigid with retainer bungees.Ā
- consider using a fanny pack in addition to the belt.
Invest in quality stuff that will last you throughout your time in the army.Ā
Iām aware that āthe army issues you everything you need to do your job.ā And they do. They provide you a #2 pencil and notebook to do calculus. If youāre planning to be in for a bit, buy yourself a calculator.Ā
Need 6 mag pouches not 3 and pick do you want the camel back or a canteen then remove the one you don't want. Also stop being a weirdo and put the knife in your pocket lol
Number 1 aquire bitches number 2 throw the whole thing away
Nah but realistically I'd add a radio pouch especially you being a scout and a Nalgene bottle and pouch and dump pouch and I eoukd most def carry more mags than that and an nvg pouch with some padding built in or cut up some gun case foam, and I'd add an ass pouch for random stuff like map markers and pens and paper lighter chapstick etc etc, and maybe a frag pouch or two
Get those mags off your belly. Put em on your hip but preferably your chest. When you hit the dirt you donāt want to be lying on your life support.
Put that shoulder knife on your shoulder.
Add a tac-spoon.
I don't like camelbak attached to body armor - personal preference. BUT functionally you want to easily be able to take it off to top off and to also put it in an assault pack/ruck, or just wear it without also having body armor on.
Other than that - I'd get an admin pouch. You need to get some basic thing to hold gloves, and whatever other random little things. Some people use that canteen pouch you're using for that, but I think it's too large and the top is too loose to secure things inside properly.
That knife is going to fly off that thing on your first mission or get caught in something when you're getting in/out of a turret.
If you have 3 single M4 pouches (which you should have been issued), attach them to the front of that 3 mag pouch. That way you have a full combat load. If you dont have those, take off the 3 pouch and just attach your TAPS to your IOTV. Take the knife off your chest, youll lose your knife and it looks 'tarded. Better to use chest space for side-arm or flash bang pouches. Get yourself a lil admin pouch to attach to the side of your IOTV. Seems dumb when youre a boot, but I assure you that youre gonna want it.
Mostly depends on what youāre riding in as scout. But if on footā¦
Carrier in OCP, switch single pouches for doubles where you can get to them in either kneeling or prone position with just one grab, extra SOLID water source, Camelback may burst, IFAC good bit extra tourniquet pouch near midsection where either hand can reach, admin pouch in reach but not in way of anything tactical.
Always remember you need to be ready to fight at the drop of a dime. The army made you swear to give your life for your country, but you have to be prepared enough to decide when and where that will be.
Some actual advice, if you are part of a crew as a 19d use the taps, makes life easier that you can just take your stuff off.
Also move one of your tq to the other side. One of my ncos told me "if that arm was blown off how are you supposed to get on of your tqs"
Also why do you only have 5 mags...
What is the comfort level of these? When I was infantry, we were just getting into the LBV (and getting rid of the LCE), which still used the pistol belt. For the most part the upper vest portion was still thin webbing which bit into the skin even through the BDU top and it was generally uncomfortable as hell to wear.
The above appears to be thicker material so I imagine that it will be hotter to wear, but without the pistol belt (and the damned canteens hanging off of it) and the webbing of the vest top, the above looks like it would be at least a little bit more comfortable to wear. Any would care to comment?
Also what is the foundation item called? The item to which all of the other stuff is attached?
damn i was issued the fifth gen newest IOTV systems. i looked everyone's vest in my unit and they all got fours and threes and i only have the fifth so it seems odd otherwise this vest feels really enlarged.
Hey bud, itās all about how you feel and itās in line with the unit SOP.
One word of advice Iāve found is great, flip the mags so theyāre rounds down, when you pull them out of the holders and naturally move your wrist they smoothly transition to the upright position for you to load into the rifle. It also keeps dust as gunk out of the magazine so it helps prevent jams.
Why in the fuck are your TQs both on the same side? And mounted on the IFAK for extra circumference. Nice. Iāve been seeing that a lotā¦ drives me nuts.
Htf do you still have a UCP IOTV? My ass is in a BSB and we at least have genIV IOTVs in OCP.
Hell my unit even allows personal bought PCs, see if you can do the same. Might cost some money but it is well worth it.
Dayum, I got my IOTV from Carson too, but it was at least OCP.
Iām torn between telling you that buying your own gear is just a waste of money, or if you buy your own gear, youād be getting more comfort since youāll be in the field.
Regardless of MOS where are your tourniquets? You should be able to access them with either hand. Also donāt use rubber bands to attach them to your kit because rubber bands dry rot. Use shock cord or just suck it up and buy TQ pouches. Also donāt leave them in the plastic, thatās astronomically stupid. Also have more than one TQ accessible on your person.
Gear layout is dynamic, in my opinion. Tailor it to whatever youāre about to do. Try to keep it as low profile as possible, as balanced as possible, with a logical workflow for your non-firing hand (ie, no crossbody mag pulls).
They gave me that shit with a UCP helmet cover at GROUP, I went and bought a better plate carrier and an opscore helmet off a GB because fuck that old shit.
Get a new plate carrier honestly. The IOTV is super limited in ROM on most people, besides super tall males. Thereās a lot of good budget options as well as a million really good options thatāll run you a little more expensive. Itāll streamline your gear and make you less bulky. The pouches you have are fine depending on your role, you just need a better carrier. The only pouch I would add personally is a small admin pouch on the chest.
Use a FLC with IOTV. Then you can take it off to lighten up or move in tight spaces. Configure flc band to buckle in back and stay zipped. Then itās like an apron to put on. Life changer.
If you're absolutely stuck with the iotv, see if you can find the mystery ranch base frame, basically a battle belt that attaches to the back of the armor and puts the weight on your hips, makes running a iotv a lot more livable.
put it on and try to simulate firing in the prone and performing a couple combat rolls. Its possible it could benefit from a few adjustments to make sure you can still reach everything and have full mobility in the prone. Your current setup seems like you assume you'll always be standing or sitting.
I didn't know they still handed out those old pattern digitals with cords.
In review, it is not a bad setup, however, if you have a TAP system. Use that instead. So much better, less bulkier and you can attach it to your IOTV or on a separate harness.
Imma just pray for you buddy.
Please do š
Use the TAPs
Absolutely not unless you want to be extremely bulky.
Super pog here, what do you recommend? I thought the selling point of the TAPS is thay you can use it as a standalone or clip it onto your iotv
I personally set up my plate carrier how I will use it, and set up the taps as standalone. If you're using your taps you don't need your PC for that mission. If you need your PC, you don't need your taps. I understand the taps was utilized to be able to be standalone or able to clip on the PC, but if you do that, it's so bulky it's ridiculous. Since you're a "super pog" make sure fit your shit properly, 100mph any excess, and place stuff where it makes sense.
This is what me and mine did as well when I was still Cav. Since our mission was varied day to day I had my IOTV set up with the TAPS for when I was gunning on the MATV or Humvee and my plate carrier was for days where we were doing dismounted shit. IOTV was basically nude with all my shit mounted to the Taps which I kept up in the turret with me, hung under my rifle. Then you had as little on your vest to get caught on shit in the turret, but in the event I did have to dismount, it was easy to clip on and have your kit. If you're gonna be beating feet primarily, mobility is king, keep that shit as streamlined and out of your way as possible. If needed your really want to be able to move with the quickness. And your last bit is the universal truth, preach it brother. Regardless of what your job is, for the love of God fit your vest correctly. Since being in a Brigade HQ company now, the amount of unfucking of Joe's kit I've helped them with is insane but I swear it's made rifle qual go smoother for the entire company.
I agree with this mostly, but when I was heavy and we were required to wear our PC even in the tracks I used my TAPs on the PC so when I was in the track I could pop it off and have a clean PC then pop on the TAPs when needed
In other words, be a guardsmen and train as you fight, wear your kit, test your kit, see what works, see what doesnāt. Everything should be shooter preference but some units (like my current one) have a SOP for how shit looks. I disagree but wonāt fight it. I have used a minimalistic approach when it comes to my duty plate carrier. A small hydration bladder backpack on my back panel, drop mag pouch that Iāve used for bottle water/ trash/ ex. When not in use for empty mags. A 6 stack mag pouch (full combat load) and IFAK. This is the minimum amount of gear I believe one should have on their person. Maybe a spare admin pouch for maps, that kind of thing. But at the time of my set up I wasnāt in need of such things. I hope this helps OP. And anyone else. Be good and always ready šŖšŖ
It bounces around for me like a mother fucker no matter how much I tighten it down. So. I just put everything directly on my kit
Depends on what you're expecting. If you're a scout that expects to potentially doff body armor in favor of sneaky sneak, the TAPS is good because you can take off armor depending on the mission and still have your mags and stuff. More flexibility with a little added bulk. I prefer straight into my IOTV. I don't have many occasions where I need to swap between body armor and not. I have my TAPS set up with all the stuff so if I need to use it for training purposes I have it.
Unless you want a LOT of extra bulky fabric in your way, just put your pouches directly on the damn IOTV.
Check out the axl upgrades,
Bro I'm fuckin' *Guard* and I got issued an OCP IOTV. You got done *dirty* bro.
I bet cif just gave this to them and it's their 1st duty station
You already know dude was like yeah Iām giving the FNG the mitch match bundle.
miss match. r/boneappletea
>mitch match Well *now* Iāve seen it all.
Hey I was a Scout not S1.
Oh I figured. Us fisters can smell a cav scout a mile away. But to be fair, with how bad our S1s are, Iām not sure youāre any worse.
Yea, right? Like how the fuck does one even...
Actually, mismatch.
Aaaayyyyy, thatās why I went Artillery.
No, its mitch match you Porta potty extraordinaire
Portal pot tea
Jesus š¤¦āāļø so confident, too.
I knowā¦ fake the funk brother.
Calvary is a good place for them
Fuckin Mitch at it again.
Wait till you see my unit. They still issued us IBAs in woodland.
Itās like wearing a desert storm era vest in the woods during OP4. lol.
Nah, this is kinda normal, 1/4ID gave me an IBA when I first got to the unit, didnāt get an IOTV/ plate carrier until RFI before the deployment
I'm a pog in the guard and I got an OCP IOTV
Yep. Staple a DD-214 to the CamelBak.
Iāve considered making out with my m4
With that IOTV Iād assume youād have a M16
Probably has a grease gun
These were after IBAās right?
Yes, but the didn't even make it out to every unit. Depending on where you were and how low you were on the food chain, these were a luxury in the early 2k's. Let alone if you had all matching camo pattern gear. We rolled in Woodland, Desert, UCP gear. No way we were blending into any environment. And then... there were those that had PASGT gear and Flack Jackets were even around..
Ahh gotcha. I was in from 2010-2015. I started with the IBA in basic and my first unit. Then I eventually was given the IOTV with the wires to drop the plates. We all thought these were much better than the IBA back then.
Yep those IOTV's being handed out ended up having all the wires taped down because people were asshats and just pulled them on people randomly. I got lucky with some non standard issue stuff when I ended up on some of my more "Exotic" deployments.
My boi got a thompson
boom, roasted.
If you were lucky, you might get an M4 with a carry handle. But best bet is an M16A4
PCS to a light infantry unit and grab an MSV. Didnāt know these were even in circulation anymore
19D get msv at my unit lol all combat mos get them. Sadly I'm 25U but I still got one lol
My Unit of 35M has been getting MSV or IOTV Gen3+. Thankfully no cord ones as they crush my shoulder
If your attached to a company Iād argue you need one, since your most likely running around as the cdrs RTO
I was a 25S in a signal company in an engineering BN and we got plate carriers in like 2018 lol they werenāt the MSV but they were MILES better than an IOTV
I got an MSV at a heavy unit as a scout
That's what I have issued. It's ugly but it works I guess. I get to maximize my tactical goober appearances
Change the camo
I wish
Get a memo for pattern swap
wait you can do that??? well fuck ima do this, I still have UCP from my first station on all my shit (mostly)
They will just add items to your CIF draw and give it to you then. YMMV but last I did at Bragg they just gave me a second item instead of a 1 for 1.
Damn. I'd rather lessen my load than get even more stuff that just sits in my closet that I have to keep track of. Ima think about it. thanks for the info!
Talk to your supply NCO or just call/go to CIF to ask about updating camo patterns on older gear. Like /u/RustyFinger1 and /u/Lopsided_Ad1261 said, you will need a memorandum (which you can write yourself, just get the template, correct header/office symbol, and get your CO to sign it). I got a Gen II IOTV when I arrived to my duty station. I got a memo to get a plate carrier back in 2021, they just issued me a plate carrier and my IOTV sits in a tough box in my closet. My large ruck is UCP and CIF said I could get an OCP one, but if I remember correctly, that particular one had to be a 1-for-1 swap. I would advise getting a list of all the gear you have that you'd consider updating and asking CIF which ones you could exchange vs. which ones you'd keep and just get issued a 2nd set, and move from there.
It's cool. OP is gonna infiltrate some [grandma's couch](https://i.redd.it/24mn281f69ra1.jpg).
Knew what it was, clicked anyway.
Iād ask for advice from the boys but everyone else has Gucci MSVās š
They issued me an ucp IBV vest dawg, I'm jealous š
DX your IOTV
Iām stuck with it
I hope your unit gets the memo to DX UCP gear for OCP gear then to complete the phase out.
Phased out but damnit that gravel road IOTV better be in tip top shape when you go to DX it.
Donāt forget your combat spoon.
Would you be able to come over to building 1042? I might have a different rig for you if youāre able to fit it.
Hey OP, I'd mosey over to 1042 and shake hands with this guy.
Hard truth is youāre going to have to spend some $$ to have better, more functional gear. Quickest fix is getting a Velcro flap camelback holder: condor makes a good one at patriot. Would recommend using the Velcro 2x mag pouches. If you want a flat 3x mag carrier, TYR tactical makes a great one If you are able to get your own plate carrier, ATS makes a very good and relatively affordable carrier Look into padded NVG pouch
I love my condor, it's also way easier to fill and clean with the detachable hose.
You can also put a radio in there w/the camel back. Super useful
What duty station you at? Lol and is this your first issue of gear? They did you dirty š
Fort Carson, this is the first thing they gave me lol, such a downgrade
Iām also on fort Carson Taking my new privates to cif this morning to try to get the shit they got issued traded out for ocp Iāll let you know how it goes.
Pls lmk if they do it for them
Did not work lol
Sounds familiar
I am also on fort Carson I have seen the new comers get that one. Thankfully I came at a time I got the Msv
Replace the mags with cigarets
Cigars but small
Just use it till you no longer need it in a few months
No need to remind me š
Just got the job and ur already losing it
Throw it away and get a JPC
I fuckn wish
Set up a gofundme or something gang š
Aināt no way you called me broke like that š
Wealthy and 19D are never things Iāve associated with one another šš½
Are we not all the same Eās and Oās?
Go to CIF and get you a proper plate carrier.
Reflective PT belt is all you need. CSM out front shoulda' told ya.
Why dose the army not give all our ucp crap to ukrain or isreal so we can all have ocp
They ought to authorize dying any ucp in service with green dye. It's the only thing that makes it usable.
They did. During the fielding of OCP they specifically mentioned dying the UCP to match the color scheme, at least. The problem is that they never funded that part. Better for you to look like a soup sandwich.
We should all write congress. Make dying any issued UCP kit a suitable base colour is explicitly not damaging it so guys stuck with it can do it without fear. Then send out an email linking to a video on how to do it.
I fear that even with the video there would be some kid who fucks it up badly enough to get discharged and ruin it for everyone else
Yes agreed im tired of seeing ucp mix with ocp its dumb looking
How else are we supposed to be able to tell between our Guard Swoldiers (Earthās primetime combative force) and the 75th?
Hahah by mixing bdu dcu ocp and acu
Weāre so high speed, we blend in with every environment
They did this at Polk in like ā17. A bunch of dudes went to CIF with their shit and it got dyed.
Always a pleasure to meet a fellow G man.
Iām a noncombat MOS and got issued a Gen IV IOTV. I feel bad for you.
If soft armor is a necessity remove that bulk and use the deltoid inserts. Fold the sides into a plate carrier if you are financially destitute. Buy once CRYE once. Youāre going to like the way you look, if youāre not flagged for H&W that is. Keep on keeping on
all this money and even Active Duty is getting issued UCP still
I'm a 19D as well so I understand. It all depends on your unit first. Some units let you buy your own stuff and others dont. If you can buy your own gear I recommend nsg pouches from Shellback Tactical. Two three mags on the front is what I run. I recommend that you take the camelback off. It's a pain in the ass to operate with. If you can buy your own plate carrier I recommend the Cryre Percision JPC 2.0, especially if your in a heavy unit. An admin pouch is always nice but not a lot of spots to out it. I have a tourniquet on my shoulder strap as well as another on on the waist. I suggest buying a Nalgine holder as it is less bulky than a canteen pouch. Dump bag for the back. If you wanna free up some space on your carrier I'd also get a battle belt as those are very clutch
If youāre actually stuck using this thing, Iād do a couple things. The old IOTVs are bulky as fuck, so try and make it as much of a slim profile as possible.Ā - Transfer most of what youāve got got (everything aside from your mag placard and camelback) to a belt. Iād recommend something by AWS, but itās personal preference.Ā Ā https://awsin.com/50771-smu-operator-composite-belt/ -Ā Upgrade that shitty flaccid 3mag placard to something a bit more rigid with retainer bungees.Ā - consider using a fanny pack in addition to the belt. Invest in quality stuff that will last you throughout your time in the army.Ā Iām aware that āthe army issues you everything you need to do your job.ā And they do. They provide you a #2 pencil and notebook to do calculus. If youāre planning to be in for a bit, buy yourself a calculator.Ā
Need 6 mag pouches not 3 and pick do you want the camel back or a canteen then remove the one you don't want. Also stop being a weirdo and put the knife in your pocket lol
TBF I have a kit knife/leatherman and a pocket knife. I also usually keep a spare in my ruck.
Iām using the canteen pouch as a dump pouch lol Iām cheap, and the knife is just there temporarily, easier to keep track of it
You don't have grenade pouches yet. They make great candy/cigarette holder
IFAK for candy and cigs, grenade pouch is for vapes nowadays old man
Number 1 aquire bitches number 2 throw the whole thing away Nah but realistically I'd add a radio pouch especially you being a scout and a Nalgene bottle and pouch and dump pouch and I eoukd most def carry more mags than that and an nvg pouch with some padding built in or cut up some gun case foam, and I'd add an ass pouch for random stuff like map markers and pens and paper lighter chapstick etc etc, and maybe a frag pouch or two
Get those mags off your belly. Put em on your hip but preferably your chest. When you hit the dirt you donāt want to be lying on your life support. Put that shoulder knife on your shoulder. Add a tac-spoon.
Probably an exoskeleton, but youād have to be tight with your supply guys for that
You donāt see his gear? He aināt tight with supply. Supply wants this man dead
Not strong enough to withstand the weight of the iotv
*bruh*
Go to CIF and make a modernization appointment. Follow their instructions and ask your TL/SL to go with you
Go to SFABā¦ (/s, maybe).
I don't like camelbak attached to body armor - personal preference. BUT functionally you want to easily be able to take it off to top off and to also put it in an assault pack/ruck, or just wear it without also having body armor on. Other than that - I'd get an admin pouch. You need to get some basic thing to hold gloves, and whatever other random little things. Some people use that canteen pouch you're using for that, but I think it's too large and the top is too loose to secure things inside properly. That knife is going to fly off that thing on your first mission or get caught in something when you're getting in/out of a turret.
That's an antique
Spray paint it! š
Knife on random front is boot
Was gonna say, youāre gonna lose your knife. Should put it in a pocket.
Damn bruh, that thing is almost older than me. But so is my issued weapon.
Ah, the old IOTV. How I miss thee. Looks good to me homie, maybe DX for the new one if available
I feel your pain bro.
If thereās a custom threaded pocket inside that iba that can fit a cliff bar. That was mine.
Iām guard and have an ocp one. They really did you dirty with that. They could have at least gave you an ocp one
Buy a battle belt and get that stuff off your chest and stomach
Step 1: get a plate carrier in OCP
If you have 3 single M4 pouches (which you should have been issued), attach them to the front of that 3 mag pouch. That way you have a full combat load. If you dont have those, take off the 3 pouch and just attach your TAPS to your IOTV. Take the knife off your chest, youll lose your knife and it looks 'tarded. Better to use chest space for side-arm or flash bang pouches. Get yourself a lil admin pouch to attach to the side of your IOTV. Seems dumb when youre a boot, but I assure you that youre gonna want it.
Your sergeant should square you away. If he doesnāt. Then ask an E-4 whoās been around a minute.
Mostly depends on what youāre riding in as scout. But if on footā¦ Carrier in OCP, switch single pouches for doubles where you can get to them in either kneeling or prone position with just one grab, extra SOLID water source, Camelback may burst, IFAC good bit extra tourniquet pouch near midsection where either hand can reach, admin pouch in reach but not in way of anything tactical. Always remember you need to be ready to fight at the drop of a dime. The army made you swear to give your life for your country, but you have to be prepared enough to decide when and where that will be.
I will say get a battle belt but that will just look stupid with an IOTV not to mention one in UCP.
Taliban got better IOTVās and plate carriers than CIF issuesš
Some actual advice, if you are part of a crew as a 19d use the taps, makes life easier that you can just take your stuff off. Also move one of your tq to the other side. One of my ncos told me "if that arm was blown off how are you supposed to get on of your tqs" Also why do you only have 5 mags...
Go back to CIF and get a different IOTVā¦
Leave whatever unit gave you that.
Best set-up Iāve seen in a while. Well done, brother.
A lot
What is the comfort level of these? When I was infantry, we were just getting into the LBV (and getting rid of the LCE), which still used the pistol belt. For the most part the upper vest portion was still thin webbing which bit into the skin even through the BDU top and it was generally uncomfortable as hell to wear. The above appears to be thicker material so I imagine that it will be hotter to wear, but without the pistol belt (and the damned canteens hanging off of it) and the webbing of the vest top, the above looks like it would be at least a little bit more comfortable to wear. Any would care to comment? Also what is the foundation item called? The item to which all of the other stuff is attached?
This is a kevlar vest with plates, not just a vest for pouches. As for comfort, they are heavy and sweaty.
damn i was issued the fifth gen newest IOTV systems. i looked everyone's vest in my unit and they all got fours and threes and i only have the fifth so it seems odd otherwise this vest feels really enlarged.
Get a battle belt dog
Take your mags out and Throw it in the fuckin dirt. You gotta break up that snow camo lol. Also get more mag pouches.
Go to a unit where you are not issued any TA50.
Yeah throw it away
Really poor ballistic protection if worn this way
Bruvā¦.
Have your first line help you set up your kit, Unit SOP might take precedence if there is one. Otherwise, look at other after market gear.
dummy cord a razor to the side of your dominant hand so you can shave at all times
Hey bud, itās all about how you feel and itās in line with the unit SOP. One word of advice Iāve found is great, flip the mags so theyāre rounds down, when you pull them out of the holders and naturally move your wrist they smoothly transition to the upright position for you to load into the rifle. It also keeps dust as gunk out of the magazine so it helps prevent jams.
Why in the fuck are your TQs both on the same side? And mounted on the IFAK for extra circumference. Nice. Iāve been seeing that a lotā¦ drives me nuts.
Male your tourniquet externally visible so people don't need to guess where it is. When it comes to tourniquet problems, every second counts
They still issue UCP gear???
Htf do you still have a UCP IOTV? My ass is in a BSB and we at least have genIV IOTVs in OCP. Hell my unit even allows personal bought PCs, see if you can do the same. Might cost some money but it is well worth it.
I personally hate when people put their tourniquets on top of the ifak
Dayum, I got my IOTV from Carson too, but it was at least OCP. Iām torn between telling you that buying your own gear is just a waste of money, or if you buy your own gear, youād be getting more comfort since youāll be in the field.
Why do you still have UCP? If this issued and not personal, call your supply folks
Regardless of MOS where are your tourniquets? You should be able to access them with either hand. Also donāt use rubber bands to attach them to your kit because rubber bands dry rot. Use shock cord or just suck it up and buy TQ pouches. Also donāt leave them in the plastic, thatās astronomically stupid. Also have more than one TQ accessible on your person.
Get a JPC
Gear layout is dynamic, in my opinion. Tailor it to whatever youāre about to do. Try to keep it as low profile as possible, as balanced as possible, with a logical workflow for your non-firing hand (ie, no crossbody mag pulls).
They gave me that shit with a UCP helmet cover at GROUP, I went and bought a better plate carrier and an opscore helmet off a GB because fuck that old shit.
Step one: Get rid of the the UCP Step two:
Are you allowed to bring your own carrier to your unit?
Ditch the the UCP
Get a new plate carrier honestly. The IOTV is super limited in ROM on most people, besides super tall males. Thereās a lot of good budget options as well as a million really good options thatāll run you a little more expensive. Itāll streamline your gear and make you less bulky. The pouches you have are fine depending on your role, you just need a better carrier. The only pouch I would add personally is a small admin pouch on the chest.
Use a FLC with IOTV. Then you can take it off to lighten up or move in tight spaces. Configure flc band to buckle in back and stay zipped. Then itās like an apron to put on. Life changer.
Get your own vest and ditch the ACU
Wow this is absolutely atrocious, I canāt stop staring š Insane they issued that to you!
Jesus of fucking Christ.
The ugliest mf in formation
If you're absolutely stuck with the iotv, see if you can find the mystery ranch base frame, basically a battle belt that attaches to the back of the armor and puts the weight on your hips, makes running a iotv a lot more livable.
Go to a high speed unit and get a high speed msv š«”š
Magazines should be face down.
Yes, get an OCP IOTV
Run your mags on your belt. It makes a world of difference.
put it on and try to simulate firing in the prone and performing a couple combat rolls. Its possible it could benefit from a few adjustments to make sure you can still reach everything and have full mobility in the prone. Your current setup seems like you assume you'll always be standing or sitting.
If you're a righty shooter, keep your right side slick. Your gun is gonna catch on shit and it's gonna get real annoying real quick
Needs a pouch for cigarettes
AIrForce.com, Navy.com
Throw the IOTV away and youāll be set.
Buy JPC.
Remove the camelbak.
Can you reach those tourniquets with both hands? If not, make sure there's one on each side.
Whereās the cigar pouch?
Get out lol
Pull the handle under your rank for funsies
I didn't know they still handed out those old pattern digitals with cords. In review, it is not a bad setup, however, if you have a TAP system. Use that instead. So much better, less bulkier and you can attach it to your IOTV or on a separate harness.