View Full Version : What LBE to take.
SHARPSHOOTER
May 06, 2004, 12:40
I am in the middle of getting my paperwork done to goto the Middle East. I am planning on taking my own LBE as I do not know what the company will supply. I was leaning towards taking my Israeli A10 with me , But I have seen a lot of good reports about the High Speed Gear Chest rigs. The sustainment capability of the Israeli rig is nice. I was told that I will be primarily working a static position and was thinking a rig like the High Speed harness might be perect. Any thoughts.
if you are going to be working as a civilian, I would sugguest you take a pistol belt with a canteen for water. I mean truthfully what are you going to be doing that makes you think you are going to need to be decked out like some half ass militia type? unless you just want to make a fashion statement of somekind to the locals
go here:http://lightfighter.net/6/ubb.x?cdra=Y&s=7336015661 and ask your question-they have some Blackwater types that should be able to give you pertinent 411.
aj
SHARPSHOOTER
May 06, 2004, 16:53
16R40 posted
if you are going to be working as a civilian, I would sugguest you take a pistol belt with a canteen for water. I mean truthfully what are you going to be doing that makes you think you are going to need to be decked out like some half ass militia type? unless you just want to make a fashion statement of somekind to the locals
Well I gues your answer is partially my fault for not giving you enough information. THe company I am going to work is working directly for the Army and I will be carrying an M16 as well a 9mm pistol as well as ballistic vest and other equipment . In addition I was told by the recruiter that we will be using Armored vechiles with Machine Guns in our work. Hope that helps clarify things for you. THanks for the input!
Originally posted by SHARPSHOOTER
Well I gues your answer is partially my fault for not giving you enough information. THe company I am going to work is working directly for the Army and I will be carrying an M16 as well a 9mm pistol as well as ballistic vest and other equipment . In addition I was told by the recruiter that we will be using Armored vechiles with Machine Guns in our work. Hope that helps clarify things for you. THanks for the input!
didn't know.......figured you probably got a job at some oil refinery, construction job, or driving a truck, or something like that.......if they are issuing you a M16 and all the other stuff then it just stands to reason that they will be also issuing you web gear for the mags, etc.. unless you want to buy some other web gear, it will do the same thing, have ammo pouches for the mags etc...
BroncoMafia
May 06, 2004, 20:34
if you are going to be in and out of vehicles a lot, then a chest system will be nice (gear on your back will keep you from being able to sit comfortably in the seat.)
I have an HSG Wasatch and really love it.
check it out (http://www.highspeedgearinc.com/wasatch.htm)
The wasatch also includes front and rear plate carrier pockets, but I assume you'll be wearing the harness over an interceptor so that might not be as imporant.
The rear pocket can also carry a water bladder.
People seem to be pretty hot on the SO Tech Hellcat too.
http://www.lightfighter.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=34
This is purely a chest harness (no plate carrier, front or rear).
Both systems store mags in the cumberbun <sp?> of the harness itself, allowing fulle MOLLE options up front.
If you are going to be prone a lot, having something that splits in the front might be nice. I hate losing real estate up front for buckles though, as that is where your most important stuff will need to be.
I prefer a full front (no split).
BroncoMafia
May 06, 2004, 20:47
Regarding water, you may want to carry a small ruck like the blackhawk STRIKE pack as 3rd line gear. It is the MOLLE version of their Cyclone hydration pack, which I have.
It is one GREAT pack. Very comfortable, ergonomic, and well made.
That way, you could keep it at your feet while riding, but keep your chest harness on.
I recently picked up a BHI commando chest harness. it doesn't come close to the HSG wasatch in my opinion, plus, you have to buy all those pouches.
I'd run:
1st line:
HSG high speed low drag suspenders on a riggers belt
HSG drop leg pistol holster with flap
maybe another drop leg rig for additional gear
2nd line:
Wasatch (with small water bladder in back)
somebody's 4 pistol mag tile on the front
whatever other assorted pouches you may need
3rd line:
assault pack with hydro and snivel gear
BroncoMafia
May 06, 2004, 21:03
I guess another option would be to follow 16R40's advice and just take what they give you.
After all, they know what's best for you, right? And certainly, being able to comfortably carrier your essential gear and get to it as fast as possible when needed shouldn't be a big deal.
Anyway, we all know there have been no improvements worth noting to LB gear since the Vietnam war, so what's the big deal . . . ?
Most active duty are not allowed to choose their gear freely.
You are not limited by that.
I would invest in every advantage I could afford to ensure my survival, that is if you hope to come home and enjoy the reward for the risk you are taking.
Congrats on your decision. I am proud of you.
Shoot straight and God speed.
SHARPSHOOTER
May 06, 2004, 21:11
Thanks Bronco I really like that system. I ordered one about 10 minutes ago. I am still thinking about the blackhawk gear. Have not made up my mind.
SHARPSHOOTER
May 06, 2004, 21:15
Being as how the first thought that came through my mind was that the company will probably be giving us TA50 gear or something just as nasty. I had already decided that was not really an option. It was not very comfortable when I was in the Army and much younger and dumber than I am now. However the HSG Wasatch you just turned me onto looks to be just the ticket. I am going to get a camebak I can not make my mind up there as yet.
BroncoMafia
May 06, 2004, 21:38
It is hard to buy this stuff without handling it.
the good news is that there is a hungry market for it.
if you buy something pretty high end and don't like it, you can probably sell it quick.
Gates' referral to the lighfighter BBS is a very good tip.
http://militarymorons.com/ is a good site with lots of info.
www.geardo.com has some good stuff.
you will probably need some goggles.
ESS NVGs are highly regarded.
SHARPSHOOTER
May 06, 2004, 21:50
Bronco Thanks for the link to Geardo.com I will check it out. I have not looked at a great deal of the Aftermarket stuff as late. But they are constantly coming out with New Improved more comfortable things. It blows my mind. Thanks so much.
sniper40
May 06, 2004, 23:31
Well before wearing my LBE. I would be considering some really good body armor with ballistic tiles and maybe a level 111A helmet and a good set of ballistic glasses or goggles.
even if you didnt want to wear an overt vest you could wear a covert vest with ballistic tile pockets.
We have been supplying mainly overt stuff, but some civvie contractors have ordered covert level 111A.
:wink:
BIG DUKE 60
May 07, 2004, 02:19
look down on the list
look at clearview.
the vest set up thay sell is a good set up.
iv got stuff that cost 3 times as what thay want . and ya know what?
both hold up the same.
nothing last forever. when ya beat on it. no mater what you pay for it!
thay have a good deal for the $60.00
what would you burn a $100.00 bill or a $50.00 bill?
just get a good h2o pack . and your set
when you get there look at the other guys and see what works. for what thay do. pack it in pack it out.
drive it in
run to get out
is what thay are doing now...
a good watch
a good knife
and a good hand gun
even a few gold coin's?
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