Your loadout in the winter is very important because it can affect your performance, depending on the mission. The environment has its own set of challenges that can hurt your ability to maneuver and stay out for long term durations. In this article, we will weight the issues of the environment and the specifics of the mission in order to explore what loadout fits for that combination.
In the movie ‘Jarhead’ the characters are seen going on a jog in full MOPP gear. Gas masks and full MOPP gear are notorious for holding in heat and hurting performance. Some would consider training or exercising in a gas mask to be the ultimate punishment or torture. It is said that you lose visibility and the ability to breathe with a gas mask on. This could be why gas mask training can be seen as a sanction or punishment. I prefer to see a gas mask as a training tool.
When I was in the military, we did most of our training slick or slow. Rarely did we perform training or practice with a full combat load on unless we were on the range and doing a dry rehearsal, which was rare. I get the concept of training slick, but I found it to be a painful experience just having to deal with the strain of a full load in combat. Practicing running or carrying a load for a long time would have prepped my body a lot better, I feel. I think it is vital to isolating and developing the muscular structure to support the specific movements needed in order to maneuver efficiently and effectively fight with a full combat load. Speed and endurance are vital characteristics, so practice it and work on it.
As a grunt, you carry what you need for the mission, which may be alot. Past that, you have to make sure you are taken care of, which adds more gear. In this case, you will want a system like this sewn on British PLCE belt webbing, shown above, to give you ample storage space for 18 hrs worth of fighting gear. This system is designed to allow you and your team to be completely self-sufficient for about 18 hours without logistical support.
The British military, along with other European based countries such as Australia, still use some version of belt kit like the set displayed above. The reason this type of gear has stuck around for so long is because of its true load carrying capability. Soldiers in the UK military generally do not appreciate their old school belt kit due to how it rubs them raw at times. However, it would seem that the troops do appreciate how well belt kit can distribute a 24hr fighting load. It has been a great piece of gear for light infantry in the past, and I do not think that has changed much, if any.
Most people critique ALICE LBE gear for being old, outdated, and primative compared to more modern load bearing options. I would agree that we have systems out there that will carry more and will weigh less. However, the ALICE LBE system was not just some impulsive design, but was the culmination of years or research, testing, and investment. Even after the ALICE system was put into service, there were constant changes to improve this belt and suspenders method of carrying all your fighting gear. In the end, it was replaced by MOLLE, and now the surplus market is being flooded with it's successor. So what use could ALICE gear have for us?
With the idea of protecting ourselves as private citizens gaining more popularity, there seems to be a growing trend for people that are seeking training as well. Training classes are filling up and people are investing in learning how to shoot properly. However, there are those out there who are taking their firearms training to the next level and are seeking training in team and squad tactics much like what military and law enforcement would learn. Is it beneficial for these people as civilians to dress up and practice raiding buildings, laying ambushes, and conducting patrols?
It is fairly common for you to hear people talk about having cases of MREs in a tone that is on the border of bragging. Some people feel that military rations are so high-tech and perfect for those wanting to survive. Most of this is due to the variety and the fact that you can get alot of calories with little work. However, there is alot more to MREs than just a bit of variety in high caloric foods.
Throughout history, we see examples of how important it is to have soldiers with terrific physical endurance. Endurance is arguably more important than just being able to lift alot or run fast. You need to be able to carry your combat load to the fight, fight all the way through, and continue fighting without slowing down. Endurance is a quality that always has room for improvement and can only benefit you in the long run.
The ambush patrol has proven to be one of the most effective and devastating tools for controlling and manipulating an enemy. The ambush patrol is very important in any combat zone for disrupting the enemy in terms of eliminating enemy units, diverting forces, and overall changing the attitude of the forces assigned to the area. In this article, my goal is to simplify using my knowledge from training, history, and experience.
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Do It RiteAlaska-Based Youtube Vlogger, Retired Marine, Firearm and Gear Tester. Archives
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