Posted on Nov 17, 2019
As a 1Sgt, PL or CO, did you have an issue if your soldier bought Army-approved gear?
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i've seen most men in infantry units with plate carriers, different stocks or sights on their M-4s etc. etc. As someone in a leadership position in an infantry unit, if its army approved is it still an issue with you ? Also i get it, SOF can do what they want but if they're rocking the best and latest gear why cant someone in a non SOF unit do it? For me i just hate wearing that heavy/clunky IOTV lol
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Gear Leadership
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 13
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What's your idea of "Army approved"? If the Army issues it it's Army approved.
Also, SOF cannot just "do what they want". They have purchasing agents who ensure the gear they request meets certain safety standards. Sure, you've seen those pictures of people running around wearing t-shirts and doing what they want. But, you didn't see the pictures of guys wearing full kit and complete PPE designated for wear by USASOC while training or on missions.
Also, SOF cannot just "do what they want". They have purchasing agents who ensure the gear they request meets certain safety standards. Sure, you've seen those pictures of people running around wearing t-shirts and doing what they want. But, you didn't see the pictures of guys wearing full kit and complete PPE designated for wear by USASOC while training or on missions.
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MAJ Javier Rivera
SFC (Join to see) not my first rodeo in this matter. Heard it before: “but Sir, their shit’s looks better and seems more comfortable than the issues stuff!” My answer: “Well, the ARSOF recruiter is a few block down, go and sign off!”
End of Story
End of Story
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SGT (Join to see)
if my coc doesn't see it as a problem i dont get why any of you should i simply asked a question i didn't ask to get lectured
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SFC Casey O'Mally
SGT (Join to see) - If your CoC has already approved it, and you don't care about the opinions of seasoned leaders on this forum, why did you ask the question?
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MAJ Javier Rivera
SGT (Join to see) , you asked a question and got honest answer from folks who have walked the walk many times; under some very detrimental and undesirable circumstances to say the least!
I rather give you a lecture, if that is how you see it, rather than see you getting hurt.
I rather give you a lecture, if that is how you see it, rather than see you getting hurt.
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Personally, I would not allow non issued ballistic plates, or the carriers please pull up and read DA IG report # D-2008-067 Body Armor Procurement Policy. It's an eye opener. Also all your body armor has a piece specific id code on it that tells the lot and item. So if there is an issue with that item the unit will get a notice to pull that piece and reissue a good one. You don't get that with personally owned gear.
Also the issue I have with the after market rifle stocks and related items is that they are not in the replacement system and if you break them the unit may not have one in the basic load to replace it with. I do not know of any local purchase weapons parts that are "Approved" replacements.
I always wore issued gear and never suffered any adverse effects other then not looking cool.
Also the issue I have with the after market rifle stocks and related items is that they are not in the replacement system and if you break them the unit may not have one in the basic load to replace it with. I do not know of any local purchase weapons parts that are "Approved" replacements.
I always wore issued gear and never suffered any adverse effects other then not looking cool.
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SGT (Join to see)
most of the army doesnt care about ar670-1 i dont see the big issue with wearing a plate carrier, the iotv is trash, i wore issued plates inside of my old plate carrier with approval of my CoC
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MAJ Javier Rivera
SGT (Join to see) most of the Army doesn’t care until a 15-6 investigation is done and you are found on the loosing end. Don’t play the system, if you loose you will in a big way.
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CSM Richard StCyr
SGT (Join to see) - Wasn't citing the 670-1 , read the document I referenced you to, so you can make an informed decision on the issued verses commercial plates. I brought all my troops home alive twice and we weren't sitting around the fire singing Coumb- by -ah . I can cite instances where the gear saved folks all day but the report cited says it better and looked at the Army and available outside products as a whole.
If your commander authorized you to wear something different then what's issued and proven by the testing requirement ;that's on them. I'd advise against it, but CSMs advise Commanders it's their decision, that's what I did, and that's what we as a team adopted.
I wish you the best and hope your gear does you rite.
If your commander authorized you to wear something different then what's issued and proven by the testing requirement ;that's on them. I'd advise against it, but CSMs advise Commanders it's their decision, that's what I did, and that's what we as a team adopted.
I wish you the best and hope your gear does you rite.
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The majority of young troops don't have the expendable cash to buy the "best" whether it is approved or not. They need that money to take care of themselves and their families.
All items of field gear need to be 100% interchangeable, so damaged or lost gear can be replaced without a "learning curve," while you get used to the new gear.
All gear needs to be in the same place, attached in the same manner to your battle harness or pack, so someone can retrieve it quickly during a combat crap sandwich. That may not be possible if someone is sporting non-issue gear.
Finally, leaders (who have fatter paychecks and can afford better gear) who buy better gear than what is issued to their subordinates, may be misjudging what their subordinates can do.
While I was in, if there was an issue item for the purpose intended, a non-issue item better not show up in my unit in the field. Period.
All items of field gear need to be 100% interchangeable, so damaged or lost gear can be replaced without a "learning curve," while you get used to the new gear.
All gear needs to be in the same place, attached in the same manner to your battle harness or pack, so someone can retrieve it quickly during a combat crap sandwich. That may not be possible if someone is sporting non-issue gear.
Finally, leaders (who have fatter paychecks and can afford better gear) who buy better gear than what is issued to their subordinates, may be misjudging what their subordinates can do.
While I was in, if there was an issue item for the purpose intended, a non-issue item better not show up in my unit in the field. Period.
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