Packing list Battle vest and Backpack

[apod]

Most of that list is as per the ARW selection course packing list with a smattering of NCOTW thrown in.Most of it is sound bar one or two things.
Metal mug and emergency rations should be kept in the daysack.You wont be brewing up during an assault.Keep the BV as light as you can.Also over time the rim of the metal mug will wear through the material of the utility pouch as it was never designed or sized to fir one properly.Trust me I have seen many new lads fresh out of the BTC's who swear by that packing list with worn through utility pouches on the BV due to this practice.
The only thing you should have in the main compartment of the Bergen is the patrol pack.Fold the large liner down and store it underneath in case you need it for a river crossing.The divider between the lower compartment of the Bergen and top should be closed and your sleeping system(complete) goes in the bottom compartment.Now you can access your sleeping system at night without having to take everything out of the Bergen first!Having the patrol pack inside the Bergen is good admin as you can access it fast in case of a shoot and scoot scenario.Also it is more stable and secure when tabbing then putting it under the lid.
Droplegs are really only used in CBRN scenarios if we go to Cat1 and above or during FIBUA.The dump pouch as issued with the leg strap is a nause during greenfield Ops.The leg strap catches on everything when crawling etc.Remove it and tighten the height adjuster straps up all the way so the dump pouch is just below the level of the belt but flaps loose.
Oh and they are Camelbaks or "Hydration systems".Platypus's are for Civi's

[DeV]

I can never think of what to call them

[trellheim]

For those still on PLCE ( i.e. us, and many others ) there are several excellent lists earlier up the thread. Search Apod's and other's posts.

[SwiftandSure]

FFD aside, the DF recommend that you wouldn't keep an IFAK on your person or in your vest? It's just left in the daysack?

[apod]

Not a IFAK as it should be IE Trauma kit.We are not issued those.Yet.
More personal boo boo kit.

[SwiftandSure]

Does that mean to say that there's no expectation to carry a Trauma IFAK as it's not issued? Or would most guys buy and carry their own?

[trellheim]

FFD aside, the DF recommend that you wouldn't keep an IFAK on your person or in your vest? It's just left in the daysack?

Do you know I had the exact same thought

[apod]

Does that mean to say that there's no expectation to carry a Trauma IFAK as it's not issued? Or would most guys buy and carry their own?

Precisely.Outside of the wing I don't know of many who take it seriously.Hopefully starting to change with the new MFR and TCCC course but until the DF starts issuing them most lads don't care.Same with the CIED training.We have all the drills and the gucci kit,but yet don't issue ballistic glasses(yes I know we have goggles.Try wearing them for hours on end dismounted patrolling)or have it as SOP that they are worn in IED threat areas.DoD penny pinching as usual.

[SwiftandSure]

It's funny you mention that, last year I wore Sawfly ballistic glasses on exercise and a PDF lad was slagging me about my "Gucci Glasses". My rationale for wearing them wasn't exactly CIED orientated, but being self employed and knowing that the DF would drop me like a hot sack of sh1t if I was injured, I decided that my health is my wealth, and an eye injury on ex would have stopped me working/earning. I wear them whenever I'm shooting now.

[hedgehog]

I always think this is one of the best threads on IMO- Its what IMO should be about. Well done lads.

What should go into a personal combat first aid kit- ?

[apod]

It's funny you mention that, last year I wore Sawfly ballistic glasses on exercise and a PDF lad was slagging me about my "Gucci Glasses". My rationale for wearing them wasn't exactly CIED orientated, but being self employed and knowing that the DF would drop me like a hot sack of sh1t if I was injured, I decided that my health is my wealth, and an eye injury on ex would have stopped me working/earning. I wear them whenever I'm shooting now.

I dont have any problem with anybody wearing EYEPRO when it is relevant and possibly necessary.Going through a forest a night.Check.Doing FIBUA.Check.Firing pistols.Check.
Firing a rifle or GPMG 200 metres away from the target with slim to no chance of splashback??I dunno.
Overseas where there is ANY threat of IED's??It should be mandatory.

[SwiftandSure]

I dont have any problem with anybody wearing EYEPRO when it is relevant and possibly necessary.Going through a forest a night.Check.Doing FIBUA.Check.Firing pistols.Check.
Firing a rifle or GPMG 200 metres away from the target with slim to no chance of splashback??I dunno.
Overseas where there is ANY threat of IED's??It should be mandatory.

I just see it as PPE when carrying a rifle, same as ear defence. Even at 200m away, I still can't account for my oppos muzzle discipline, or spent cartridges, or any other variables that might damage my eyes, which is why I'd prefer to leave them on if I'm on the ground. I wear them on the range to simulate the conditions I'll be firing on the ground with.

Anyway, the RDF Fighting season will soon be upon us, so time to dust off the battle box....

[morpheus]

where did you manage to locate the helmet ... What type is it? mich ach?

[SwiftandSure]

where did you manage to locate the helmet ... What type is it? mich ach?

Got it off ebay from the States, it's a proper Rabintex 303 AU which I think is similar or the same as the PDF issue lid.

[Goldie fish]

With a cover, few will notice the difference.