This is essentially the most important component of your
tactical equipment that supports your weapon system. As such, it's vital that
you choose the correct layout for your own "philosophy of use" (term
accredited to Nutnfancy on Youtube; check him out for gear reviews such as knives,
lights, and other camping equipment, too). For example, a Squad Automatic
Weapon gunner armed with a heavy M249 will more than likely need something more
than simple fatigues and a single high-capacity magazine. On the contrary, a
sniper will more likely benefit from just such a loadout, as the lighter load
will allow for greater maneuverability during reconnaissance.
So,
the first step in choosing a vest system to suit you is to understand your
specific combat role. If you refer back to the first blog post here, you'll be
able to get a feel for that far more easily. I'll even wait a bit while you do
that...
...All
done? Good. The following paragraphs will now look into different setups for
these roles.
First
off is the one most people either identify with or start out as, considering
it's the most flexible role in combat: the rifleman. Able to tune their assault
rifles to deal long or short range damage,
it's a solid all-encompassing role.
As
this is an adaptable role, an adaptable vest is also vital; a vest or plate
carrier covered with MOLLE webbing is therefore far better than those pre-made
ones with pouches stitched on. From there, your Philosophy of Use comes into
play. Will you tune your rifle to tackle long-range engagements, much like a
designated marksman? If so, you'll most likely need fewer magazine pouches (as
you expend less ammunition on semi-auto) but will need to allow space for a
utility pack for tools such as binoculars to allow you to spot targets better -
this is more for reconnaissance, but marksman-type riflemen tend to become
Recon-Rifleman hybrids.
Should
you instead favor close quarters or a suppression role, mag pouches are
mandatory. As we run midcaps, a good rule of thumb is to have approximately 800-1000
rounds at your disposal, meaning an 8 to 10 magazine capacity on your vest.
Personally, my Flyye Wasatch Plate Carrier has 5 integrated mag pouches and one
integrated radio pouch (radios are a must for Recon-oriented players, by the
way, and they're extremely handy for all others). Each integrated mag pouch has
the capacity to hold approximately 2-3 M4 STANAG magazines, 1-2 G36 magazines,
2-3 Sig Sauer 550 Series magazines, and 1-2 AK Series magazines, meaning I am
pretty much set no matter which weapon system I run as a rifleman. Other MOLLE-attached mag pouches tend to have
these same capabilities, but it always comes in handy to bring your magazine of
choice with you to the store when choosing mag pouches, or at the very least
research it online. (DISCLAIMER: Should you bring your magazine with you, be
sure to ask an employee first if it's alright, and make sure it's completely
unloaded)
Also
note that both the marksman and close range roles are benefited by having a
sidearm, mainly a pistol. As such, a holster is needed on the vest - drop leg
platforms tend to get in the way of maneuverability. Hip holsters work as well,
should you not have room on the vest itself, although in my higher-speed
philosophy of use, I prefer it on the vest itself to maximize my "economy
of motion", meaning everything is closer to my main range of motion for
easy access.
Lastly
on the vest are two major components that provide for practical applications:
hydration, storage, and first aid. Highly recommended to cover both hydration
and storage for extra BBs, gas, and batteries is the MBSS hydration carrier.
Attachable by MOLLE, it hooks up to your back and provides a streamlined way of
storing water and gear. Next, a simple medical pouch will serve to store the
Ace bandages necessary for representing "wounds" in American Milsim
games (which Broken Home is, as we prepare for it in 2015) as well as holding
true first aid kits. Injuries are inevitable, and should disaster befall one of
our own, it's best that we're prepared for it. These go best on the front, in
my opinion, for easy access, but it isn't completely necessary and will still
serve well on your back (or even inside the MBSS) - again, this depends on your
philosophy of use.
[This
ends my first round on this post, but I'll be editing this further to refine
the above work as well as add in the rest of the combat roles. Also note: Come March, when I am back home, I will photograph ourselves in our tactical gear to place on this page for picture references.]
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