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Can you go more in depth about the load/gear in the picture that accompanies this article please?
@BKF – That is in Part two of the article being posted tomorrow.
Great article.
These are things often overlooked by a major segment of the survivalist movement.
I can attest to Max’s knowledge and skill, having attended about a dozen classes with him on various subjects. Very highly recommended instructor.
Excellent write up Max! Also, I like your kit. Swap out the name tape on the JPC, change that belt for a blast belt, and you have my rig. Tried, true, and simple.
I totally agree with your notes on fitness, especially with its relation to kit. So many “”geardo” types think a stockpile of kit will save them. No. The physical fitness to move and survive is primary, and the MENTAL toughness you must develop to get yourself there physically, are what will get you there. Kit is the force multiplier. Sadly we get all tied up in it, I guess as part of our technology consumer culture. Spend less money on gear people, and more time hiking, doing core work, push ups and pull ups. That’s it. No fancy gym required. In the event of a major collapse, the physically and mentally (and spiritually of course) fit, with a few minimal essentials and cheaper gear, will be the ones taking fancy kit off of the bodies of overweight TV show preppers, or bartering to protect those people in exchange for some of that uber fancy gear.
I agree that physical conditioning is a must and a great shortfall of many. On Patrol I think the area of ops is going to be fairly small in SHTF and stealth and speed with a non armor kit is more viable, something like the old LBE.
In SHTF plates will not always be worn during day to day ops. Most of the time you will spend procuring, growing and building sustenance rather than combat ops.
Ceramic plates break and are required to be x-rayed for cracks which most don’t have the ability to do.
The hybrids are sending out mixed signals on readiness requirements so I’m wary of that.
No One I repeat NO ONE is resupplying me if my plate gets hit so steel it is because once a ceramic or hybrid is hit it’s done. I don’t have unlimited resources to buy a stack of plates.
“you are less likely to need plates if you are using prepared fighting positions” I disagree. If SHTF and you are being attacked ESPECIALLY in a position where your movement is very limited that is the time to wear your plates. You will come in very close contact and I assure you when you were there in theatre and the FOB was attacked you didn’t run to your position without your armor kit.
Load weight will vary greatly especially with “preppers” as it has the widest possible ranges of ages, physical conditions and limitations.
How come you didn’t list your American Civil Affairs National Guard service? Those are used to control the civilian population in conjunction with law enforcement and local military units after SHTF in their section of the world. What was your CONUS mission in the event it happened here?
We know that our fuel supply will be limited very quickly so we have decided on cache methods for resupply in the operational zone we have laid out post SHTF in case vehicles can’t be used to get to us. One of our folks is working on horses too and trying to learn the old ways of sustaining them.
Good primer article to make everyone think about how it might happen for their particular area and needs.
Suggested reading for you all:
A Soldiers Load: The Mobility of a Nation.
Excellent article and as stated physical fitness is key in what you can reasonably carry and if necessary fight with so pare that kit down because “two is one and one is none” is great back at the homestead but not on your back.
As for plates well after spending three days at MVT taking a CQBC (Close Quarters Battle Course) using UTM rounds I can attest that you will soon realize that to survive in that situation in real life plates are not an option but a necessity.
There is a reason why the military draft applies to males between the age of 18-27. The modern soldier needs to carry a heavy high tech gear load. They require a massive support and resupply effort. Also in the modern military if a soldier is injured they get much better care than in historical military situations and this kind of support will not exist post SHTF.
But for preppers we should probably look to glean the best that the modern military has but look to more sustainable ideas from history. Indians on the warpath or the hunt didn’t carry 55+ lbs of gear. Robert’s rangers didn’t carry 55+ lbs of gear.
There may be a better way. Something that uses modern and high tech equipment and ideas but also uses smart low tech equipment and ideas. Something more sustainable, not requiring massive support and resupply and lighter and more practical. Not something “perfect”. There is no “perfect”. But the best compromises possible considering the realities.
I’ve not attended a Max-Tac event, but thoroughly enjoy his insight, and much of his content.
He’s a great add to S.B.
I’d hope to see more content in the future, directed to readership that may not be as experienced with the Ranger Handbook.
Cheers all.
I’ve been to two of Max’s courses and I can say that the training is top notch and essential to everyone in the preparedness community. Max is the best at what he does. No matter what you believe your level of combat training is, you will learn a lot at his courses. Read all you want about shooting, moving, and communicating but until you actually practice and apply it in a dynamic 3D environment, you aren’t really learning how to shoot, move, and communicate. I’ll also beat the physical conditioning drum. You need to work on your PT. Even a 35lb load is going to be heavy if you aren’t accustomed to moving with that weight. So get in shape. I wanted to mention that you don’t have to be a triathlete to attend one of Max’s classes but you do need to do some PT. So stop making excuses and train.
If you run already…it is fairly easy to work into running with a 30 lb pack and a great way to test gear. I have run with the camelbak half backpack/hydration pack with 30lbs weight for several years and as long as I tie the zippers closed it has held up fine with no split seams or overt signs of wear. I usually to 2-3 miles 2-3 times a week at a 11 min mile jog. It does take a bit of time to get your ankles and tendons accustomed to it but once you do it is no big sweat. Took longer for me at age 43 to work up to 5 mile jogs no weight than to change a 2-3 mile jog into a 2-3 mile jog with 30lbs. The body can do amazing things..just ease into it if you are older and gtg.
Interesting article and those of us w/out military training and experience sure appreciate the tips. I was wondering if there is any validity to the notion that steel plates create a hazard by deflecting the bullet fragments up or down the plate in line with the wearers body. Looking forward to the rest of the article. Thanks
JW Most quality steel plates have anti spalling coating, along with the carrier, that will protect you from a lot of the fragmentation however you still need to consider wearing either ballistic eye protection or if you wear glasses make sure they are made of a quality material that won’t shatter on impact. We don’t wear those sunglasses just to look cool.
Getting peppered by some of the spalling over taking a round in the chest is a mere nuisance over death.