hello all, sort of new here but there seems to be a wealth of knowledge and i need to tap into that for a minute. To all that have ideas: could you recommend gear to a soon to be soldier that i may use in the field that the military doesnt provide? anything that you have found helpful? i want the best of the best since my life will depend on my gear, i have already purchased a small surefire flash light, leatherman multi tool, beanchmade folding knife, surefire weapon light and good socks. thanks for the ideas.
Headlamp with a red lens
http://www.skdtac.com/Petzl_TACTIKKA_XP_Headlamp_p/pzl.304.htm
Depends on what your MOS is. Can you be a bit more specific?
USAF Security Forces
Good quality duty belt and holster. I take it that your sidearm will be a Beretta m9?
I am assuming that it will be, from what ive been told they issue safariland 6004 thigh holsters.
You going to be an actual Airman not a Contractor right? I wonder if your unit would care if you used a different holster. Also get some good soles for your boots, look into super feet soles (the green ones).
yes an actual airman. im just waiting for someone to say a good lawn chair with a cooler lol. i was thinking about buying my own boots, specifically the danner USAF acadia if they are allowed
You’re an Airman, or will be. My recommendation is a fisher space pen (cap-o-matic model for matte finish). I’m not kidding, you’ll need a pen that works all the time, and one that is cheap enough to replace when your so-called battle buddy “acquires” [steals] it. You may opt for a couple of aftermarket pouches for specific uses, but you’ll have to use issued gear in many cases, so hold off on any of that. When you finally get issued your own M4, buy a sharpie paint pen and witness mark all the settings and screw placements. Invest in a carbine course if you have access to a carbine; proper rifle-fighting techniques are not taught by most combat arms shops. PM me if you ever need specific info on career-field stuff. I’m heading to 7-level school in a couple of weeks.
i currently own 2 ar’s, work armed security and have a 2 year LE degree so weapon familurization is not a problem. I’m not sure what 7-level school is though
Danners are nice, I wear the Danner USMC boots when I’m out and about on my friends farm. Smartwool socks are a nice addition to good soles in boots. Yes a good pen will be a nice plus, you can buy the Fisher Space pen at most PXs or Commissaries. Buy yourself a good cleaning kit for 9mm and 5.56 if they don’t issue you an otis cleaning kit, buy an otis cleaning kit. And also a good sling if you have to carry your M4 on duty.
danners are awesome, i wear them now (and have for the last 5 years) and love them. I was going to wait until after basic to order an otis kit and i have a vickers 2-point sling i was going to have mailed to me after basic
Sounds like your off to a good start 
Have fun at Basic.
thanks, I’m really looking forward to it
Dont expect to use much of your own gear. As of now the only approved and issued holster that i know of for your issue M9 is the safariland 6004. As for boots, yes, the danners are one of the best out there right now. The Danner TFX desert boots are good to go, buy the Gortex model or be prepared to waterproof your boots fairly often.
Again, your own personal gear will more than likely not be authorized unless you can get the go ahead from your leadership. Be prepared, depending on your first duty station to either wear some decent gear, or some plain old garbage. There are a few places still issuing out black duty belts, but for the most part, i believe they have started to issue the DFLCS for home station and deployment use. When you get to where youre going find out what gear youll be issued and go from there. Keep in mind what they dont know wont hurt them. If the gear you buy is similar, works better and is something youre willing to stake your life on, then use it.
DO NOT put your new Vickers 2 point sling on your issue M4 for home station use. The first time you go to turn it in, it will disappear. Most gear left on your issued weapon that is not government issue, will go bye bye quickly.
good luck to you.
DO NOT put your new Vickers 2 point sling on your issue M4 for home station use. The first time you go to turn it in, it will disappear. Most gear left on your issued weapon that is not government issue, will go bye bye quickly.
good luck to you.[/QUOTE]
that is what ive heard, if you want to keep the personal gear you put on your weapon, take it off before you turn it in for the day. does anyone know if the danner boots are approved for USAF uniform wear?
It’s really dependent on your Command on what gear you can use. Guys in my platoon were using different holsers and slings in Iraq. I wore Converse boots when I was in Iraq but of course when BN Higher ups came by our FOB, I put back on my Bates…Your right though, I took off my Tangodown vfg when I turned my weapon back into the armory cause I know the armorers would yank that thing off and keep it in a heartbeat. I would lay low until you were in your unit for awhile before you used your own gear, lord knows no body wants to be “that guy”.
yeah i dont want to be “that guy” on base. im just talking about gear you’ve found helpful on deployments
Haz do you think you’ll be more likely to be CONUS or Overseas in your MOS?
not sure, both are on my “wish list”