The Whistle

[Merc82nd]

Just wondering how many people use this age old piece of kit and what they use it for.

It has been on almost every single packing list I've ever seen, yet rarely adhered to. I've used it appx. four times primarily for shift/lift fire commands for the SBF.

I think its a good backup to your backup commo plan, but I never see other people wear or use it/ know why people use it (of course why if your comms works right?).

Really I'm interested if any of you "old salts" ever used it and your takes on carrying it on your kit.

[Finger]

Besides a piece of military gear, we used to recomend it for civilians for search and rescue reasons, when they got lost. A whistle will last longer and is easier to hear at distance than your voice.

[Merc82nd]

when they got lost. A whistle will last longer and is easier to hear at distance than your voice.

Thats why I have it on my scuba and hiking kits, as my dumbass learned that lesson the hard way. :(

[SIG 229]

Besides a piece of military gear, we used to recomend it for civilians for search and rescue reasons, when they got lost. A whistle will last longer and is easier to hear at distance than your voice.

+1 on that recommendation. My kids have loud ass whistles in their day packs. It's an important tool for a broad variety of situations.

[NMStater]

Besides a piece of military gear, we used to recomend it for civilians for search and rescue reasons, when they got lost. A whistle will last longer and is easier to hear at distance than your voice.

They work well to end those domestics, crashes, whatever when everyone is screaming and yelling at each other. Gets their attention real quick. :p

[0699]

I keep one of the "pea-less" models on my PFD for kayaking, as nothing carrys better across open water, but I don't have one in my deployment bag.

[Greenhat]

Just wondering how many people use this age old piece of kit and what they use it for.

It has been on almost every single packing list I've ever seen, yet rarely adhered to. I've used it appx. four times primarily for shift/lift fire commands for the SBF.

I think its a good backup to your backup commo plan, but I never see other people wear or use it/ know why people use it (of course why if your comms works right?).

Really I'm interested if any of you "old salts" ever used it and your takes on carrying it on your kit.

Used it. Often now that I think back. For various commands when firing (shift fire, cease fire, assault the objective, etc.) it works better than just about anything, including radios. Have one packed in my gear.

[snaquebite]

No survival kit should be without one IMHO.

[Typhoon]

For outdoor use when I fish in the surf and for coaching I always carry a Fox 40, which is a pealess model that is extremely loud. I've had it for years and it has held up very well...

[eltrane]

I have an Acme Thunderer, from my youth LAX ref days. I got one for my 11 year old Scout's survival kit. I need to check out the Fox 40.

[FinsUp]

I keep one on a clip on my right epaulet. I don't have a siren on my bike. Works well to get folks attention. That and a smack of the hand..... on the trunk lid.:D

[TPD1280]

They are indispensible when working traffic control.

You are whistling, "MOVE THE CAR YOU FUCKING IGNORAMUS!"

and all they hear is "TWEET".

[Virgil Tibbs]

I always have a cheesy whistle/thermometer/compass on my kit just in case it's just me and my gear. As a team leader on jobs I train guys to listen for it as a rally point in a fire fight if needed.