New Kit

[garett]

I've noticed in a lot of the pictures from UNMEE that the troops are wearing CamelBaks with the desert pattern. Does anyone know if these are issue? I though I heard that the new kit being issued if supposed to include a hydration system. A guy I know in 2 RCR told me that hes been issued the new rucksack and load bearing vest. Can't be too much longer for LFAA if they're starting to issue new kit in Gagetown. We're supposed to get fitted for the new boots ASAP. I heard that we're supposed to get issued them in April. Of course this could just be RUMIT. My Coy got the new jackets and pants in Nov 99 just two weeks after the CFB Gagetown issue so I'm crossing my fingers. Just for the record
1 RNBR has been issued from tease the soldier:
Cold Wet Weather Glove
Improved Environmental Clothing System (complete)
Drawers Temperate Underwear (5 pairs)
Lightweight Thermal Underwear (2 sets)
Soldiers Multi-tool

[FNG]

We got the same kit a year after you guys.

Wonder what they're going to do with all these OD green gortex once the CADPAT versions come out... or for that matter... ARE they going to make CADPAT versions?

[garett]

The word on the sreet is that were keeping the OD Green gore-tex because OD Green is better then CADPAT when there is no vegetation around for example in the cold when the gore-tex jackets are needed. Thats just RUMIT. I think that we should have CADPAT jackets and I think in the end thats whats going to happen. It'll look way to dumb if we don't.

[FNG]

I don't mind the parka and bib being OD green, or the fleece (ha, I'd like to see them try to make a CADPAT fleece); but I think that the gortex cbt. jacket and snow pants should be CADPAT, since they are three seasons clothing.

Anyone know the manufacturer name for the gortex boots? Also, what pattern of sole do they use?

[garett]

The sole is Vibram™. Don't know the manufacturer. They were issuing Prospector made boots for awhile on the Roto's. I guess they're pretty stiff and not good for marching long distances. My friends dad was issued a sweet pair of Matterhorns because his feet hurt or something to that extent. I guess all you gotta do is bitch about your feet hurtin and you get a couple pairs of $200+ boots.

[TonyM]

Ahh, boots. That's a subject as close to the heart of an infanteer as food. Ditch the issue CF (leather)boots at earliest moment. I actually took them in for inspection by an orthapedic surgeon. He gave me a letter stating that I shouldn't wear them. Just went over to the new USMC boot from magnums. The Mo won't pay for them, but if you're reg they might.

[FNG]

I haven't had too much of a problem with the leather boots yet, at least any ruckmarch under 20k. Running for more than a mile and a half is another story though.

There are certainly much better boots out there, but in preparing for leadership courses, I like to keep all kit issued only.
The one thing that is not issued are the insoles in the boots. I have a pair of custom orthotics made by FootMaxx. Expensive, but very very good.

[Cole]

Hey Tony,
Are you permitted to where non-issued equipment in the reserves, even if you pay for it yourself? I remember a thread we had before when everyone was giving up their trade secrets, I am curious to know if I will be able to use this advice.
Cole

[Reverend B]

Cole,
My rules for wearing of non-issue kit--
hopefully your section commander is somewhat checked out and not an ass-kisser. I allow people in my section to wear whatever they want, as long as it is the Canuck issue trousers and shirt on the outside. Boots have to be black. Anything underneath if showing should be green or black. I'll take the heat for it whenever some dork higher than me doesn't like it. If my troops can sleep better and fight harder with non-standard kit, then I am all for it. Talk to your section commander about it. If he says "no", then tell him to drop me a line, I'll give him a jackin'

[Cree Warrior]

Same in my platoon, anything goes. It usually depends on your OC and CO. If they want you to customize and really trick out your personnal kit, then you have to get your own stuff sooner or later.
As long as its OD, sturdy and you look like a Canadian soldier from 50 feet.

Sua Sponte

[Disturbance]

OD?
-disturbance

[garett]

Olive Drab

[garett]

I got shit on for using non-issue glove liners that I got at Crappy Tire. They were inside my gloves damn it(!!!!)and they were dark green. Thats what you get for having so many ex-Reg (well actually a certain Regiment) guys in your unit. Never Pass A Non-Issued Item

[TonyM]

My plan for implementing non-issue kit goes like this.
1) Ensure you are not one of the unit's shitpumps
2) Less is more. Add things slowly over a period of time. Don't show up one day wearing full German flectarn uniform and webbing, for example.
3) It has to be applicable to your job. For instance, I use a brit utility pouches to replace the butt pack. They don't bounce, carry the same, easier to get into, fit NVG's and the issue PLGR unit.
4) Try to stay out of sight from people you know are opposed to non-issue kit.
5) If none of this is working, check #1 again.

Garret-
If things are that anal in your unit, I suggest a transfer. Commanders that are obsessed with the smallest things first, generally fuck up the big ones when put to the test. This is the "Rourkes Drift Rule".

[Enfield]

Originally posted by FNG:
I don't mind the parka and bib being OD green, or the fleece (ha, I'd like to see them try to make a CADPAT fleece); but I think that the gortex cbt. jacket and snow pants should be CADPAT, since they are three seasons clothing.


Guess what?? *grin* The Tease the Soldier guys did a presentation after the last ex, and they had all of the new kit laid out. And CADPAT fleece is on the way... god knows why. It looks pretty bad actually. CADPAT T-shirts are being devised, as well as CADPAT boots, and the gauntlet part of the new glove (which is now green) will be CADPAT too. But the goretex pants and jacket are staying green. There's a fleece toque coming out, also in CADPAT.
The new ruck is Huge!!! 80Litres! The patrol pack is 25litres, and looks bigger than our current ruck. LBV looks good, but it doesn't seem to be as adaptible as the webbing. New rain gear looks good too. Roto 9 or 10 is supposed to be fully equipped with all of it, and we Reservists get the new combats in 2002.

Oh, and Garret, a CADPAT Camelbak is coming too - apparently the first troops to field test them was the East Timor mission.


[This message has been edited by Enfield (edited 03-26-2001).]

[Disturbance]

CADPAT = CAnadian Disruptive PATtern?

[FNG]

Disturbance: Yes

Garrett: There is a pic of the new CADPAT camelbak in the newest online edition of the MapleLeaf. Looks like the camelbak 'Stealth' model. 2L, thin profile, made for air crews.

Enfield: I guess they figure the LBV being CADPAT will cover most of the gortex jacket. I still have to laugh at the CADPAT fleece idea though. And boots will be CADPAT? You mean the cordura parts of it or the entire boot?

[TonyM]

I missed the demonstration, but a lot of our guys were heckling and laughing at the "snake oil salesman" , giving him a hard time about comments like "...and when we can get someone to produce these...", etc.

[This message has been edited by TonyM (edited 03-27-2001).]

[Enfield]

Yeah, overall the kit looked good but there were a few problems...
like the LBV is not really that adjustable - only the canteen and C9 pouch are movable. It only holds 4 mags, but on the plus side various pouches from the small pack can be attached to it on the back/sides. It really lacks the flexibility the current webb bet has, but the load bearing is much better.

The CADPAT fleece was completley beyond me - it looked extremely bad. The CADPAT boots are way in the future, and just the cordura parts are camo. Looks ok, I guess, but seems a little over the top.
They also had a one-man shelter tent... I forget the name for it, but the kind that looks like a bivvy bag with a frame at the front. That seemed excessive to me, we almost never use shelters.
New combats looked ok, but it's damn hard to see the rank. And can someone explain to me why we need a half dozen types of gloves??
I can only see about half of that stuff being used regularly by troops.

Yeah, a lot of it is in the "well, this is the prototype but we don't have a contractor yet".

Gotta say that the ruck blew us all away... it's huge!!!

[FNG]

I agree that it's hard to see the rank on the new combats. I had to get to within 3 meters of someone just to see it.

LBV seems to be developing nicely. I like the idea of having mags across the chest. Frees up space for the utility pouches on the bottom of the vest. I guess they'll be removing the canteen pouch if we are in fact going with the camelbak system.

Were the larger detachable rucksack pouches able to fit on the vest as well?

I'm looking forward to the ruck. I had a chance to look at it's development at the load carriage simulation lab at Queen's University. They didn't seem to have loaded it up very much, so it'll be interesting to see how well it will work.

[garett]

All I want is my damn boonie hat.