The Waco Kid

General note on original molle issued gear and collecting. Build quality: Mostly well constructed as with US issues kit. More than adequate for pew pew larping. Bare in mind it was made to a budget, sometimes in a prison sew shop, rather than skilled Vietnamese children. There is a variation in materials and sewing quality. Pouch dimensions can be a bit off so you will have, mag pouches typically, that are very snug. Packs often have a lot of loose threads inside. If you was with them do so with care. Pals grids commonly contain a section that is not square or misaligned. These can some times be overcome by using MALICE clips or similar attachments. Age: Original stuff still comes onto the market seemingly mint. On worn items the Velcro and elastic can have lost much of it’s strength. Colour: Woodland can be difficult to get everything new as people still actively use it and are less likely to sell it on. Still very popular in the US. Tri-colour desert items often turn up unused. Probably because stock were not immediately rolled out and then UCP came out. UCP, don’t over look it. Lots of it out there still in the packaging. It can be dyed, especially the nylon. UCP DELTA. Good luck finding genuine items in this pattern. It’s like the A-team, “…if you can find them…”. Expect to sell a kidney. Coyote Brown maybe heavily stained with someone else’s crayon juice. But parts are still on issue as the Corps doesn’t like to get rid of anything. When did they get rid of the pup tent? OCP/skorpion is still current issue across several services so finding it is not a problem. With the complete system in inventory.

There is also that really generous Nigerian guy. Always emails my Mum right back.

There’s warranties for airsoft now? 😮

I always like an eloquent summary. HMRC accept anonymous reports.

Eh? But isn’t 9.55 inches enough? 😭

I didn’t realise MW had stopped stocking meals in store. I do pick up packs in the high street if there is a sale ie. Every other week at Millets. Much prefer the wet meals over freeze dried so they can be eaten cold. But I usually have some of the latter in the tactical bumbag as they are so light. I’ve heard Firemaple do a decent Jetboil clone but haven’t tried them as I have the original and a zip. I usually have Firedragon blocks on me as they are pretty stable. And they make a nice aperitif to crayons if doing milsim! I forgot it’s a picture thread so….

It is literally a loadout…. 😝 I do tend to carry a full belt kit for skirmishes, so scran and a couple of canteens are habit. I do buy bits and bobs from evaq8/adventurefood/ukpreppershop etc but mostly of it is “from a mate”. I quiet like some of the French rations. It’s just their beer that is too frothy! Never delved into the Eastern European stuff apart from the odd entree. Half a rat pack is good for a day at work or an overnight camping trip if you are just bimbling along. A long spoon is a useful accessory. 😀

The stuff that is marked best before June2022 seems to be fine. I mean the kids didn’t notice.

MOLLE II, pack, patrol Not including the similar later Assault pack there are at least three version of the "Pogie Bait" pack knocking around. Initial production style pack. The design takes inspiration from the IIFS/CFP-90 lid of the previous system. Layout and construction is very similar but the shape has been changed to look more like the Lowe three day Adventure pack (what Eagle copied for the 3 day assault pack) and reduced in size a little. I only have (so far) the later model but the differences summarize as: Experimental. Soft back; ITW hardware; funky woodland pattern. Original production. Soft back; National Moldings hardware; woodland & desert tri-color. Later production. Plastic frame sheet; ITW hardware; woodland, desert tri-color, UCP, OCP. *Hardware might change by run date and contractor. Zips are always YKK though. Someone tried to tell me they did them ABU Tiggercam. Can't find a reference though, perhaps aftermarket. Common features across the versions are: 1500cu (24.5L) volume. Double action zipped main compartment with fittings to install SINGARS radio pouch. Slot for back pad plus frame sheet and jump lines on later model "jumpable pack". Padded narrow shoulder straps with sternum strap, top attachment point is adjustable for width. Drag handle. ID window thing. External buckled pocket with drawcord (claymore or promask pouch) with press stud to fit bandolier. Velcro slot pocket in external pouch (either for weapon cleaning kit or mask filters). Drain grommets on both compartments, sometimes with internal cover. Female buckle to mate to main pack. Late model uses the top ones to have webbing lashing loops. Bottom tabs to fit MOLLE waist pack or lash items too. Narrow strip of pals above the ouside pocket. Small pals grids on the sides, a little bit more on the later packs. Comms/Hydration Pierson the later style. Side pals grid on jumpable pack. Canteen covers and waist pack fitted to use as a 3 day type pack. Side by side to Medium ALICE to give an idea of capacity. Venture surplus takes a look at the patrol pack, ‘Merica! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=epLs_rNO3ZU Added for quality of beard and accent.

Cheers, how could I forget the Jarheaded hero's and champions all things brown? Gunny Highway is very disappointed! CLUSTERFUCK

“These are my is biscuits, there are many like them but these ones are mine.” - Pvt. Gotten Pyles.

MOLLE 2 Tactical Assault Panel AKA the TAP or chest rig This is a 3 rows by 18 columns of pals flat panel with internal 5.56 magazine slots secured with Velcro tabs. There is an additional short row of of pals above the center magazine slots. There are three rear pockets, two Velcro closing & one zippered. There are attachment points for a selection of hardware & straps that allow for several methods of wear. Available in UCP & OCP patterns. The TAP was designed to allow the quick release function on issued ballistic vests to work if the TAP was worn correctly fitted to the vest. The FLC stops the quick ditch feature from working if worn over the top as it predates most issued armor designed with that function. Like wise the RACK, Ranger Assault Carry Kit and Marines Recon Assault Carry Kit, were not designed with an integrated quick ditch mechanism in mind and the TAP updates this. Hardware was included with the TAP to work as a stand alone chest rig as well. FSBE AAV/CIRAS/RAV were under the SPEAR BALCS system (ie. not general issue MOLLE) and pouch attachment was designed to not block separation of the panels.

The MOLLE bandolier “It may not be the tactical gear you want. But it’s tactical gear you deserve.” The molle bandolier is a complete air soft rig. Nothing else needed. Each pocket can hold two M16 mags, a radio or smoke grenade. Job done. Each pocket has a top flap secured by a press stud. These are not fully closed so thin items like mk5’s can fall out. The shoulder strap adjusts but is sewn in. The press studs are used to install the bandolier in the claymore pouch on molle patrol and assault packs. There are two loops at the bottom edge so you can add a waist belt of bungie and have a compact hip/chest rig. The USMC are speshul and have a uniqueewee version. This has pals on the back to add crayon storage options. As it’s a grid you can add anything using MALICE clips. You could even sandwich two back to back as a grab bag. Yes, the USMC does have one piece of kit that’s better than the Army’s version. 😍😍😍

Surely not! Who would do such thing? The magic phrase BLM entered the chat early. 😂

MOLLE II WAIST PACK The MOLLE take on the field training/buttpack. It’s a departure from the previous style that hadn’t changed much from the M1956 model. *NB there is a “molle” traditionally styled butt pack. It’s basically the same as the IIFS model and doesn’t use PALS specific attachments. The molle waist pack is a simple tube with a double action zip on the outside (with covering flap), two short pals attachment points and wrap around compression straps. Horizontal Zip opening Pals fittings and sleeve with stowed away waist belt. Capacity is a bit less than the older packs. I can just about jam a poncho liner in this. The shape and fastening also means the volume is less versatile in what can be stowed. The compression straps are really the only means to add kit on the outside, unlike older styles. Waist belt extended The waist belt does turn it into a useful standalone bag and it can quickly be fitted to the Molle II patrol and assault packs. It’s low height means it will slit well on the lower back of the FLC and not push up a small pack worn above it. This seems to be the intended design purpose. It was produced in the standard array of camo patterns: Woodland,;Desert Tri-Color; UCP & OCP.

And then hand it to the local Alcoholic. I am free a couple of weekdays.

Pouch canteen carrier utility An excellent bit of kit. This pouch occupies the columns by two rows of pals webbing. With the top flap tucked away it will hold a 1 quart canteen, cup, stove stand with room for after maker lid if you don’t want to use foil. With the top flap in place this pouch will hold five Issue M16 magazines. It also has a draw cord to cinch the top in to secure single items. Earlier versions of US Canteen covers were used as magazine carriers so this is a logical development. Kip mat foam can be used to line it as an NOD case and several forms made padded liners for that purpose. The two external pockets are velcro fastened and are big enough to hold a small dressing, folded spork or drink satchets. The AITES system was included an upgraded version with an extract outside pocket and is lined for a bit more protection.

Operation Just ‘Cos 1992 In 1992 a cartel of confectionary smugglers seized control of a small island off the south coast of England. To restore order and ensure American tourists were not over charged for Mr Whippies the US Army’s 99th infantry division “the Twinkie eaters” were deployed by passenger ferry from Lymington. When the Pentagon realised they had mistakenly reacted to a screen play by Anthony Minghella a truce was negotiated. The cartel would supply 4000 Fab’s in exchange for temporary custody of Heather Locklear.

Bayonet charges conducted. I was happy.

Needs a Hello Kitty Sticker……. 😘

I find it interesting that the compromise in mobility is mirrored between the infantryman and armour. The latter having become steadily heavier with extra add ons, do dada's and "stuff". The new Abrams (maybe the X) is looking to be lighter, they can save a few tons just on wiring. The M10 Booker "not a light tank" but it is really. Firepower is good but it needs to be able to get there! Start renovating those CVRT's boys!

Pouch, 100 round / 100 round utility 2 pals columns but actually 3x3 space wise. These are two distinct names but functionally the same. A nylon box with reinforced sides, much like an ALICE mag pouch. The lid fully enclosed the top and is secured with a side release buckle, drain grommet in the base. The utility pouch comes in USMC coyote Brown. A solid general purpose pouch that will fit an IFAK. They were issued in pairs as part of the SAW gunner setup along with two 200 round pouches. 200 round saw gunner pouch A bigger brother to the above pouch that will hold a 200 M249 drum. There are a couple of NSN’s for these as well. 4x4 pals. These make a good addition to a pack as they are just a little smaller than a sustainment pouch. They will hold 6xUSGI M16 magazines or a 100-150 rounds of 7.62 link. Venture surplus likes his saw pouches (the FLC).