Deployment Gear:
MTT-Issue 3-point sling vs. Spec Ops Brand Wolf Hook & Lonestar Rig
So, you've been selected as part of a MTT team; now what?!
For the next 2-3 months, you will go through various trainings, which by now, most of you are very well versed. But there are some other things that are pretty nice to know. For instance, the burning question among many incoming Transition Team advisors is very simple -
"What am I going to get issued?"
We won't go line-by-line listing issue items because quite frankly, that is too similar to some of the "Death by Power Point®" classes that you will be enduring soon enough.
The bottom line is that there are a few issue items that are most commonly replaced by the team members once they receive their gear because the issue item is not conducive to efficiency or effectiveness once you've taken your trip across the pond.
We'll explore these items, as well as some user-friendly alternatives over the next few weeks.
The first item that we're going to look at is the M4 sling.
The sling that you will be issued is a standard 3-point strapped infantry sling. It's great if a 3-point sling is all you've ever used, it might even make you feel nostalgic. But for those of you who prefer something that doesn't give off the claustrophobic vibe, there are some better options out there. The reason I am going to tell you about these items is because they will maximize efficiency on the battlefield, and hopefully keep you a little more safe & comfortable in the process.
There are some die hard old-schoolers who purchase the trusty D-Ring, which is great, only as the cycles of OIF and OEF have progressed, so too have the tactical gear manufacturers. Spec-Ops® Brand manufactures the Combat Weapon Sling Wolf Hook that uses the same concept as the D-Ring, but with a couple of big differences. The first difference is weight. When you are in full battle rattle, carrying your weapons, Camel-Bak®, rucksack, and whatever other necessities find their way onto your body, the weight you're carrying can easily be over 100 pounds. The second difference is ease of removal. Once you're back inside the wire, one quick-release buckle is all that stands between you and being free from the weapons system.
A lot of people say, "The Wolf Hook is great outside the wire, but what about when we're back in garrison?"
My response to that question is a solution that is also manufactured by Spec Ops® Brand; it's called the Lonestar Rig. This is a single-point bandolier style sling with bungee straps to absorb the shock of the weight of the weapon system on your neck and shoulders. The greatest thing about this particular sling is that it can be used in combination with the Wolf Hook.
What I mean by that is, when you come back from being outside the wire, you release the weapon system from your IBA using the quick-release buckle on the Wolf Hook. Then you plug the male end of the Wolf Hook into the female end of the Lonestar Rig. There is no need to remove any of the strapping from the weapon system itself. And as you all know, when you're hot, tired and hungry, the last thing you want to do is mess around with more straps.
We carry a full line of Spec Ops® Brand products, including the Wolf Hook and Lonestar Rig, which come in black and foliage green. As of the date of this publication, the Wolf Hook will run you around $17.00, and the Lonestar Rig about $45.00. If that seems high, bear these two things in mind. First, Spec Ops®® Brand Products carry a lifetime warranty, so you'll pay a little more, but you'll only pay for it once. Secondly, if you are a MTT, ETT, or any other sort of Transition Team member, you are eligible for a special discount if you shop at our store in Ogden, Kansas. It's an easy walk once you move from Custer Hill to Camp Funston, we're just outside the Ogden Gate, first store on the left hand side.
Often times there are specials running at our kiosks at the Fort Riley PX and the Fort Carson PX, and if you're not near any of those locations, check out our website at www.PatriotOutfitters.com. We have great prices, a huge selection, and the greatest part of all is that we can cost effectively ship packages via USPS to APOs & FPOs. Give us a call for a quote on international shipping!!
Check out the next installment where I'll compare the MTT-issue drop-leg holster to some of the most efficient options available!!
Until then,
Snyperwyfe - out here.
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