Military Tactical Gear Requirements

 

Operation Enduring Freedom is bringing in the MultiCam – while it isn’t completely fielded yet, the military anticipates having all OEF troops outfitted in MultiCam by mid-2011.

 

Required tactical gear doesn’t stop with MultiCam uniforms.  It includes tactical eyewear, tactical boots and tactical gloves, and Patriot Outfitters has the latest list of required tactical gear for deployed troops.

 

Basic Tactical Gear

 

Troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and other combat areas are required to use a set of basic tactical gear each time they roll outside the wire.  In addition to your full uniform, a ballistic helmet and body armor is required – but there’s a lot more to a complete set of tactical gear than military-issue basics.

 

Some tactical gear is based on personal preference – but it still has to meet the minimum military standards.

 

Tactical Gear: Tactical Eyewear

 

Tactical eyewear is mandatory and must be on the Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL).  Oakley Ballistic M-Frames and WileyX Sunglasses/Goggles are military-approved and protect your eyes from dust, debris and projectiles.

 

Tactical Gear: Tactical Boots

 

Currently, the only tactical boots authorized for wear are those 8” or taller.  Altama Hoplite tactical boots and the Converse Stealth are some of the most popular (and comfortable) tactical boots available that meet military standards.

 

Tactical Gear: Tactical Gloves

 

Tactical gloves are required to be made with Nomex, according to the Army Combat Glove Approved Products List (ACGAPL).  The tactical gloves the military issues have a little padding on the knuckles, but most troops opt for hard-knuckle protection of the Blackhawk S.O.L.A.G. HD or the long-lasting durability of the WileyX Orion tactical glove.

 

Tactical Gear: Hydration Systems

 

Some deployed units require hydration systems.  To cut down on combat load, troops serving in OIF and OEF are combining assault packs with hydration systems, like the Blackhawk STRIKE Cyclone and CamelBak’s TriZip.

 

More Tactical Gear Options

 

A lot of tactical gear is optional, but common sense dictates that you just don’t leave the wire without enough tactical gear for your mission. 

 

Tactical Gear: Slings

 

A tactical sling can work wonders for your arms on long foot patrols – a lot of OEF troops are choosing to replace their military-issue sling with a COBRA one-point bungee sling with quick-release or, if they’re lugging a SAW, a 3-point Blackhawk Swift sling.

 

Tactical Gear: Watches

 

A complete set of tactical gear isn’t complete without a watch.  Sometimes it’s nice to know just how hot and how high you are.  The Casio Pathfinder displays temperature and altitude (and it tells time, too), and it’s water-resistant in case you forget to take it off when you have time for a shower.  A simpler alternative is the Smith and Wesson Military Watch – it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, but it tells 24-hour time and it’s also water-resistant.

 

Tactical Gear: The Best of the Best

 

Patriot Outfitters supplies the world’s finest military service members with tactical flashlights, sound protection (a must-have piece of tactical gear), deployment bags and every other kind of tactical gear a deployed Soldier, Airman, Sailor or Marine needs.