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UK Loadout Guide - DESERT


morpcat

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Consider this an extension to Gadge's excellent UK Loadout Guide that was posted a while ago. Many of the points he raised still apply here, especially those about keeping your kit neat and tidy - no loose threads, straps hanging off, or creased uniform. I by no means consider this definitive, and I am open to anyone's critcism, suggestions, or corrections.

 

The British Army is currently undergoing huge changes in personal kit as influenced by their extensive operations in the desert. Experiences there have led to improvements in body armour, load-bearing equipment, and also led commanders to give their soldiers more and more flexibility with what privately purchased equipment they can use. In truth, because of the increased flexibity and variety in equipment choices, to get an accurate desert DPM loadout all you need to do is get a set of DPMs, an Osprey, a helmet, L85A2, and then the rest is up to you. Hopefully this guide will explain some of the finer details in the kit. So, from the head down:

 

Headgear

 

In combat, this should be a helmet, and that unfortauntely means wearing a Mk6A helmet, which is an improvement on the standard Mk6 in that it offers about 40% more ballistic protection and has a better suspension system. On TELIC the wearing of para helmets has been banned as they do not provide enough protection, but when 3 Para were on HERRICK in 2006 they wore their para helmets. For the airsofter, the options are either the standard Mk6 or a para helmet. Used Mk6s can be found on several websites and regularly on eBay, para helmets can be purchased new however as they are quite expensive the best option to get one from eBay (usually around £90). Para helmets are much lighter and more comfortable than the Mk6, but if you are doing a specific impression (e.g. 40 cmdo on HERRICK) then a para helmet might not be suitable.

 

Once you have your helmet, put the cover over it, do the drawstring up and tuck this away. To fix the cover on securely, use either green tape (5) or a couple of inches off the top of a CBRN overboot (14). If you use the boot, the elastic in the boot will hold it on securely, but it can also be taped down with non-shiny black electrical tape. When doing this, you can also fit a scrim net tightly over the helmet, and use taped rim to hold it in place (14); if doing this it is a good idea to remove the elastic foliage straps from the helmet. I've seen quite a few helmets using US choc-chip covers instead of desert DPM (14) - I've even seen a Major with a choc-chip helmet cover, SORD utility pouch, and AUSCAM rank tab.

 

Accessories to the helmet include an NVG mount on a retention strap (9), Petzl made head torch, and cats eye band (12). If you have a head torch, you might want to consider the new trend of wearing them on the wrist, so you don't get shot in the head. Commonly found is a keyring or grenade ring on the chinstrap. This is so when the CBRN jacket's hood and respirator is donned, the helmet can still be worn by using the ring as an extension to the chinstrap. This used to be accomplished with a piece of black elastic that could be pulled down when needed, but this doesn't hold the helmet on very well and the elactic can corrode in a CBRN environment. 14 shows a CBRN strap improvised out of a bootlace. Also regularly found on the helmet is a set of ESS Advancer V-12 goggles (3), which are an issue item. These days troops only use the issued ESS goggles and glasses as they provide ballistic protection and because they are issued can claim if there are any failures in protection.

 

Try get hold of a bush or boonie hat in desert DPM, as there are times when you will need shade from the Sun but not the protection or weight of the helmet. Shorter brimmed hats work will in combination with the PRR or Bowman headset 13). Berets are not generally worn in combat, but if you are using one for an impression make sure you shape it properly by wetting it in hot and cold water and then placing it on your head to let it dry in the correct shape.

 

Shirt

 

In the desert it gets hot, but it also gets cold. Having flexibility in clothing is essential, and as such there is a large variety of suitable upper-body wear. Taking a shemagh or neck scarf of some variety is also useful, as it can bring both warmth and shade from the Sun, this can be either an olive and black shemagh or a tan coloured one.

 

Base layers are important, and Helly Hansen tops are very popular in the forces (10). A green t-shirt is standard, but some units will have their own colour t-shirt (for example, Paras often wear maroon, my unit wears black). In hot conditions, it isn't unusual to find someone with nothing but a t-shirt on under their Osprey.

 

A mixture of shirts and combat jackets are worn. Combat jackets (or smocks) are much heavier, and therefore hotter, but they have more pockets. However, with armour on, the pockets of the smock are not accessible, so there is a trend towards wearing shirts instead of smocks; additionally, if wearing a shirt, the sleeves are often rolled up (1), though on TELIC sleeves have to be worn down. Because of the arrival of the Osprey, the new slanted configuration of shirt pockets is more practical, and so troops are issued an underamour shirt with slanted pockets (8). BCB have released an under-armour shirt that can be purchased from Survival Aids and other stores.

 

Armour

 

Previously the standard operational body armour came in the form of ECBA, or Enhanced Combat Body Armour. This is a soft armour flak jacket that has the provision to insert a small ceramic trauma plate over the area of the heart (front and back). These have been around for ages, and were standard issue to troops at the start of the TELIC and HERRICK.

 

The new body armour, Osprey, holds full size ceramic plates front and back, has loops for attaching modular pouches, and can accept neck and shoulder protectors. Pouches specifically designed to fit on the Osprey's webbing can be found at OnPatrol and UKKitMonster, and a new modular assault vest (20) has recently been released that is designed to go over the Osprey and increase load bearing capacity. It is not uncommon to find various items slipped into the loops on the front of the Osprey for storage, such as cyalumes, maglites, and pocket knives (2). These loops have a slightly different width than normal MOLLE, so although it is possible to affix MOLLE pouches, they won't quite line up properly. The Osprey armour cover is available from variour places in 'damaged' condition (though there is one on eBay right now that is new). Flecktarn.co.uk sell Osprey covers for about £40 and have the smaller size available. The damage is typically things like missing buckles and clips, or torn webbing straps.

 

Load Bearing Equipment

 

Every recruit gets issued a set of PLCE webbing in green, and this is the bread and butter of British load bearing. It is a good option in terms of weight distribution and carrying capacity, but has the drawback of being quite bulky at the sides and very difficult to use in a vehicle. Despite being in woodland DPM, webbing is often used in combination with desert DPM, often due to a lack of an alternative (15); as you can see, the webbing is very faded, and blends in well. Desert sets of webbing (16) are available as well (MilitaryKit have some), though these usually need to be bought new, and are quite expensive.

 

Assault vests are an issue item for those heading to hot and sandy places, and have the advantage of keeping all the pouches to the front, so it is much easier to work with vehicles. The issue assault vest is available at StrikeForceSupplies. However the magazine pouches on this vest are slow to access, and it puts a lot of bulk at the front, so it is not particularly popular. Other than the standard issue assault vest many privately-purchased options are seen in use, including MOLLE based vests and chest rigs in CB or tan colour. Some very popular non-MOLLE kit are the Arktis chest rigs and assault vests (11). In addition to chest rigs and assault vests, other third-party additions include MOLLE pouches (and those designed for Osprey) attached directly to the Osprey body armour. 4 shows a vest, Osprey pouches, MOLLE mag pouches, and drop leg rigs.

 

There is a newly-made modular assault vest by CQC called the Load Carrying Tactical Vest (20), that is in use by some of the more recently deployed units (6). Though I've never tried it and therefore can't vouch for the quality, it does seem to offer the most flexibility in terms of pouch configuration, and is designed to be worn comfortably over Osprey body armour. Probably only available from eBay for while.

 

Also issued these days is a desert DPM Camelback (for obvious reasons), and the newer load-bearing kit features fastex clips to attach the Camelback directly. The Camelback also comes with shoulder straps so it can be worn without being clipped on. The Camelback holds a respectable 3 litres.

 

Additionally, most people on the ground now have a PRR and headset (18), this is usually placed in a pouch fitted to the Osprey in either the centre (placed horizontally) or top-left corner (placed vertically). PRRs are restricted items and as such you shouldn't be able to get hold of one. Even if you do, they don't work on a legal frequency, so there's not much point. Cavalvy make a good match for the Bowman and PRR headset, which will work with Motorola, Kenwood, and Icom radios.

 

Another point to note are that British 'fighting order' kit includes a daysack of some kind, usually an NI 30 litre patrol pack, Berghaus Munro, or if you're short of options just a rocket pouch from the bergen. Most soldiers will carry one when on a patrol of any length (13). If you go one step up to marching order, the daysack will be packed onto or into the bergen, and by then you should be carrying all you need. Desert DPM covers for bergens are available (but not often used) as the sand gets everywhere (3).

 

Trousers

 

These just need to standard desert DPM trousers, nothing special here. They are typically bloused low over the boots, this means folding them over just above your ankle. Tucking them in is a no-go, and blousing at the top is rather American-looking. Many people use elastic trouser-twists to help with the blousing, but this is a practice best reserved for when in barracks; they keep the uniform presentable, but if used while doing any physical activity, they will ride up onto your legs and begin to constrict circulation. Use the ties at the bottom of the trousers if you are doing anything physical.

 

Boots

 

Due to convenience, the issued desert boots are abound, these are Meindl Desert Fox boots. There are many other privately-purchased boots available and in use. This is all down to personal choice, as it's down to what you are most comfortable in. My personal favourite are Converse Warriors, they are supremely comfortable, well ventilated, and the zip closure is very practical.

 

Gloves and Kneepads

 

Desert DPM gloves (14) and kneepads (6) are now issued, but many privately purchased options are used, such as the Oakley SI Assault Gloves (6) and ever-popular Nomex flight gloves. It should be noted that although the Oakley SI gloves may look the part, they aren't a well made as or as functional as Blackhawk SOLAGs and Hatch Operator gloves - at the end of the day, soldiers can use the issued gloves or what they feel most comfortable in. The issued kneepads do not have any hard plastic in them, they are only a foam pad, however the foam is quite tough and the pads do work very well. The only gripe I have had with the kneepads is that the straps are a little too thin. Other kneepads are in wide use, including Blackhawk V.2s and Hatch KP250s (4).

 

 

Example Loadouts

 

One of the good points about doing a British loadout is that you can get a fairly accurate on almost any budget, and there are hundreds of combinations of bits of kit that can be used. To illustrate this point, I've prepared three loadouts on three different budgets:

Low-Budget "Rifleman"
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Desert DPM S2000 Shirt         - StrikeForceSupplies     - £  10
Desert Assault Vest            - StrikeForceSupplies     - £  60
Desert DPM Trousers (used)     - Flecktarn               - £  15
Desert DPM Short Brim Hat      - Survival Aids           - £  10

Magnum Desert Boots (used)     - Flecktarn               - £  35

ESS ICE 2.4 Glasses            - Airsoft Armoury         - £  40

Army L85A1                     - Airsoft World           - £ 115
Box of 8 MAG Midcaps           - Airsoft World           - £  50
----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           £ 335


Mid-Budget "Support"
----------------------------------------------------------------
BCB Underarmour Combat Shirt   - SurvivalAids            - £  40
Desert DPM Trousers            - Flecktarn               - £  20

Nomex Flight Gloves            - OnPatrol                - £  20
Magnum Desert Boots (used)     - Flecktarn               - £  35
DPM Kneepads                   - Flecktarn               - £   9
Osprey Body Armour             - Flecktarn               - £  40
Replica SAPI Plates            - OnPatrol                - £  20
Mk.6 Helmet                    - eBay*                   - £  70

2 Osprey Smoke Pouches         - OnPatrol                - £  38
3 Osprey CQB Mag Pouches       - OnPatrol                - £  38

ESS Advancer V-12 Goggles      - StrikeForceSupplies     - £  30

Star M249 Para Version         - RedWolf                 - £ 342
3 Star Midcaps                 - RedWolf                 - £  34
4200 mAh 8.4V Battery          - RedWold                 - £  34
-----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           £ 770


High-Budget "Grenadier"
----------------------------------------------------------------
BCB Underarmour Combat Shirt   - SurvivalAids            - £  40
Desert DPM Trousers            - Flecktarn               - £  20
Shemagh                        - Flecktarn               - £   6

Osprey Body Armour             - Flecktarn               - £  40
Replica SAPI Plates            - OnPatrol                - £  20
Hatch Operator HK400 Gloves    - UKTactical              - £  35
Converse Warrior Boots         - UKTactical              - £  70
Hatch KP250 Kneepads           - UKTactical              - £  17
Para Helmet                    - eBay*                   - £  90

PLCE Desert Webbing set        - MilitaryKit             - £ 100
PLCE Hip Pad                   - MilitaryKit             - £  20
40mm Grenade Osprey Pouch      - UKKitMonstery           - £  30
Desert DPM Camelback           - UKKitMonster            - £  30

ESS Advancer V-12 Goggles      - StrikeForceSupplies     - £  30
ESS ICE 2.4 Glasses            - Airsoft Armoury         - £  40

Star L85A2                     - RedWolf                 - £ 378
Star SUSAT                     - RedWolf                 - £  84
Star UGL                       - RedWolf                 - £ 170
1700 mAh 8.4V Battery          - RedWolf                 - £  28
8 Star Midcaps                 - RedWolf                 - £  88
4 King Arms 120rd MOSCART      - RedWolf                 - £  64
----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           £1400

*eBay prices are just estimates

 

Reference Pictures

 

You'll notice I've linked to a few reference pictures in the above text, these were not chosen for any particular reason other than they demonstrated the points I was trying to make. Below are 20 images that I may or may not have used in the above guide, and a brief list of the main points to note about their kit.

 

[Pic 1] Chest rig with fastex buckles and sand/wind/dust goggles.

[Pic 2] Osprey pouches, items slotted in through the webbing loops on the Osprey, and ESS V-12 goggles.

[Pic 3] Bergen covers, assault vests, PLCE webbing, Osprey pouch(es), and new-style handguards.

[Pic 4] Kneedpads, Osprey pouches, PRR, LLM, Minimi, and UGL

[Pic 5] Green tape and NVG mount on the helmet, vest, DPM gloves, and ESS ICE 2.4 glasses

[Pic 6] LCTV, Oakley gloves, and BCB underamour shirt.

[Pic 7] Daysack containing Bowman radio, BCB underamour shirt, and DPM kneepads.

[Pic 8] Scrim net on the helmet, cats eye band, BCB underamour shirt, and L96 painted with scrim pattern.

[Pic 9] NVG mount and brown tape on helmet.

[Pic 10] Helly Hansen top and various colour t-shirts.

[Pic 11] Arktis chest rig, FFD strapped to shoulder on webbing (uncommon).

[Pic 12] Scrim net on helmet, cats eye band, neck scarf, and LLM.

[Pic 13] Short brim hats (tilted forward), PRR headsets, DPM kneepads, privately purchased boots and webbing.

[Pic 14] Black elastic with cats eye band, NVG mount, scrim net, and CBRN strap on helmet; choc-chip helmet cover, DPM gloves.

[Pic 15] PLCE webbing with 40mm grenade bandoleer.

[Pic 16] PLCE webbing in desert patten, cats eye band and black elastic around helmet.

[Pic 17] Boonie hat and beret worn around base, helmet on carabiner and pouches attached to Osprey.

[Pic 18] Assault vest, NVGs, and respirator haversack.

[Pic 19] The correct way to use an ECBA vest.

[Pic 20] New LCTV vest made by CQC.

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Any chance of you and Gadge putting your heads together and combining both threads into one including (for standard DPM) where to put cam cream and why, and possibly for the longer (and milsim) games what ususally would go in the Jet pack daypacks / Bergen's?

 

This may help non froces people or those that aren't UK nationals (most people have at least one friend / relation in somewhere in there circle of family / friends)

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  • 2 weeks later...

Thanks for the comments guys, I'll keep trying to add to this thread as new gear, trends, and rules emerge. When reading up for this I was really impressed with how much the kit has changed in recent years. I know MOD procurement has been going mad thanks to changing demands from ops and pressure from the guys on the ground and from the media, but I hadn't quite fully understood how much change there has been.

 

Mk6 --> Mk6A

ECBA --> Kestrel --> Osprey

PLCE --> Assault Vest --> LCTV (though most inf are using their own equipment anyway)

Section only radios --> PRR

 

Those are just a few examples, don't forget the Camelback, UBACS, Meindl boots, ESS V-12s, new gloves... And it's not just limited to personal kit, there's a great number of good new vehicles going out there too such as Vikings and Mastiffs (GMG f**k yeah!)

 

Good effort, and very well put together there morpcat. I especially like the photo links.

 

I should mention that your 'support' loadout is unlikely to need any midcaps as the Star minimi is purely a boxmag fed AEG.

 

Ah, didn't realise that. I was tempted to put a minimi gunner's vest as the load bearing and a couple of spare boxmags, but that's a lot of rattle to carry around and also would drive the budget up quite high. Oh well, at least the idea is there.

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  • 3 weeks later...

Pass; I'm not that geeky! But the GMG ones were definitely different to the ones that 16 Bde will be deploying with. Most of the time we didn't actually use them with the GMGs. Personally I like the way the Czechs do it with their AGS 17s; no sights at all! Especially considering the sears tend to wear down resulting in them firing the entire drum mag in one burst!

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you'll find that the youngest blokes and/or machinegunners will be wearing plce. The young ones cos they have no idea about other available kit and machine gunners for the greater load carrying ability of plce over most other systems (they fill their utility pouches with a lot of link)

 

Darkchild

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