Are you able to use personally bought plate carriers and other gear?

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 May 2017 15:41:44 -0400

I've looked it up and I've had conflicting answers. I like the idea of using my own gear so I don't have to worry about signing for shit I dont use. (SAW pouches are useful when you're not a SAW gunner). Plus I want to stay in as long as I can and enjoy buying this kinda stuff so I don't mind buying gear.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made May 11 at 2017 4:23 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 11 May 2017 16:23:29 -0400

Unit policy, ask your squad leader

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2017 10:22 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 May 2017 22:22:39 -0400

It's your money buy whatever gear you want, Check with your command if it's authorized to use.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2017 1:05 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 May 2017 13:05:07 -0400

At one point, plates and the new IOTV were in short supply. Families of Soldiers who were deploying would buy them commercial body armor, especially "Dragonskin" which seemed to perform better than the government issued stuff. The DoD came out with a directive that forbade the use of commercial body armor in combat zones, and anyone hurt or killed while wearing commercial body armor would not receive the SGLI benefits.

The only people (outside of Special Forces) who are allowed to wear plate carriers (gov't issued) are flight crews. Their standard issue is plate carriers, as they require more mobility in the aircraft.

Don't be That Guy who is Geardo. You are issued all the equipment that you will need, and most of that stuff you won't need or use (I have TuffBoxes filled with gear that I have been issued and never used). A pouch here and there, yeah no problem, but major systems not so much.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2017 1:57 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 May 2017 13:57:53 -0400

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member most privates buy new cars that they cannot afford. In this case take what is given to you by the Army. If you need it great use it and take care of it. If not put in the garage like the rest of us until you have to turn it in. As a PV2 you will have to sign for the stuff regardless if you have your own at home anyway. It just doubles what you have in the garage. The Army keeps track of lot numbers so if there is a recall they tell your units and you turn it in. If you buy your own stuff you are possibly wearing or using defective items. There is a reason they issue it to you. While we all have had stuff we never used or knew what we would ever use it for it is the current process. Save your money.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 12 at 2017 3:05 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 12 May 2017 15:05:58 -0400

You'll still have to sign for the issued gear, they're not going to let you be on your own special little program and shop for what you want at RFI...

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2017 11:22 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 May 2017 11:22:45 -0400

A few month ago I read a policy restricting the use of non issue body armor. I am sure your leadership knows of this policy.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2017 5:03 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 May 2017 17:03:39 -0400

You should not. By policy you can't. But in the Guard you see it happen. I have seen it happen. But the Army issues solid equipment. There isn't anything wrong with it. I you were to deploy you would only be allowed to wear your issued gear so why would you even want to try with something you couldn't use in combat.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2017 12:45 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 May 2017 12:45:02 -0400

When I was deployed we could use our own equipment. We had a unit SOP with the plate carriers: Must have front and back including side plate inserts and be multi cam with mollie. Anyways like the responses before me I will agree to ask your leaders. I leave you with this .. If the gear helps you in a positive way why can't you wear it as long is it's within the limits of an SOP closly related to the specific item for ex; magazines vs p mags. Iotb vs plate carriers. Pouches issued vs market pouches.

"I'm going to do whatever I want anyways." -E4 Mafia

Response by SSG Edward Tovatt made Jan 14 at 2019 8:36 PM

SSG Edward Tovatt — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 20:36:48 -0500

My unit allows personal plate carriers as the NSN checks out with supply. I've been trying to find a list of plate carriers and NSNs to do research on the options available but I've been unable to find more information. I've held off buying gear but I'm reconsidering now because we're about to spend a considerable amount of time in the field.