Color of Load-Bearing Equipment

SSG Raymond Tobin — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 21:38:59 -0500

Question: Is there an Army Regulation governing the color of load bearing equipment or that defines authorized gear?

I have a chest rig setup that is coyote brown. It is much more comfortable and tactically sound than what I received as TA-50/OCIE. I use this at private ranges and in civilian tactical shooting competitions. From what I have collected, the use of this gear is commander's discretion. My previous commander had no problem with it, but my new commander might. I was wondering if there was a regulation I could use to back up my use of this equipment.

All input and thoughts are welcome and appreciated. Thank you.

Response by SFC James Baber made Feb 3 at 2014 3:30 AM

SFC James Baber — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 03:30:55 -0500

To the best of my knowledge with all the changes in issued gear and assorted accessories over the last decade, I don't think there is a black and white regulation in use currently as it is as you mentioned more of a command driven discretion policy type of thing.

Almost every unit has its own preferences on the wear and look of the various gear, I will include an example from a friend of mine that sent me a link that could or could not be useful to you and what you are seeking guidance on.

http://www.hood.army.mil/504bfsb/2-38/Uniform%20SOP.pdf

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Response by SPC William Weedman made Feb 23 at 2015 12:48 AM

SPC William Weedman — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 00:48:45 -0500

When I was in the National Guard my first drill I was handed a way over copied piece of paper defining what my LBE had to "look" like. Every time I went to the field I wore my own Active Duty rig that wasn't close to what they issued/wanted. None of the NCOs ever directly ordered me to remove it, but many comments were directed my way about the example I was setting for my squad. I told my platoon sergeant that if any of my guys or gals wore something like this I would compliment him or her for taking initiative. The only time I was required to wear their set up was a field change of command. I always carried their set-up with their issue in the bottom of my duffel bag for just this kind of thing. It looked terrible since it rode underneath everything but no one could say anything about it.