What AR covers the Army TA-50 that can be carried by a Soldier?

CPT Chris Loomis — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 20:43:13 -0500

What AR(s) cover the Army TA-50 gets that can be carried by a Soldier?

Ultimately I'm trying to find out whether or not there are any AR(s) that prohibit a Soldier from carrying a commercially made, OCP, rucksack that they have purchased at their expense?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2018 8:59 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 20:59:52 -0500

I don’t know the exact reg. But if it’s OCP it is fine. Generally it can be the pattern of the uniform, all black or all coyote brown.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 16 at 2018 9:01 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 21:01:33 -0500

CPT Chris Loomis You wont find a reg, you may find a policy.Unless you are in Delta, SF, Ranger Regt, not sure you will ever carry a ruck in combat. Assault pack maybe and even then, if it carries the load required without issue I don't see an issue, though Im sure there is a micromanager leader that does

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 16 at 2018 10:50 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 22:50:47 -0500

Look- 1, If it resembles the Army equipment, many folks will probably turn a blind eye, unless it is safety equipment. 2. If you buy it and it gets damaged or destroyed, the Service will not replace NOR re reimburse you

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Dec 17 at 2018 10:57 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 10:57:01 -0500

AR 350-1, AR 600-20 and CTA 50-900 all have a piece of it, 350-1 and 600-20 put the responsibility for uniform and equipment on the Commander. PEO Soldier publishes a list of equipment that meets the testing and quality requirements.
Basically it's the commanders call on weather a Soldier may or may not carry the commercial rucksack supported by the regs mentioned above.

Some considerations....
-Does the commercial rucksack meet the design requirements and durability standards required of the military grade CTA 50 product?
-Will you be able to do a combat replacement of the product if it is lost, stolen, destroyed during the deployment? If it isn't obtained through the system you generally can't replace it through the system. Refer to the property accountability reg.

My experience having served in three different combat development positions is that the commercially produced items do not undergo the strict testing and volume of testing that the military CTA50 products or approved equals go through (not cost effective for industry). If you let the guys use the commercial stuff make them pack their issue gear so you can keep them going when it fails