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Downriver Volunteer Militia

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Equipment

      I have tried several different types of load bearing gear.  while in the service in the 80's, we used the "LBE".  We used the Y straps even though the H straps had been around since the Vietnam War.  I was not a foot soldier but mechanized.  So the need for a complete web gear was not needed.  I guess that's why we were left with the Y straps.

  

   When I first started in the Militia training, I used the old LBE style gear with a Y strap.  That was what I was used to.  After adding the necessary equipment for level 2, it became too awkward.  

Here you can see that it is intended for the basic of loads.  Not all encompassing.

 

 

   

 

 I found a MOLLE (molly) vest online very cheap, $7.  Of course I snatched a couple of them up.  They were Dessert Tan.  So a little Krylon later they are now Woodland colors.  With all of the MOLLE straps, there is plenty of room to put everything.  Crazy Eyes, Diesel and I all made them up with all sorts of MOLLE pockets, and stuff.  Only to find them very constraining.  They tend to ride high.  Suffocate you.  They don't ride well fro patrolling.  They might be ideal for hose clearing, or somewhere you wont be rolling on the ground.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A friend of mine from work, who used to be a Captain of the Army Corps of Engineer, gave me some equipment.  One of the items in the newly acquired ALICE Pack, was an Enhanced LBV.  This is a little less versatile as the pockets are built in.  But it carries much better.  Adding a web belt gives you more options for carrying gear.  Add a butt pack, and even more option exist.  The straps are wide and comfortable. 

 

LOAD BEARING VEST - USA - ENHANCED (LBV-USA-E)

 

 

     The back is adjustable.  There is paracord lacing.  It can be adjusted to the largest of frames by simply adding more paracord.  You can adjust the straps and paracord for winter gear.  I simply adjusted so they were as tight as they could go, adjusted the paracord to fit.  Now with the addition of a web belt extension, I can put this over my field coat without having to re-adjust everything.  simply add the extender and let out the straps in the front.  I have not tested this out int he field yet.  But having used the other two styles, I am confident it will be much better.  

 

"Disclaimer -- The DVM is devoted to individual rights and the ideals that lie at the foundation of our society. We have no affiliation with, nor do we promote or encourage, any subversive or quasi-subversive entities or acts against the United States of America or against the American People, inside or outside of U.S. borders. Any and all instruction and training conducted by The DVM is done in accordance with Federal, State and Local Laws and regulations. The DVM does not and will not train any foreign or domestic entity(ies) that could pose a threat to -- or has denounced -- the United States of America."