By Dr. Leonard M. Breure, PhD
The current state of affairs in this world with both the Global War on Terror and the challenging law enforcement environment calls for a heightened degree of readiness. Todays operator, either military or law enforcement, has available a plethora of weapons, gear and equipment. While technology has added to the list, the basic requirements remain the same efficiency. The challenge is often how to manage all this stuff.
The goal here is to organize equipment based on survivability, mission essential requirements and special needs into a system that fits ones overall responsibilities. By developing a lifestyle of preparedness and tailoring a personal system of readiness, the modern warrior can emulate the colonial Minuteman - ready a moments notice.
What follows is offered only as a basic guideline. It is what I have developed over 28 years in my military and law enforcement careers. It is what works for me, based on my needs and lifestyle. It is CRITICAL that each individual work out for themselves their own specific requirements. Each set of gear includes basic load of ammo, extra magazines, load bearing equipment, and other basic items needed all stored in pack or tactical bag. Add weapons and you are good to go!
All weapons systems include basic carry ammunition, extra magazines, holster and means of carrying reloads. Examples: M-4 with one mag for gun, one mag on the stock, two mags in belt pouch, stored in a hard case. Handgun with one mag in gun, holster, and 2 to 4 mags in belt pouches. Each complete weapons set provide for long range (rifle), medium range (shotgun or subgun) and closer range (handgun) as well as back-up weapons and basic survival / combat gear and necessary extras.
Additional special weapons are added as needed. Examples would include heavy barreled, scoped, sniper rifle or short-barreled entry weapons. Other mission essential equipment included as necessary.
If at all possible I STRONGLY suggest never going unarmed. I use three primary means of carrying a handgun: strong side hip holster (99% of the time), cross draw shoulder holster (second gun) or fanny pack (only rarely). I always carry at least one and usually two knives. Long guns and accessories are carried with tactical vest or L.B.E. I usually add a tactical light, less-lethal weapon and communications. Here is the system that I use. It has been distilled and refined as my assignments / needs have changed. I hope it is helpful!
Personal Equipment List
Levels of Readiness
Level #1 Dont leave home without them.
Items that should ALWAYS be on your person or near by.
If not worn, they may be carried in a fanny pack or purse.
Level #2 Grab em and go.
Items that are readily available at a moments notice.
Often carried as L.B.E. or similar type equipment system.
Level #3 Take them with you.
Items that are close at hand, to be taken along if the need arises.
These are usually carried in some type of pack.
Level #4 If I only had a...
These are items that could be needed, but arent critical.
They are most likely kept in your vehicle.
Level #5 Always be prepared.
Items that are packed and ready to go when you are.
Packed and waiting, they can be tossed in your vehicle anytime.
Level #6 Lets go camping.
These are things needed for an extended period for time.
Stored in boxes or maybe a small trailer, ready and waiting.
Level #1 On your person or in your bag ALWAYS!
Personal Sidearm (possibly a backup also)
Spare Ammunition (for both)
Combat Folding Knife or Two
Multi Purpose Tool
Tactical Flashlight
Less Lethal Weapon (pepper spray, baton, etc.)
Badge / Handcuffs
Personal Items as Needed
Level #2 Tactical Vest, L.B.E. or similar type equipment system.
Primary Weapons (long gun and handgun)
Extra Ammunition (basic load for both)
Soft Body Armor
Hydration system
Emergency Rations
First Aid Kit
Survival Kit
All Weather Jacket
Fighting Knife
Map, Compass, Protractor
Notebook, Pen, Pencil
Signal Mirror
Short Length of Rope
Bandana
Gloves
Plastic Bag
Camo Stick
Gun Cleaning Kit
Solid Fuel
Sharpening Stone
Extra Socks
Toilet Paper
Level #3 In your pack or tactical bag.
Specialty or Back Up Weapons
Extra Ammunition
Binoculars
Change of Clothing
Rain Suit
Additional Rations
Hatchet
Shaving Kit
Poncho Liner
Rags
Spare Boot Laces
Insect Repellent
Foot Powder
Sewing kit
Plastic Bags
Rubber Bands
Gaiters
Face Mask
Wool Hat
Warm Gloves
Scarf or Dickey
Sweater or Sweat Shirt
Down Vest
Rope
Orange Vest
Hand Warmers
Heavy Duty Knife
Spare Glasses
Level #4 Always stored in your vehicle.
Hand Tools
Socket Set
Jumper Cables
Tow Strap or Chain
Ax
Hatchet
12 Volt Light
Snow Brush
Ice Scrapper
Entrenching Tool
Lug Wrench
Bungee Cords
Camping Saw
Road Flares
G.I. Blanket
Poncho Liner
M.R.E.s
Come-a-long Winch
Hydraulic Jack
Large First Aid Kit
Extra Rope
Insect Repellent
Tick Spray
Dog Lead
Extra Boots
Change of Clothes
Spare Ammo in Cans
Level #5 Packed in Duffle Bags or Similar Container.
Body Armor
2 Sets B.D.U.s
Field Jacket
Field Jacket Liner
Extra Boots
Extra Hat
Underwear
Socks
Long Johns
Blankets
Vest
Level #6 Extended Operation Gear and Equipment.
Sleeping Bag
Foam Mattress
Mini Pillow
Internal Frame Pack
External Frame Pack
Tent
Ground cloth
Cot
Water Jug
Cooler
Stove
Lantern
Kitchen Box
Special Response Team Call Out Gear - Secured in vehicle.
Long guns stored in hard case in Truck Vault.
Handgun(s) carried on person.
Tactical Vest with extra mags, tactical light, less lethal & radio.
Helmet, goggles, Nomex hood and gloves.
Duty belt with leg drop holster, thigh mag pouch and large knife.
Hydration system and small pack.
Here is an example of the basic system:
Level #1: .45 ACP pistol w/ 2 extra mags & folding knife.
Add tactical light, pepper spray, badge & handcuffs as needed.
Also add backup handgun and spare ammo.
Level #2: .223 M-4 w/ 6 mags, .45 ACP pistol w/ 4 mags, tactical light, combat knife, hydration system & butt pack on L.B.E.
Level #3: Extra gear, ammo and rations in ALICE pack.
Level #4: These items are kept in a large Rubber Maid box in truck.
Level #5: Uniforms and equipment stored in a G.I. duffle bag.
Level #6: Field gear stored in utility trailer, ready to go.
Special Response Team Call Out Gear: Long guns in hard case, tactical vest & duty gear in bag stored in Truck Vault in vehicle.
I highly recommend that you use the above as a guide in creating you own tactical gear readiness system. Using this system, you can be prepared at all times and ready to respond at very short notice!
