Seems as though this thread has headed off in a different direction.
Having said that; How long does anyone think that allowing soldiers to purchase their own kit will last? The soldiers protection is at stake here. If DND cannot confirm the individuals safety associated with substandard or non issued kit. How long before there is a pension issue when someone is refused compensation due to the fact the kit that was worn (and deemed to contribute to the injury) was not "officially" authorized, and there is a directive to stop.
The U.S Forces have already put a stop to this practice to a certain degree.
"Army Bans Use of Privately Bought Armor"
The Associated Press News Agency
WASHINGTON -" Just six months after the Pentagon agreed to reimburse soldiers who bought their own protective gear, the Army has banned the use of any body armor that is not issued by the military.
In a new directive, effective immediately, the Army said it cannot guarantee the quality of commercially bought armor, and any soldier wearing it will have to turn it in and have it replaced with authorized gear."
(Taken from
The Canadian News Digest, RCAC Association)
This will leave the soldiers out hundreds of dollars in purchased kit, and a lot of grumbling.
On the plus side, soldiers will not have to look like some third world army where everyone is wearing different kit.
I guess someone, in Ottawa, is going to have to get off their butt and start looking at an expedited mass purchase of "real" gear.
I've read the article, and the reason for this is that Dragon skin, a popular armour among US soldiers, claims to provide better protection than that which the US issues. These claims could not be confirmed, however, and USAF tests seem to indicate otherwise. It makes perfect sense, in this case.
It is not about esthetics, it's about quartermasters being able to keep the machine running with stocked kit.
No, its about the soldiers being able to keep themselves running. If the quartermasters had kit that fit the needs of the soldiers, they wouldnt be willing to go out and spend their money on non military issued kit, would they?
I can see your VAC letter now, "Dear Sir, the medical report indicates that the blindness to your left eye you suffered in theatre (200?) was caused by plastic infiltration by the "Terminator" eye protection you chose to wear and the fact that they were not issued. As well, the back problems you suffered and the associated claim, is not being accepted. It is a result of the design of the "Bounty Hunter" tactical vest you were wearing. (Bounty Hunter went bankrupt due to lawsuits from this flaw)
We are sorry.
Well, at least he was able to write that letter, as opposed to maybe having lost an eye because the issued eye protection, say... fogged up and he couldnt fight with them, or any other injury having to do with, oh, say, not having a 6th magazine easily accessible...
Haircuts ? .........esthetics not important to todays fighting soldiers (apparently)
"No combat-ready unit ever passed inspection."
Esthetics ISNT the most important thing in the middle of a firefight.
Product Technical sheets? Companies never doctor them up right?
I fail to see how the technical sheets of a load carrying rig will really change anything...
You also chose not to address the resupply issues. perhaps later in your career (if you get there since you seem to have a problem getting grenades tangled up in your equipment?) you will have a better appreciation for the finer details of the supply chain.
You say in your profile that you are retired... Did you retire before trying out the new tacvest? Its an alright vest, IMO... but its too much of a "jack of all trades" that its the "master of none". The grenade pouches on it are small, it takes quite an effort just to get a grenade in there. I can certainly see how a grenade can be a pain in the ass to take out of its pouch.
CQ, " Give me the n/s kit (TV) on the resupply and I'll exchange it one for one
Gucci Soldier, "I don't have it WO. I left it back on base and was using my own version"
"CQ. That's alright, I have nothing better to do than make the trip back to base, cut the lock off your locker dig through your kit till I find it. make the return trip, and bring your issue one out, and while I'm at it I will mail that old one with the warranty card back to the manufacturer for you when I get back to the CFPO.
No problem, that other section anticipating an attack can wait until tommorow I guess.......an ammo drop is not that important
Please, when would this ever happen? Gee, you're right though... doing a 1 on 1 exchange and pleasing a quartermaster is much more important than winning a firefight.
Your CQ would be the busiest man in theatre, and the most pissed.
Good. Let him be, if thats what it takes for the troops to be able to do their job better. Gee... I guess the tacvest should never have been issued, because it may have made CQs job of replacing the webbing a bit difficult. Of course, somehow other militaries are managing just fine with a system that permits their troops to buy and use their own kit (and encourages it!)