As a gear addict myself, currently a recovering twelve stepper, I have had issues in the past with having too much gear, with having a piece of gear for every possible task or contingency. There is a line that needs to be drawn, and I’ve accepted that; however my love for gear still burns strong, and I am sure that it shows.
There is a phenomenon that exists among all types of heavy-hitters, from police to military to private security, etc. Rookie cops have a fully stocked “bat belt” while those about to retire have department minimum on their waist. Boots spend their paycheck at the tactical shops in town while the old salts have slick body armor with the bare essentials on an LBV and only carry it when needed. Similarly, I have found myself ditch some weight since I started working in protective services. Here are some things that are worth their weight.
For most tasks, I wear business attire while on-the-job which affords me the option to wear an OWB and keep my jacket on or I have to use a tuck-able IWB, either of which is most commonly held by a DeSantis EconoBelt. I prefer the IWB method of carry as it affords the option of dropping the jacket if I need to without worrying about concealment. Depending on a number of things, I either have a Glock 19 or Kahr P9, both of which ride in their respective Precision Holsters Ultra Carry Elite. A very well made and versatile holster, it allows me to conceal in comfort without worrying about any common issues with holsters such as printing, retention, irritation, balance, etc. The holster performs as it should, as you’d expect it to, plain and simple.
My weapons are mostly unaltered, except for night sights in which I prefer the TCAP sights by Ameriglo. This is largely due to my preference for a black rear sight and a stand-out front sight bright enough for quick acquisition yet thin enough for precision work. The Glock also has some trigger guard modifications which make a big difference on the achievable height of your fingers as they wrap around the grip. The Kahr has some grip tape which was cutout to match the existing texture.
One of the main components of my EDC is a med kit. (small pouch shown above) I put together the most appropriate pieces of an on-body med-kit in a covert, compact package which has been validated by the purchase and use of over 100+ other practitioners who have given feedback on the use one of my kits.
“We are at war…adapt.” – Art Dorst
The med-kit is our IPAK (Individual Protective Agent’s Kit) with QuikClot® & SWAT-T®. It is designed to have the essential components needed in order to assist in controlling massive hemorrhaging at the point of wounding to bridge the gap until advanced care can be provided. A compact and durable kit, it enables you to carry an immediately accessible trauma kit on your person where it is needed most without the tactical look or excessive size of a full kit.
A commonly overlooked part of your EDC is your mobile device, and I commonly carry two. Always know where you are, always know where you are going, report appropriately and have a point of contact at your destination. On top of that, there are so many apps and there is so much I do on my phones that I could make a class on it…which I have.
For communications gear, I use Voxer which is an unlimited distance group PTT app. For a line-of-sight radio, I have a small Motorola or Baofeng UV-5R depending on who I am talking with, etc.
For other accessories, I am a big fan of Smith Optics Elite line, in which I prefer the Frontman with ChromaPop lenses. I do not carry a knife as a weapon, just personal preference, so I choose to carry a multitool. Additionally, I prefer to minimize things on my belt, so I particularly like the Gerber Crucial which has a pocket clip and effectively bridges the gap between a full size multi-tool and a small pocket knife. I carry a company pen which has a stylus and flashlight built in, a small dedicated flashlight and Rite-in-the-Rain note-taking gear. On my keys, I always have a Swisstech ‘Bodyguard’which has a window breaker and seatbelt cutter.
As always, your gear, clothes and any other variables should be dependent on your task, threat and environment.
Stay low, stay safe. – JML
This article courtesy of Joseph M. LaSora, guest writer for The Loadout Room.
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