A Word on A-TACS

The A-TACS camo pattern has been in development for a some time, but they are just now starting to gain the momentum and popularity that they deserve. They were testing the A-TACS about the same time as the multicam, and as we all know multicam was chosen. They did this because the multicam will work in a larger array of environments as opposed to the sand washed looking A-TACS. If they are utilized in the right environment, however, the sand pattern can make its wearer almost invisible.

When it was first developed, the A-TACS came in one color pattern, desert. While it worked great in desert environments, if the wearer patrolled into an area with any vegetation, they would be obvious for everyone to see. The solution was to incorporate some green into the pattern. This produced the Foliage Green A-TACS. This pattern is the exact opposite of the Desert A-TACS because it will work wonders in an environment with vegetation, but not in the desert.  

Finding a camo pattern that will work in every environment equally is next to impossible. The A-TACS’s most prevalent weakness is that they are terrain specific. Don’t let this discredit what the A-TACS have to offer. If you are working on a border between a desert and a jungle, wear multicam. If you know the type of terrain you will be dealing with and have no expectations of leaving that environment anytime soon, choose the appropriate A-TACS camo.

As much of a fan as I am of A-TACS, I’ll admit that there is still some development that needs to be done before this type of camo can reach its true potential. It is certainly a step in the right direction and it is exciting to see the avenues that we are beginning to explore in our choice of camouflage.

The Invaluable Dump Pouch

If there is one piece of equipment that is overlooked, it is the dump pouch. This simple, yet potentially vital piece of gear adds a storage compartment to your person when cargo pockets just won't cut it.What is it good for you might ask? It is good for any number of applications whether it be on the range or in the field. It's not flashy, it's not sexy, but it is very effective for its purpose and it can make your life a whole lot easier when you least expect it. Here's how...

Let's say you are in the field. You have your hooch set up, you are feeling comfortable, then all of a sudden hell breaks loose and you have to evacuate your site fast! You don't have time to pack your ruck up, but fortunately for you, there's a dump pouch resting on your belt. You open it up and throw an MRE in there, along with extra mags and some 550 cord. With these items, you are prepared to survive a little while longer until help arrives. Without the dump pouch, you would be forced to carry any extra items in you hands. Not very effective for a hasty retreat. Of course, where you will probably find yourself using a dump pouch most is at the range. These little guys are handy for holding all your extra magazines so you don't have them clunking around in your cargo pockets.

All a dump pouch consists of is a pouch that can be rolled up and buckled so that fit on your belt without taking up much space. A lot of manufacturers make versions of this, but the most popular is Maxpedition's dump pouch. It's small when rolled up, so it won't get in the way of your movement, or get caught on branches if you have to negotiate brush. Should you need it, simply undo the velcro and the pouch will unroll. When the items are in the dump pouch you can secure it with the elastic strap at the top to keep the contents in. When you want to store it for later use, just roll it back up and redo the velcro tab.

You can find many more uses for a dump pouch when you start finding how annoying those extra odds and ends feel clunking around in your cargo pockets. Like I said before, they are not sexy, so don't expect to see these being worn in the next great action flick. For the real operator, however, you will find these to be an invaluable piece to your gear set up. If for nothing else than to have just in case you need to move locations quickly and don't have time to gather up all your gear. Stay safe out there!

Don't Misuse Your IR Strobe!

IR strobes are handy when you have to locate friendlies in dark environments. As much benefit as they offer in keeping guns off your buddy, they can also be advantageous for the enemy if used carelessly.

For some of you I know that I am just preaching to the choir, but for those of you who constantly run your IR during an operation, listen up! IR strobes are great unless your nemesis also has a pair of NVGs that he is using, in which case you have provided him with your location. Even if your foe doesn't have night vision capabilities, all he needs is a cell phone camera which can also detect IR light.

I've been to many night training venues with other teams, and it's no surprise when the team that runs their strobes constantly gets taken off guard by a hail of sim rounds. This is because the team that role played as the bad guys could see them patrolling in and set up for them.

The solution to this? Just turn the darn thing off when it is not necessary. This way you avoid compromising yourself and your team. If you are in the middle of a firefight, all bets are off and you should follow your team leader's direction. Just don't think that because the IR strobe is on your person that it needs to be turned on. Use it when it can effect mission success.

IR strobes are a great tool when used conservatively. The last thing you want to do in a combat situation is to give up your ability to surprise the enemy and put your team at risk. Use your equipment when necessary and with your head on a swivel.