pmcimagazine.com
HEAD TO HEAD
For this issue of PMCI we decided to ask our two tame contractors who have worked “The Circuit”,
one British and “new skool” and one American and “Old Skool” the same question to see where there
are similarities or disparities. This time my question to them both was “What equipment and kit do
you take with you when you deploy on a contract?”
Rob S (USA)
The easy answer is I always carry less than I want but more
than I should. But I’ll assume that isn’t the real desired answer.
Let me start with what I carry on my body no matter whether
I’m deployed in country, out of country or even in combat. The
usual base of keys on paracord lanyard, microlight, Gerber
Shard, single dog tag with name/ email, and usb drive heavy
coded with some info I feel I may need but isn’t going to ruin
me if hacked.
Next a RF Blocker (sleeved) wallet with ID, cash and CC of some
sort, be it minimal Id because of region as well disposable
credit cards or my full set of copies of passports, permits,
drivers licenses etc. I should note this can be expanded into a
neck ID wallet for some regions. I have a variety of micro tac
lights I may carry in my pocket but most likely a low cost Cree
Zoom 18650/AA light; you should see a pattern of stuff I use
that is less costly but does the job.
Then there is the cell phone(s), likely a dual sim model that has
been nano waterproof coated. I carry in pocket a patrol officers
pocket trauma kit, which consists of a swat T-Tourniquet, Z pack
bandage, duct tape and gloves in a vacuum package. Of course
this is location dependent. I will always try to have on me a
good folding knife or two and/or a multitool. Top these personal
items with a Tac pen and notepad. Funny enough the Tac pen
I use was a gift and is the original one from a good 5 years
now although with new Fisher space pen internals. Knives,
well I break, loan and lose those so it varies on legalities to
option I can find. Similar with the multitool, most times a less
costly model for the same reasons as knives, although I always
keep my knives sharp and my tool refined. I will in addition
carry my sunglasses (always polycard polarized style), a pair of
ear protectors such as Surefire EP3, small container of splenda
tablets, and a sweat cloth.
I do carry a base pistol and two spare magazines when I can.
Those being a Glock 26 with the 10 round mag and a glock
17 Xgrip sleeved magazine both loaded with Hornady TAP as
allowed. Holsters are dependent on dress code, in suit Alien
Gear behind hip often, concealed deep may be a Cellpal
42
holster and if casual a iwb Apendix version I have. Backup ultra
hideable is a NAA Blackwidow loaded with Hornady FTX Critical
Defense 22 mag.
At this point it always depends on a security detail, in suit,
or in tac kit, or even alt work like anti poaching or personnel
recovery which can mean full on kit including nods plus, which
could be a book of details on what and why, so I’ll just rough
in a few bits here. I do try to keep a bag or day pack with me.
Typical extra ammo, big torch and batteries, flexi cuffs, always
water with purifier tablets, and some food in there, a full blow
out kit with boo boo bag too. Spare clothes, quick dry skivvy
gear, cell/battery charger set, local maps and compass as well
pictograph translator sheets, rain and or dust gear. A sanitation
kit, you know, toilet paper, wipes and sanitizer. Most of all, the
inflatable pillow and backside cushion.
And now we get into the fun stuff, what do I always on most
all assignments when deployed in naughty areas carry. I deploy
with... almost nothing. I tend to work for employers who
arrange for your actual kit to be there for you. I can request
specifics such as an AK or chest rig but what I get given will
almost always be not what I really desire and therefore I can’t
list it. I know many of the modern guys get to travel with all
their goodies but it just wasn’t like that in the older days in
the places we worked and even today limits can be tough. So
Barter items are really what you take. Money is king but any
item that they don’t have in that area but desire is big plus.