Tactical assault gear has come a long way from its origins in the military and law enforcement communities. Technological advancements combined with evolving operational demands have led to new categories of protective equipment, load carrying systems, weapons accessories, and more.
Today’s “modern operator,” whether a professional working in high-risk environments or an avid enthusiast, has access to a vast array of purpose-built tactical assault gear tailored for dynamic, stressful situations. Selecting the right equipment requires an understanding of all the options as well as careful consideration of one’s specific needs and budget.
This in-depth guide will explore the full spectrum of tactical assault gear available. We’ll cover the essential components, their functions, factors for choosing gear, and tips for setting up an optimized tactical loadout. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to properly outfit yourself, whether your mission is law enforcement, security work, recreational training, or preparedness.
The Foundation: Body Armor and Protection
When it comes to tactical assault gear, nothing is more important than protecting your most valuable asset – your body. Modern body armor incorporates cutting-edge materials and designs to shield against an ever-expanding range of threats.
Ballistic Plates and Vests
At the core of any protective system are ballistic-resistant panels and vests to carry them. Ballistic panels, traditionally made from materials like Kevlar or polyethylene, come in a variety of threat levels corresponding to testing standards.
- Soft Armor stops low-velocity handgun threats and is lightweight for concealed wear. Great for plainclothes officers or backup protection.
- Hard Armor incorporates rigid ballistic plates, typically made of steel, titanium alloys, or ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. They defend against higher-velocity rifle threats but are heavier.
Vests, or carriers as they’re sometimes called, come in different styles based on intended use:
- Plate Carriers are minimalist designs to carry hard armor plates and essential pouches over a shirt. Extremely versatile and breathable.
- Tactical Vests have more rigid exterior construction and Molle webbing for additional pouches and attachments.
- Load-Bearing Vests emphasize carrying capacity over ballistic protection, through expeditionary designs and integrated pouches.
When choosing armor, carefully consider the real threats in your operating environment as well as factors like comfort, weight capacity, and cost. Reputable manufacturers like AR500 Armor, TYTAN Tactical, and Blue Force Gear offer diverse options.
Supplemental Protection Gear
In addition to ballistic gear, other equipment protects users from an array of dangers:
- Tactical Helmets like ops-cores shield the head from impacts, projectiles, and sometimes optics integration. Used in dynamic SWAT/military roles.
- Bump Helmets provide low-profile impact and fragmentation protection without restricting vision or hearing. Popular for security and law enforcement.
- Groin Protectors made of rigid materials guard a vulnerable area from impact injuries during physical exertion.
- Knee/Elbow Pads cushion trauma from falls, especially during training or vehicle insertion.
- Ballistic Eyewear incorporates transparent ballistic lenses to protect eyes from debris during explosions or firefights.
- Tactical Gloves provide grip, impact protection for hands, and sometimes built-in capabilities like weapon manipulation. Great for brass/debris extraction too.
Always select PPE appropriate for risks while balancing comfort, dexterity needs, and climate considerations. Well-designed gear protects without hindering performance.
Load-Carrying Equipment (LCE)
With body armor on, it’s time to think about efficiently transporting your tactical loadout. Modern load carriage systems emphasize versatility, organization, and lightweight mobility.
Plate Carriers
As discussed, plate carriers are minimalist external vest designs to carry armor plates. Beyond ballistic protection, carriers integrate:
- Molle Webbing/Pals Webbing grid of nylon loops for attaching pouches, hydration carriers, radios, and other gear.
- Collar Extensions stabilize heavy plates and improve load distribution around the shoulders.
- Side Release Buckles allow quick doffing under duress.
Top brands like Crye Precision, Eagle Industries, and Tactical Assault Gear make adjustable, breathable carriers suitable for a variety of mission profiles.
Chest Rigs
More lightweight than carriers, chest rigs carry common EDC items without integrated plate pockets. Rig designs vary from overt tactical rigs to low-profile offerings like the Spiritus Systems Micro Fight chest rig. All provide pouch real estate, hydration compatibility, and quick access to essentials.
Belt Systems
While less common than carriers/rigs, quality belt systems like those from AWS Labs and Raptor Tactical remain indispensable. Integrated holsters, duty belts, and MOLLE-compatible pouches provide stable platforms for sidearms, medical supplies, flex cuffs, and more. Great modular base layers too.
Backpacks
When loads grow too heavy for front-carrying alone, quality packs integrate with plate carriers to safely haul extra water, rations, batteries, overnight gear, and more. Options range from expeditionary hiking packs to low-profile tactical slings.
Modular Pouch Systems
Specialized pouches in multiple sizes hold specific items like magazines, medical supplies, breaching tools, and electronics. Quality pouch-makers include Tactical Tailor, HSGI, and Velsys with rigid, padded designs for safe carriage. Organization is key – categorize your pouches!
With the right balance of chest rigs, plate carriers, pouches and packs, outfitting yourself for efficient mobility is achievable on any budget. Proper load planning maximizes efficiency.
Firearms and Accessories
Let’s move on to equipping your primary tool – your firearm. Selecting the right sidearm, rifle, and accessories optimizes performance for any mission.
Sidearms
Duty pistols like Glock 17/19, Sig Sauer P320, and HK VP9 are popular duty-sized 9mm options providing magazine capacity and aftermarket support. For concealed carry, consider subcompact or micro-compact pistols.
Patrol Rifles
Tactical configurations of AR-15 variants – like the Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 or BCM RECCE 16 – provide supreme accuracy, reliability and parts commonality for a variety of engagements. With training, the AR-15 platform remains the best overall patrol rifle.
Weapon Accessories
Optics, lights, and ancillary gear enhance firearms capabilities:
- Optics like Aimpoint PRO, EOTech EXPS3, and Trijicon MRO provide crisp aiming without magnification, perfect for close quarters battle.
- Weapon Lights such as Surefire, Streamlight, and modlite illuminate threats beyond flashlight range. Mounted or handheld.
- Lasers including visible and IR options aid low-light target identification and acquire without optics in emergencies.
- Muzzle Devices suppress recoil/muzzle climb and reduce noise/flash signatures through compensators or suppressed barrels.
- Foregrips/Handguards like Magpul, BCM, or Daniel Defense improve ergonomics and provide attachment points for devices.
Investing in a weapon mounted light and quality optic allowsengaging targets effectively in any lighting condition – fundamentals that could save your life.
Communication and Navigation
Reliable comms and navigation gear facilitate mission coordination and enhance safety/awareness:
Radios
Enabling on-scene coordination, UHF/VHF radios like Motorolas allow vocal communication between operators, emergency response teams, and command centers. On demanding SWAT deployments, body-mounted radio setups secure clear communication.
Headsets/Earpro
Dual-comm headsets protect hearing while allowing clear two-way communication even in noisy environments like firing ranges. Electronic earmuffs like the Walker Razor electronic muffs combine NRR and amplified audio.
GPS Devices
Rugged and waterproof handheld or tablet GPS locators provide navigational capabilities like route planning in unfamiliar areas, current position sharing, or tracking team movement. Built-in electronic maps enable safe patrolling.
Night Vision Equipment
For low-light/no-light operations, passive night vision goggles or monoculars harness available light while thermal or fusion devices see in total darkness. Each has unique pros – consult usage needs.
Well-chosen comms/electronics gear brings next-level capability to any role, whether search and rescue operations or area security patrols. Consider backup choices too in case of failures.
Medical Equipment
The ability to provide prompt medical care, especially for traumatic injuries, may save one’s own life or that of a casualty. Learn lifesaving emergency response protocols.
Individual First Aid Kits
IFAKs contain essential supplies within easy reach to treat traumatic bleeding and other injuries before definitive care arrives. Ready-made kits save time – supplement as needed.
Tourniquets
To control catastrophic arterial bleeding from extremity wounds, tourniquets are single most important medical device. Always have at least two on person. Practice proper use technique.
Chest Seals
Adhesive patches designed to seal penetrating chest wounds which can rapidly cause a collapsed lung; applied with gloved hands. Important for any traumatic injury medical kit.
Hemostatic Agent
Quick-clotting gauze or granules compress injury site and promote clotting to slow severe bleeding not controlled by other methods or when ambulance minutes away. Safe, effective hemorrhage control.
Taking a basic tactical medical class familiarizes yourself with emergency care principles and builds important muscle memory for high-stress scenarios. Practice treating simulated injuries too. A mindset shift views first aid as an extension of force protection and community service roles.
Additional Essentials
While the above represents core tactical gear components, other essentials properly equip the modern operator:
Clothing
Durable, breathable, and layered tactical clothing like Crye Precision or First Tactical provides mobility, moisture-wicking, and protection from environmental hazards. Consider duty/formal uniforms too.
Footwear
Purpose-built tactical boots with great traction, ankle support, and comfort for long periods standing/moving like the Salomon Quest 4D GTX protect feet and boost performance.
Headwear
For sun/rain protection consider baseball caps, boonie hats, or padded helmets with integrated lights/cameras. Balaclavas, skull caps provide warmth while disguising identity as needed.
Eyewear
Ballistic rated and impact-resistant eyewear made for active use like Oakley or Wiley X models shield eyes during dynamic operations or mishaps. Transition lenses adapt to lighting.
Hydration Systems
Whether backpack-integrated hydration bladders, waist-mounted soft flasks, or metal canteens, always carrying water prolongs function in demanding situations. Hydrate regularly.
Illumination Tools
Weapon and handheld lights made by Streamlight, Surefire, or Olight provide brightness to navigate in darkness safely and perform tasks efficiently. Bring extra batteries.
Multitools
Compact multitools like Leatherman incorporate essential tools for repairs, self-aid tasks, and more into one lightweight package easily transportable. Great backup tool.
Proper choice and use of these supplementary but essential systems means operators stay protected, functioning at peak levels even during prolonged operations or extreme conditions. Functionality and comfort remain priorities.
Selecting the Right Gear
Now that we’ve explored the full spectrum of tactical gear options, how does one put it all together? Several factors require consideration:
Budget
Quality equipment enhances capabilities but balances cost-effectiveness based on budgets and true needs. Optimize core protection priorities before “nice to haves”.
Mission Profile
The needs of executive protection differ vastly from SWAT deployments. Know your anticipated usage environments and threat profiles to select appropriately.
Physical Fit
Gear must fit the individual properly while providing range of motion. Try systems on extensively before purchasing, noting pressure points. Sizing up may be necessary.
Compatibility & Modularity
Ensure all components work seamlessly together through standardized fittings. Modular layouts adapt loadouts. Organize with pouches and panels.
Personal Comfort
Some value lightweight minimalism while others prioritize protective features – know your priorities and comfort thresholds to optimize enjoyment.
Start with top-tier protective essentials then gradually expand supporting equipment as budget allows. Practice frequently to gauge setup and refine as needed. Proper equipment force multiplies abilities when seconds count most.
Conclusion
In closing, high-quality tactical assault gear represents more than just equipment – it symbolizes ongoing commitment to protecting life, upholding law, and serving communities through demanding roles. This detailed exploration uncovered the diverse options available and factors for designing optimized, practical loadouts. Now get out there and train to become as proficient with your gear as potential threats demand.
