43 Essential Items Marine Corps Officers Bring To Battle | Loadout | Business Insider

Business Insider
4 Apr 202419:06

TLDRCaptain Zachary McCormick from The Basic School, Marine Corps, details the essential gear carried by officers for a 72-hour field operation. This includes protective wear like Kevlar helmets and plate carriers, navigation tools like compasses, survival equipment such as hydration systems and MREs, and various weapons like M4 and M16 rifles. The gear is meticulously organized for quick access and versatility in different combat scenarios, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and adaptability in the field.

Takeaways

  • 🛡️ Marine Corps officers carry a standard helmet for protection during firefights and heavy equipment operations.
  • 🎒 Officers have a plate carrier with a 'kangaroo pouch' for note-taking gear, maps, and essential tools like a knife.
  • 💧 Hydration is key, with officers equipped with hydration systems and carrying 3-5 liters of water.
  • 🍽 Rations are essential, with MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat) providing around 1,300 calories and built-in heating systems.
  • 🔥 Cooking equipment like Jetboil is used for heating food in the field, though not always brought due to space constraints.
  • 🩹 A comprehensive first-aid kit (IFAK) is carried, including tourniquets and Combat Gauze for immediate medical response.
  • 🌡️ Officers are equipped with various clothing layers for different weather conditions, including a Frog material for moisture-wicking.
  • 🛏️ Sleeping systems include a bivy sack and a woobie for insulation, with additional options like the black bag for colder temperatures.
  • 🏹 Officers are trained with standard-issue rifles like the M4 carbine, M16, and M27 automatic rifle systems.
  • 🧭 Navigation skills are crucial, with officers using a standard-issue compass for direction and distance measurement.

Q & A

  • What is Capt. Zachary McCormick's role at The Basic School?

    -Capt. Zachary McCormick is a war-fighting instructor at The Basic School.

  • What type of helmet does a Marine Corps officer typically wear for protection?

    -A Marine Corps officer typically wears a standard Kevlar helmet for protection.

  • What is the purpose of the 550 cord attached to the helmet and what can it be used for?

    -The 550 cord, or parachute cord, attached to the helmet is used to connect it to any kind of optic such as night-vision optics. It can also be used for emergency situations like building a shelter.

  • What does the term 'PPE' stand for and when is it used by Marines?

    -PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment, which includes eye protection and gloves. It is used when handling heavy equipment or using weapon systems.

  • What is the purpose of the 'kangaroo pouch' on the standard-issued plate carrier?

    -The kangaroo pouch is a sewn-on pouch that comes standard with the plate carrier. It is used to keep note-taking gear, notebooks, maps, laminated papers, or tools like knives.

  • How does the hydration system work and what is its purpose?

    -The hydration system includes a hose that attaches to the back of the flak jacket with an external hydration pouch. Its purpose is to provide a water source on the person whenever needed.

  • What is the primary function of the gas mask carried by Marine Corps officers?

    -The primary function of the gas mask is to protect the officer from potential CBRN threats, which stand for chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear dangers.

  • What is the purpose of the 'brain pouch' and what items are typically stored in it?

    -The 'brain pouch' is used to store extra pieces of equipment or quick replenishable items like extra batteries for a headlamp or night-vision optics, cold-weather gloves, and additional eye protection.

  • How does the field first-aid kit (IFAK) aid in emergency situations?

    -The IFAK contains items like tourniquets, Combat Gauze, H bandages, and a quick reflective blanket. It is used for providing immediate medical attention in emergency situations.

  • What are the two main sleeping systems issued to Marine Corps officers and how do they function?

    -The two main sleeping systems are the bivy sack and the medium-weight sleeping system (woobie). The bivy sack is a waterproof sack with a netting for visibility and bug protection. The woobie provides insulation and can be used with the bivy sack for additional warmth or separately in warmer conditions.

Outlines

00:00

🪖 Essential Gear and Clothing for Marine Field Operations

Capt. Zachary McCormick, a war-fighting instructor at The Basic School on Marine Corps base Quantico, details the essential gear and clothing a trained officer carries during a 72-hour field operation. From the standard-issue Kevlar helmet equipped for night-vision optics to personal protective equipment like gloves and eye protection for handling weapons. He discusses the plate carrier with storage for essentials like maps and knives, a hydration system, and a gas mask ready for CBRN threats. Additionally, Capt. McCormick highlights the importance of camouflage with netting and the utility of their packs that include day packs for extra storage.

05:01

🎒 Field Gear and Personal Sustenance Essentials

In the second part of his gear overview, Capt. McCormick explains additional items carried during operations, including various types of water containers and the use of MREs for nourishment, which contain approximately 1,300 calories. He describes the convenience of a Jetboil for heating food, a neatly organized hygiene kit for personal care, and various storage pouches for miscellaneous items. He also mentions protective and utility wear like cold-weather gloves and a 'fighting load carrier' for lighter, more stealthy missions.

10:03

🧥 Advanced Clothing and Layering for Field Operations

Capt. McCormick discusses the advanced clothing layers and materials used to manage body temperature and moisture during operations. He details the base layers, like the Frog material, designed for moisture wicking, and the waffle material used as a second layer for insulation. Additionally, he covers the protective waterproof Gore-Tex gear that helps maintain dryness and warmth. The narrative also includes the setup of a fighting load carrier for additional storage and versatility in the field.

15:04

🧭 Navigation Tools and Demonstration of Field Management

In this segment, Capt. McCormick elaborates on navigation and operational tools such as the standard-issue compass used for shooting azimuths and managing distances on maps. He demonstrates the practical applications of these tools in training scenarios at The Basic School. He stresses the importance of keeping gear organized and ready, especially in sudden combat situations, underscoring the discipline of returning items to their place immediately after use to maintain readiness.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Kevlar

Kevlar is a type of synthetic fiber used in the production of high-performance fabrics, particularly those designed to provide protection against ballistics and other high-impact forces. In the context of the video, Kevlar refers to the standard helmet and body armor worn by Marine Corps officers, which is crucial for protection during combat situations or operations involving heavy equipment. The script mentions that officers wear Kevlar to safeguard themselves in firefights or any other hazardous tasks they may encounter during a field operation.

💡550 cord

550 cord, also known as parachute cord, is a type of nylon kernmantle rope that was originally used in the suspension lines of parachutes. In the video, Capt. McCormick describes using 550 cord to attach optics, such as night-vision devices, to his Kevlar helmet. The cord's utility extends beyond this, as it can also be used in emergency situations for building shelters or securing gear, highlighting its versatility and importance in a field operation.

💡plate carrier

A plate carrier is a type of tactical vest designed to hold ballistic plates that can absorb the impact of bullets or shrapnel. In the video, the plate carrier is part of the standard-issued gear for Marine Corps officers. It is a critical component of their equipment, providing essential protection to the wearer's vital organs during combat or other high-risk scenarios. The plate carrier mentioned in the script is the gen two, which is commonly seen throughout the Marine Corps.

💡hydration system

A hydration system typically refers to a setup that allows an individual to drink water without having to stop their activity, often used in military operations, hiking, or other physically demanding tasks. In the context of the video, Capt. McCormick has a hydration system with a hose attached to the back of his flak jacket, complete with an external pouch. This system ensures that he has immediate access to water during a field operation, which is vital for maintaining hydration and endurance over extended periods.

💡gas mask

A gas mask is a protective device designed to cover the face and filter out toxic substances in the air, such as chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) agents. In the video, the gas mask is part of the standard-issue equipment for Marine Corps officers, allowing them to operate in environments where there may be a CBRN threat. The mask is kept on the person at all times, ready to be deployed at a moment's notice, ensuring the officer's safety in potentially contaminated areas.

💡cammie netting

Cammie netting is a type of netting designed to be used with military camouflage uniforms, providing an additional layer to break up the outline and blend in with the environment. In the video, cammie netting is used to camouflage the gas mask when the officer is in the tree line or in other situations where concealment is necessary. By breaking up the lines and shapes of the mask, the netting helps the officer maintain a low profile and avoid detection, which is crucial for stealth and survival in the field.

💡assault pack

An assault pack, also known as a day pack, is a military backpack designed to carry essential gear and supplies for short-duration missions or field operations. In the video, Capt. McCormick describes using an assault pack to store additional gear that couldn't fit in his main pack, as well as for 24-hour or shorter patrols. The contents of the assault pack, such as an additional water system and administrative pouch, reflect the need for mobility and preparedness during military operations.

💡 Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE)

A Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) is a self-contained, individual field ration used by military forces worldwide. MREs are designed to provide a balanced meal with approximately 1,300 calories, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as some additional sugars to boost morale. In the video, Capt. McCormick mentions having an MRE as part of his standard gear, which includes a heating system that allows the main meal and other contents to be heated up by adding water and using a chemical reaction. This ensures that officers have access to nutritious and heated meals even in the field.

💡Jetboil

A Jetboil is a portable stove system known for its ease of use and quick setup. It uses a canister of fuel, which is ignited by a pilot light to heat up liquids or food. In the video, Capt. McCormick notes that while he does not have a gas can with him, a Jetboil can be used to heat up food more conveniently in the field. Although it takes up significant space in a pack, the Jetboil's ability to provide a quick and efficient heating source makes it a valuable tool for preparing meals during field operations.

💡hygiene kit

A hygiene kit is a collection of personal care items necessary for maintaining cleanliness and health, especially in field conditions. In the video, Capt. McCormick describes having a hygiene kit that includes sunscreen, ibuprofen, foot spray, shaving kit, baby wipes, and toothbrush. These items are essential for officers to take care of minor injuries, maintain personal hygiene, and ensure they are in optimal condition to continue operations. The kit's contents reflect the need for self-sufficiency and preparedness in the field.

💡fighting load carrier

A fighting load carrier, also known as a load-bearing vest, is a piece of tactical gear designed to distribute the weight of equipment and ammunition across the body, allowing for greater mobility and comfort during combat operations. In the video, Capt. McCormick explains that this carrier allows him to wear a lighter, more expeditionary system when a plate carrier is not required or when stealth is preferred. It includes pouches for magazines and grenades, and can be adapted to different mission requirements, emphasizing the adaptability and modularity of the gear used by Marine Corps officers.

💡Gore-Tex

Gore-Tex is a brand of waterproof and breathable fabric used in outdoor clothing and gear. In the video, Gore-Tex material is used for the waterproof rain gear issued to Marine Corps officers. This gear is designed to keep the wearer dry in wet conditions and is effective in preventing hypothermia in cold weather. The rain gear includes trousers and a jacket, which, when combined with the保暖层 (warming layers), form a crucial part of the officers' equipment for surviving in various weather conditions during field operations.

Highlights

Captain Zachary McCormick is a war-fighting instructor at The Basic School, Marine Corps base Quantico.

The Basic School trains every commissioned or appointed war officer before they join the Fleet Marine Force.

Officers carry a standard helmet made of Kevlar for protection in firefights and heavy equipment operations.

550 cord or parachute cord is used to attach optics like night-vision goggles to the Kevlar helmet.

Cat eyes are illuminated pieces of fabric on the back of the helmet for visibility in low light conditions.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for handling heavy equipment and using weapon systems.

The standard-issued plate carrier is a crucial part of an officer's gear, often seen with a kangaroo pouch for note-taking gear and maps.

Officers carry a hydration system with an external pouch for water sources during operations.

A gas mask is part of the standard gear, allowing for protection against CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear) threats.

Cammie netting is used for camouflage, helping officers blend into their environment and break lines of sight.

Officers carry an assault pack or day pack for additional gear and shorter field operations.

The TBS Student Field Guide contains knowledge taught at The Basic School and serves as a quick-reference manual.

A field first-aid kit (IFAK) is essential, containing tourniquets, Combat Gauze, and H bandages for medical emergencies.

Officers may use a Jetboil for heating food, providing a convenient way to prepare meals in the field.

A hygiene kit is carried with essentials like sunscreen, ibuprofen, foot spray, and baby wipes for personal care and minor injuries.

The fighting load carrier or load-bearing vest allows for lighter, more expeditionary operations with less gear.

Waterproofing bags are used to keep changes of clothes and warming layers dry, which is vital for survival in various environments.

The sleeping system includes a bivy sack and a medium-weight bag, providing insulation and protection from the elements.

The M4 carbine, M16, and M27 rifles are standard-issue weapons for Marine Corps officers.

The model 3H compass is standard-issue at The Basic School, featuring both degree and mil measurements for navigation and artillery fire calling.

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