SWAT Gear

From Head To Toe.

I was just reorganizing the gear in the trunk of my police car. There’s not a lot of free space in there because I not only have all my patrol gear in there, I’ve got all my SWAT stuff too: armor, plate carrier, drop leg holster, helmet, night vision goggles, bags, batteries, smoke grenades, flash-bang, etc. It seems I go through this stuff on a monthly basis, but it’s important to keep everything organized and separate. I can’t afford to grab the wrong gear when I’m at a call-out, thus I’m always on a quest to streamline my gear to make myself more efficient and effective as a patrol cop and SWAT team member.

Because police work can go from monotonous to dangerous in the blink of an eye, you’ve got to be able to grab your gear and go — now! You may not have time to get sorted out. So, here’s some of my favorite gear I have with me for those SWAT moments.

But remember, regardless of your title or your station in police work, whether you’re on a full- or part-time tactical team, a patrol officer, detective, School Resource Officer or whatever, you owe it to yourself to train. Train with the gear you plan on carrying into the field. All the gear in the world, no matter how “high speed” it may be, might not save you when the chips are down. Mindset and training are where it’s at.

As a Marine I learned the importance of taking care of my hands and feet, and BLACKHAWK! also understands this. I wear their Light Assault boots for several reasons: they’re lightweight, rugged and most importantly, comfortable. The mesh and microfiber uppers make these boots breathable, and toe and heel areas are built up with extra rubber to withstand plenty of punishing use. The ankle support is outstanding.

To protect my hands, I prefer the SOLAG (Special Operations Lightweight Assault Glove) with Kevlar gloves. These Kevlar-lined Nomex and leather gloves have soft foam padding for the back of the hand and knuckle area. And to help custom-fit these gloves to your hand, there are hook and loop straps at the wrist straps and back of the hand. No matter how much I drag my knuckles, I’m sure not to scuff ‘em. SOLAGs come in several different iterations from regular (shown) to HD (heavy duty) and touchscreen compatible models.

We’ve highlighted the Small Pry in the past, but it’s such a great, lightweight tool it warrants another mention. SWAT gear can be heavy and cumbersome, and the Small Pry helps lighten the load while enabling me to gain entry into locked structures. It makes easy work of interior doors; I can cut screens with the sharpened edge and rake glass with the handle. This tool just makes sense.

You ready for an absolute game changer? I’m using the LDI-DBAL A2 from the folks at TNVC. This bad boy is a dual-beam-aiming laser, meaning it’s both a visible green laser and an infrared illuminator and pointer for use with NVGs (night vision goggles). This current model has been improved from past models. Specifically, the IR illuminator provides sharper images at longer distances, and the green laser, which is easier to see during daylight, replaces the previous red laser versions. Just one control knob adjusts settings, and the visible and IR lasers are co-aligned, so zeroing one zeroes the other. Sweet.

Pricey? Sure, but the LDI-DBAL A2 is an awesome force multiplier! While you’re at it, keep your NVGs secure in the Eagle Canteen Pouch with protective insert. There’s no point in spending good money on the NVGs just to let ‘em get knocked around unprotected in your bag.

I’ve been a Magpul fan for several years, starting with their Ranger Plates. I recently wanted to outfit my department-issued Remington 870 with a better buttstock, so I opted for Magpul’s SGA buttstock. The grip angle fits me to a tee, and the spacers allow me to adjust for length of pull and cheekweld. Depending on your size you’ll likely need a different number of spacers to achieve that perfect fit. Completing the package is a Magpul sling adapter and their single-point sling — fast, functional and effective. Get your 12-gauge into the fight!

One of the best loads to carry in my Remington 870 is the Winchester Ranger Segmenting Slug. It’s a 2.75″ 12-gauge round that’s best described as a cross between buckshot and slug. The 1-ounce segmented slug is designed in three sections made to separate upon impact. Separating into three pieces creates multiple wound channels and lessens the chance of over-penetration. It’s a devastating all-around choice for SWAT.

Whether I’m working patrol or on a SWAT mission, I’m never without first aid supplies, specifically items to help stop heavy bleeding. For us, paramedics will always stay back until it’s safe for them to come in. Their holding off could mean a matter of life and death, and is why I always carry with me two very important items: a tourniquet and a hemostatic agent.

I use the Celox Rapid Hemostatic Z-fold Gauze to control massive bleeding. Find the bleeder, pack it with the Celox gauze, keep pressure on the wound and get back into the fight. It’s compact enough to fit in your shirt pocket. In addition, I carry a SOF Tactical Tourniquet (SOFTT) in an ingenious belt-mounted pouch (MOLLE is also available) from Eleven 10 Gear. The tourniquet is easy to use and the pouch, with its red cross patch on it, makes it easy to identify. They have several sizes to fit whatever tourniquet you carry. These items take up little space and weigh next to nothing; make sure to always have them with you.

We talk about all this gear and moving quickly to the sound of gunfire, right? Well, when time is of the essence, you have the funny feeling and you need to “bulk up” your gear, take 5 seconds to throw on a plate carrier from Shellback Tactical. Their Banshee plate carrier is quick to don/doff and has MOLLE on the front, back and sides.

I load mine with front and rear ESAPI plates, a 60-round SureFire magazine, a single pistol magazine, an admin pouch with a flash bang, a Celox gauze and a SOFTT, and virtually all of the other items highlighted in this article. Once on scene I have the capability to carry what I need to the fight.

Carry your ancillary gear with a pack from Condor Outdoor Products. Their Mission Pack has a lot of room (over 1,800 cubic inches) and a bunch of different compartments to help you keep your gear organized. It has a built-in hydration pocket, padded shoulder straps and compression straps to keep things, well, compact. The Mission Pack is good for use in SWAT, patrol or even as a range bag. Shown here in red because I like red, it’s also available in standard cop/
SWAT colors.
By John Morrison

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