The parameters and ROE determining my gear loadout looked like this:
- I am a few weeks into a zombie apocalypse
- No support assets available — I am on my own
- My plan was to avoid contact, engage viciously when necessary and break contact as soon as possible
- Practice expedient means of vehicle ignition and structure entry outside of contact
- Maintain the ability to scale up and scale down profile based on evolving mission criteria
Sans the first bullet point, sounds like this scenario might cover more than just a zombie apocalypse, eh?
moreFactoring these parameters into my post-apocalyptic excursion through the wastelands, I started brainstorming my equipment and how best to carry it. My path led to First-Spear, LLC, a relatively new company, with an already established reputation in the special operations community. Based in Fenton, Mo., First-Spear produces American made tactical vests, packs and other gear.
I've used all kinds of kit for my .mil job, but not very much of it is as well thought out and constructed as the gear I used by First-Spear. I've always been a huge advocate of lighter equipment because, as the old mantra goes, "ounces lead to pounds and pounds lead to pain." In aviation, I donned the Navy-issue AirSave survival vest (CWU-33/P22P-18) for over a thousand hours and around [Insert Country of Interest] while conducting airborne reconnaissance operations. It was light and breathable but still much maligned with that all too familiar military-issue comfort. It also took a squadron of Navy parachute riggers what seemed like hours to make adjustments to the vest if it didn't fit right.
Enter the First-Spear Operational Assault Ground Reconnaissance Exploitation, or OAGRE for short. It's light, breathable AND comfortable!
[singlepic id=4149 w=150 float=left]The OAGRE platform puts heat on the competition based on some tier-one details that I noticed right away. As I write this article I have the OAGRE draped across one side of my desk and my Navy-issue vest across the other. In the corner of my office sitting next to my stack of Vanilla Ice CDs, I have other inferior foreign-made tactical vests that I won't mention in this article as to not offend the "Call of Duty"/Airsoft/Mall Ninja fanboys. My XBL gamertag is — nevermind.
One of my favorite features of the OAGRE is the removable closed cell foam padding around the waist and shoulders, but especially the shoulders. They are invisible from the outside, and really pay off when you're humping 168 rounds of 5.56 on the vest. Oh, that padding also contributes to positive buoyancy for those of us who do business around water. I ran six M-4 mags of 28 rounds for the cable documentary, along with 68 rounds of 9mm for my back up gun. During a long-term grid down scenario like the one I was consulting, I was going to need the ability to lug around some extra ammo. [singlepic id=4165 w=200 float=right]The OAGRE handled the added weight without digging into my shoulders, causing hotspots, even after I integrated a full raid pack, the First-Spear Exigent Circumstance Pack (ECP) with the vest.
[singlepic id=4152 w=150 float=left] This brings me to the second feature I liked about the OAGRE: modularity. It took me only a few seconds to integrate the ECP with the OAGRE via the assault pack's light, sturdy, no moving parts ITW G-Hooks. They are simple, rugged metal attachment hooks. This granted me the integrated employment of First-Spear's Assault pack to carry my miscellaneous-but-life-sustaining survival equipment. The OAGRE also has the capability to integrate with the Assaulter Gun Belt (AGB) via quick release clips.
I don't attach my belt to my vest as I prefer it on my person, independent of everything else, but this is a great feature for those who carry a lot of weight on their gun belt. I like to have a water bottle, pistol and fixed-blade knife on my belt. But it's good to see that there's a dedicated pocket on the OAGRE for a hydration reservoir. [singlepic id=4170 w=200 float=right]
It's cool having the capability to carry ammo and an assault pack on your vest, but what if you need to scale down and haul ass through a tight space like a storm drain, ventilation duct or escape through an elevator shaft? The OAGRE had my back on this one, no pun. [singlepic id=4162 w=150 float=left] Just unzip the vest, take it off, wrap it back around the integrated pack and zip it back up. You can now use the drag handle to pull your stuff behind you by hand or via haul line, cocooned in the OAGRE.
After being hands-on with the OAGRE for 20 miles or so on foot, I now have mine packed and ready for any situation, whether it be bailout over country X or a zombie apocalypse. You might be a sheep-dog civilian who knows tumultuous times are ahead of us or a special operations guy doing wet work in a foreign land. Hell, maybe you are just an everyday guy like me who likes well-made kit. Either way, I recommend you check out First-Spear and its OAGRE tactical vest.
Keep your doors locked,
J.L. Bourne
Author Bio: J.L. Bourne is a military officer and author of the "Day by Day Armageddon" novels. A veteran of OIF and OEF, he proudly serves the naval aviation enterprise and other spectrums of naval service. He currently resides in Virginia Beach, Va. Learn more about J.L. at JLBourne.com.
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