Interceptor / FLC Question

[nextmayor]

I started thinking about this in regard to the Interceptor Body Armor and the FLC (Fighting Load Carrier), but I guess it applies to any MOLLE compatible body armor and LBE (load bearing equipment).

Just wondering why you commonly see operators and soldiers wearing LBE's over MOLLE compatible armor? Why don't they just mount their pouches right on the body armor?

[Nelson]

Maybe in case they have to ditch it, but still want armor. Or to be able to take if off while in vehicle and still have armor. Not sure though.

[D.Sigurdsson]

There was a discussion on this object in the airsoft section some months ago.
A few active servicemen gave their take on it and that was that they have to wear IBA for the ****house and thats why they use FLC with their pouches on so they can dump the pouches when they need to take a crap for example.

[Chet Mystery]

As noted, it simply adds a means of versatility.

You can fully load up your pouches and kit on the FLC and wear it over the OTV while out on patrol, etc. But when you get inside a vehical or simply do not need all your heavy kit at your immediate disposal, but still want the BA for it's protection, you can dump the FLC and lighten your load and become more comfortable and manuverable inside the confines of a vehical.

However, as I'm sure you have seen, many guys prefer to just attach their pouches to the OTV instead. It is a more simple solution and less bulky than wearing two rigs at once. Its a trade-off either way.

[crazyman]

tried it both ways, i ended up putting my junk straight onto the IBA. personally, the less i have on me to get in the way the better as far as im concerned. course none of the **** on my IBA is issue...well not yet anyways but oh well....MOLLE II m16 pouches arent the greatest for reloading on the fly.

im hopping on a plane for german/kuwait/mosul day after tomorow, so gimme a week or two and i'll have pictures for you (wouldnt be a deployment without a camera)

[JTAR7242]

The MOLLE magazine pouches just plain suck.

[crazyman]

the molle IV ones that blackhawk sells are pretty darn good, thats what im bringin over

[Erik2a4]

As noted, it simply adds a means of versatility.

You can fully load up your pouches and kit on the FLC and wear it over the OTV while out on patrol, etc. But when you get inside a vehical or simply do not need all your heavy kit at your immediate disposal, but still want the BA for it's protection, you can dump the FLC and lighten your load and become more comfortable and manuverable inside the confines of a vehical.

However, as I'm sure you have seen, many guys prefer to just attach their pouches to the OTV instead. It is a more simple solution and less bulky than wearing two rigs at once. Its a trade-off either way.

Yup. You have more pouches with the FLC or other vest than just using the IBA webbing. Also, getting in and out of vehicles is a pain in the ass with the pouches...

...learned that the hard way when attached to 1/3 ACR. Was standing in the turret of a Bradley when I had to get down quickly...and...I...got...stuck...

The downside? If you end up in a canal, getting out of your FLC over your IBA is a touch proposition in the back of a Humvee...it has happened several times...

Needless to say, I've I ever work with heavies again, I'll use my FLC on the outside, but there's always a trade-off.

[rokdoc]

You will get several types of improved magazine pouches in Kuwait from RFI.

[crazyman]

nothin against RFI, but i didnt want to wait til i was in kuwait to replace the molle II ones. rather buy **** and not need it then the opposite. by the time we go through RFI in kuwait...well **** i'll be in mosul the day after, 2 days later tops, so its too late to do anything by then

[rokdoc]

Exactly. You can always trade it to someone else that didn't plan ahead.