Product Announcement [soldierstory]1st Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment In Afghanistan - Page 11

CorranJ · #**301** (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 17:36

thanks,i though so,but wasnt really sure

silent_05 · #**302** (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 18:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by lionsol1

Nope..... There should be no morale patches worn..... Only reverse IR and call sign patches. No khaki rabbit ears and there should be a Velcro patch on top of helmet for IR strobe....like the CD ranger.

Ok I got it. My custom has the green rabbit ears. I posted it on here a while bak ago. When I get this one and he CD ill post it up again.

hqpham · #**303** (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 18:55

Thanks for sharing pics of your helmet and knowledge lionsol1! Much appreciated. Very cool helmet. Just to confirm..rabbit ears are the goggle retention straps on the back of the ACH right?

major.rod · #**304** (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 23:19

Lion - Very cool helmet and thanks for sharing the helmet pics. Isn't the velcro on the side optional or is that a 1st BN specific thing? Most I've seen with the velcro are guys that prefer to wear goggles and cut the straps to sew velcro on as opposed to getting that whole strap around their helmet.

I ask because the helmets I've seen here have names there where you have the velcro placed.

Most guys here (Reg't, 3rd BN, STB, RRC) place the velcro lower (on the part that actually covers the ear) or leave enough room to write their name in 1" block letters.

silent_05 · #**305** (**permalink**) 10-21-2011, 23:45

Awesome info and pics Rod. Kinda reminds me of the "cat eyes" on PCs.

major.rod · #**306** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 00:13

Mattboy - its not that bad unless you are trying to represent the AVERAGE ranger in regiment. Like I said plate carriers seem to be preferred but once you put kit on RBAs it gets pretty hard to tell the difference. Lion seems to be a pretty good source, I'd trust him (I believe he's got time in BN and somewhere in this 11 page thread vaugely remember him saying he's seen BAE vests). I just wanted to share the best info possible for those that care.

barfly - yep, there are pictures of Rangers wearing the RBAV but I've yet to see one of the BAE specific body armor or an explanation on how to differentiate between the Eagle and BAE vests. Heck, I can't unless they are sitting next to each other.

I'm just passing on what the guys who would know best told me, period.

LOL!

ArtDamage · #**307** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 00:20

Really appreciate the info major rod and lion. Really looking forward to putting together a ranger when I get my set.

CorranJ · #**308** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 01:08

When you say BAE and Eagle vests,are you referring to the SS Ranger vest and the CD Ranger vest?

Or the CD Ranger vest and the SS 10th SFG exclusive vest?Those 2 are almost identical except for an integral front pocket on the fron of the plate carrier.

hqpham · #**309** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 08:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by CorranJ

When you say BAE and Eagle vests,are you referring to the SS Ranger vest and the CD Ranger vest?

Or the CD Ranger vest and the SS 10th SFG exclusive vest?Those 2 are almost identical except for an integral front pocket on the fron of the plate carrier.

Thats right...that vest exists too and is pretty much the original 10th SFG release version one except in Ranger green. And that is like the CD Ranger one.

debauch · #**310** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 08:40

This literally just landed at my door. I haven't had a chance to open it up yet, but looks like a really nice figure. I'll just have to dig up a balaclava to cover that goatee.

beachfly · #**311** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 09:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by major.rod

I'm just passing on what the guys who would know best told me, period.

I know, and I appreciate that. But... when we I see Glocks and RBAVs in pictures, it means that they are using Glocks and RBAVs.

BAE apparently has a contract that essentially calls for the replacement of the SPEAR BALCS system (the CIRAS). Eagle makes the CIRAS. This covers more than just Rangers.

From what I have read (and yes, your sources are more valuable than mine) there is another EAGLE vest used by Rangers and that is the Eagle Plate Carrier (maybe called EPC), which is the like SS 10th SFG figure.

The most recent adaptation of this is called the "MBAV," which is the EPC with a cummerbund and soft armor sewn in. Like this: Eagle Industries SFLCS Issue MBAV Plate Carrier with Cummerbund | Danneskjold Holdings

Looking at my ridiculous collection of pictures (mostly 2009-2010, some early ones still with ACUs), this seems to be the most common armor used by Rangers (and it is always RG, with recent photos showing it in MJK).

The Crazy Dummy Ranger comes with a RLCS kit that includes an MBSS plate carrier. This looks very, very similar to the EPC (EPC is larger/more triangular). The MBSS should be recognizable without the cummerbund, or when viewed from inside (CorranJ's pics).

So, the Eagle CIRAS is being phased out by the BAE RBAV, and then there are also the options of the Eagle-based MBAV or RLCS with MBSS, which looks almost exactly like MBAV.

Again, this is simply what I have found trolling the internet. It comes from speculation based on photographic evidence, and I could be wrong in many places. Major.rod and lionsol1 obviously have primary/secondary sources that are to be held with greater value than my speculations. I guess I am sort of the NYT to Major.rod's Fox News.

CorranJ · #**312** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 12:08

OK now Im confused....The difference cant be told between the vest that comes with the CD Ranger and the SS Ranger's vests?

major.rod · #**313** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 12:51

Corran - I'm talking about the real stuff. The 1:6 stuff is made by elves in China and if you look long and hard enough are bound to find inaccuracies with the real stuff (e.g. besides the pocket for the SAPI plate which I believe is in the bottom, BAE vests don't have a pocket in front though there may be a quick release to drop plates or ditch the whole ensemble, handy in a fire or water).

Folks are posting pictures and stating the vest is a BAE vest. I'm trying to expand my knowledge base and be able to recognize a BAE vs. an Eagle vest by sight. Important for historical accuracy, unimportant and likely annoying to those not interested in being true to history and are going for the "cool" look.

beachfly - (sorry about "barfly", TOTALLY misread your handle, I know NOTHING about your drinking habits) There's a plethora of vest makers out there. Many of the vests look VERY similar. For the last decade I've been following Ranger kit because of my last position in developing future Infantry for the Army and later because it's a business demand.

Random Observation, Rangers tend to like Eagle and have the money to get whatever they want.

With VERY FEW exceptions Ranger Reg't vests are unique to regiment. I relearned this to my great chagrin in doing the 3rd BN's historical display. EVERY vest I had to procure for the life size mannequins was unique (Somalia, '03 Iraq and the current plate carrier) to the reg't. I understand folks trying to match what they see in pictures to what's generally available using the internet as a reference. I've found there are little differences and the internet/generally available reading material tends to have information "holes". That's why I try and go to the source whenever possible.

Reference BAE and its use in the reg't. I've been told what I've been told. I've seen what I've seen. I've NEVER seen or heard a BAE vest mentioned by a USER except for lions (I think he said that). I'm also not arrogant enough to think I know everything and the Rangers surely don't ask my permission to field something. That said, I have pretty good sources and hate to correct myself so tend to not say something unless I'm reasonably sure its accurate.

I never said BAE has never been used by a Ranger. I've learned there are exceptions to just about every rule but I'm pretty confident based on the sources I've mentioned that BAE vests "were" not in wide distro in the regiment in Ranger Green. The same goes for Glocks. Though there are a heck of a lot more Glocks than BAE vests out there.

FTR, I've only seen ONE picture of a vest that I can tell is not an eagle vest (its the one featuring the bladder inside the back portion of a vest). That's it. Its why I've been asking how to recognize a BAE vest. Maybe I'm missing something. Maybe I'm right?

BTW, I say "were" because they aren't buying Ranger green anymore but that's a whole 'nother thread...

Hint: Invest in multicam pouches. More info to follow...

ArtDamage · #**314** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 13:09

Just curious. Any reason they lost interest in Ranger Green equipment? I've seen some fairly recent photos of rangers wearing "khaki" or "mjk" stuff.

CorranJ · #**315** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 13:27

Ok,so the confusion was in the 1/1 manufacturers of the vests...Ok I get it now.Carry on.

beachfly · #**316** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 13:51

Partially, as Eagle made the CIRAS and also makes the EPC. So if someone says Rangers are using armour made by Eagle, it can be confusing. Also, the ECP looks a lot like the MBSS-version of the RLCS, and I guess a CIRAS does not look a whole lot different from the RBAV.

The big issue is whether or not Rangers are actually using the RBAV as featured with the SS Ranger--and it looks like it is either not the case, or that it is/was being "tested" by a few (as there are pictures, however few, showing it being worn).

Matthew2388 · #**317** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 14:27

Pardon my ignorance for knowing nothing Ranger related but what color is MJK? I've been seeing this thrown around a lot with the Ranger green but I have no clue what that is...

ArtDamage · #**318** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 14:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattyBoy2388

Pardon my ignorance for knowing nothing Ranger related but what color is MJK? I've been seeing this thrown around a lot with the Ranger green but I have no clue what that is...

"Matt Johnson khaki"

Matt Johnson had a large part in designing both the CIRAS and later the RBAV. Thats why some call khaki MJK.

lionsol1 · #**319** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 16:04

There are definatlely differences with the vests. I will post pictures of them later.
The MBSS (m for marine) in the RLCS kit is the RBSS (r for ranger). The one that came with the 10th mnt is the civie or law inforcement version which has the storage pocket on the front. Now anytime a system is introduced with a sewn pouch or pocket tends to sag.... IE the incorperated hydro portion on the BAE RBAV. Also it's is a little bigger in the cut over all. Really high under the armpits , front and back which makes it hotter. The eagle RBSS or the MBAV in a small fits closer and is a slimmer profile which makes it easier to run around in. Also makes it more mobile to squeeze into tighter spots.
Like I said I will post pics of the RBSS and MBAV later. If it were me I would switch out the SS RBAV to the CD RBSS with toy soldier or HT RLCS pouches.I'm working on a 1/6 RBSS now in a better shade of RG.

major.rod · #**320** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 19:40

Lion - That clears up a lot. Pictures IDing the differences between Eagle's and BAEs vest will be helpful to all but especially me. Looking forward to it.

Which 10th Mtn figure you talking about? BBI's w/the zipper, HT in ACU, another? I don't remember a pocket in front on either one. Just tell me and I'll look it up myself.

Love the TS and HT ranger green pouches.

Beachfly - Big differences between body armor solutions and plate carriers. The bulk is easily discernable. (In reality body armor provides more protection against spalling by SAPI plates than plate carriers)

Matt - Don't feel bad. I never heard of MJK either. Its a phenomenon I've noticed where those who really like kit know the names and nomenclature better than those using the stuff. For the longest time I would ask soldiers just back from a tour if they ran a PAC4 or PEQ2 and they'd just look at me. Same for the M68. The troops just called them a CCO. Heck, some didn't know what CCO stood for. Just goes to show sometimes who the accuracy nazis really are? LOL

CorranJ · #**321** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 19:47

I think he meant the Soldier Story 10th Special Forces figure

lionsol1 · #**322** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 19:59

Yup.... Sorry that's what I meant the SS 10th sf mnt figure. Also I don't have a Bae RBAV. Just the RBSS with cummerbund and MBAV in RG and khaki. Maybe some pics of odds and ends like boots and stuff.

beachfly · #**323** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 20:13

The EPC... a plate carrier made by Eagle Industries and the SS 10th SF's vest), is now in use with the Rangers (again, because there are pictures of it). It was made for civilian use (I think that means it didn't win any contracts with the military upon release). The setup looks extremely similar to the RBSS-based RLCS kit (I said MBSS because most people recognize that due to its popularity with SEALs).

Lionsol1 is going to provide us with pictures of the RLCS setup that is the mainstay of Ranger armor.

Now, Eagle CIRAS vs. BAE RBAV...

RBAV: http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u...front-left.jpg

CIRAS (land variant): https://www.wiskurtactical.com/images/P/CIRAS.jpg

Aside from the aforementioned sagging bladder, another noticeable difference is the RBAV's rounded slope down from the front plate to where the cummerbund joins in. The CIRAS is pretty much square here, and it also has that elastic-strap thing (directly right of the pistol mag holders).

CorranJ · #**324** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 20:41

That RBAV looks sick!!!

silent_05 · #**325** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 20:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by lionsol1

There are definatlely differences with the vests. I will post pictures of them later.
The MBSS (m for marine) in the RLCS kit is the RBSS (r for ranger). The one that came with the 10th mnt is the civie or law inforcement version which has the storage pocket on the front. Now anytime a system is introduced with a sewn pouch or pocket tends to sag.... IE the incorperated hydro portion on the BAE RBAV. Also it's is a little bigger in the cut over all. Really high under the armpits , front and back which makes it hotter. The eagle RBSS or the MBAV in a small fits closer and is a slimmer profile which makes it easier to run around in. Also makes it more mobile to squeeze into tighter spots.
Like I said I will post pics of the RBSS and MBAV later. If it were me I would switch out the SS RBAV to the CD RBSS with toy soldier or HT RLCS pouches.I'm working on a 1/6 RBSS now in a better shade of RG.

I love the HT and TS RLCS. Now we have saw RLCS pouches (I didn't like the PH ones).

My Ranger mixed with TS and HT pouches
"Follow Me and do as I do"-Ranger squad leader (warning big pics)

major.rod · #**326** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 20:55

Lion - No BAE vest? With all the back and forth I mistakenly thought you said the BAE manufactured vest was in use. What you actually said was...

Quote:

Well SS managed to get some stuff right but man that rig is wrong! They had it right with the singapore exclusive ....what happened!

LOL, I find that funny. You actually said it was "wrong" and I've been taking all kinds of heat for saying its not a common issue vest. Don't know why but I think that's hilarious! Man, retired six years and I'm still a s%$# magnet!

I'm confused and a little bummed that you won't be sharing the BAE vest. Well not really. Still be cool to see the rest of your kit but now I won't be able to clarify with my contacts at Reg't what's the deal with the BAE vest that so many here have been trying to convince me is being issued to Rangers and I said way back on page 4 I never saw it.

lionsol1 · #**327** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 23:16

Major....me and my buddy out of 1st BN a year now were floored when this figure was shown with BAE RBAV. Some guys wore it but later dumped it. It was and I think is the exception to the rule. All or the majority of the guys wore the RBSS w cummerbund and soon after the MBAV or PCG w cummerbund (soft armor sewn in). EPC is just the Eagle Plate Carrier(civie version).Personal choice actually but the RBSS is more streamlined. Everything now like the Hugger vest is getting more compact. People will believe what they wanna believe. Just cuz one guy has it does not mean all do and if so will learn.... that it didn't or doesn't work. Why soldier story picked this vest is beyond me it's not wrong but it's not or was the norm. I'll post pictures tmrrw.

saiko · #**328** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 23:32

So which Ranger should I buy? CD's?

My head spins with all the new high speed stuff. The only thing I could follow was Ranger Green.
And now there's MJK.

But thank you all for the information supplied, particularly the above posters and primary sources in addition to the unnamed 1/6th knowledgeable.
I do enjoy this learning, I think it keeps me in 1/6.

My leg also hurts but that's unrelated.

CorranJ · #**329** (**permalink**) 10-22-2011, 23:32

SS picked this vest and the ALICE frame and Rabbit because Ben,the guy who usually designs the figures wanted to.Simple and plain,its been proven that A Ranger somewhere at some time was wearing a RBAV.A Ranger.Not ALL Rangers,just one,maybe 2.....Lets just be glad we have a Ranger or 2,and choices to choose from as far as gear to customize them with.

gunm · #**330** (**permalink**) 10-23-2011, 00:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by saiko

So which Ranger should I buy? CD's?

Get both!