Phillis:

allright girls--we're gonna have to "third" the brain--that's EXACTLY what I thought at first too!!!  LOL!!!

Me, too!!  Wouldn't they get a laugh if they got a care package of those??  We are clueless girls!!!!!

Good idea Marilyn,  I knew there was another thread somewhere but I was in a hurry and when I glanced thru didn't see it, but knew the KOP junkies would want to get right on this.  Good to keep us organized!     I just ordered 2 in ACU from the site the 2LT gave.  .

Can't believe they don't provide these!  Anita

Nana Nita:

Good idea Marilyn,  I knew there was another thread somewhere but I was in a hurry and when I glanced thru didn't see it, but knew the KOP junkies would want to get right on this.  Good to keep us organized!     I just ordered 2 in ACU from the site the 2LT gave.  .

Can't believe they don't provide these!  Anita

Thanks, Anita!  Actually, I believe (not certain, mind you!) -- but I believe they do provide these.  But when I looked at the site LT Rodriguez provided, that particular vest only weighs 2.1 pounds -- far lighter that the Army-issued, I'm thinkin' -- and as JoCee pointed out, in that terrain, any lightening of the load our guys have to carry is a blessing. 

I'm hoping we're learn more as the LT receives our inquiries and items, and gets back to us --

--Marilyn

• 2 Coyote Brown ordered – Lilly   
• 2 ACU ordered – joCee  
• 1 ACU ordered – AS Junkie       
• 2 ACU ordered – Nana Nita / Anita         
• 2 searching ? – Old Nurse Ruth            

Lilly has offered to organize any group effort.  Please PM her if you would like to contribute funds for this.

Here are links to other sources that seem to have the same thing - US Cav uses their own SKU numbers so I can't be 100% certain but some pictures are the same down to the tatoos on the model – please note that I have not done business with these companies before so this is not a recommendation, just search results:

• Recon Tactical
• Navy Seals
• Tactical Store
• Gear Zone
• OPTactical

JoCee,

I have never done business with USCav before so thanks for the info on checking shipping status, etc.  and I appreciate the alternate sites to order these plate carriers, too.

I will look up SGT Crane, since 9 are heading to 2LT Rodriguez already, maybe my next 2 next month should go to SGT Crane.

I just sent the order in for 2 ACU ones to be sent to 2LT Rodriguez from US Cav.  It said they were in stock.

Junkies -- another contact just posted requesting tactical & mountain gear -- SSG Kristopher D. Carroll (U.S. Army/Afghanistan) 20 males/no females.  His post is VERY informative -- lots of detail, color recommendations, website suggestions, and even a brief explanation !!!! 

"We have just started our tour and we were issued good equipment but not for our operating area."

--Marilyn

I've matched US Cav's NSN number 8470-01-517-6329 to part number 37CL33AU (for the ACU pattern, CT is the Coyote Tan), so these are the same thing.  Searching on the part number revealed that these can be ordered through Amazon  for much less than US Cav (but no SuperSaver shipping, alas).  If you order through Amazon, don't forget to use the link from the 'Sales and Donations' tab, Other Ways you can help' section.  Opticsplanet.com is the Amazon partner.  If you order directly from them, shipping is free to APO/FPOs for orders over $30. They carry the Blackhawk Strike plate carrier and CamelBak ThermoBak Omega and Mule, all available in ACU, but I have never done business with them before today.

LA Police Gear also carries this.  They still link to Any Soldier but no longer seem to offer the 10% discount and Any Soldier no longer has a link to their website.  I purchased a lot from them last year with no problems but others have reported problems with eternal backorder.  Extreme Outfitters carries the 37CL33CT. I've been very happy with their service and I think they still have an Any Soldier discount.

A friend of mine has also made a commitment of 4 plate carriers for 2LT Rodriguez, which brings us to 13.  Please note that he thought I was talking about paper plate holders at first and wanted to just send a few cases of Chinet.

Well I can see I'm going to be busy fundraising all summer!  I already had 3 large groups and one PFC of new arrivals, but can't turn away from SSg Carrol!    Gosh I can't believe after all the 173rd went thru the 'brass' didn't take that into account when they issued equipment!  I think they need a woman in charge!    Wish the Army had the equivalent of MOTOMAIL to be able to get in touch quickly with the new guys to coordinate what is needed.  Guess if they get too many of something they can pass it on to another group. 

JO CEE  have you been in touch with 2Lt Rodrigues, or were you being funny about the paper plate holders?  You and Shelly are so knowledgable about all these things, thanks for helping us help our guys/gals.

Anita

They're starting off with better than what the 173rd did and they're getting signed up on here right away (apparently at the suggestion of those they are replacing). They're not being shy about asking for what they need, so I'm considering this all a blessing. (Maybe I'm just too tired to ask why anymore).

I haven't had direct contact with 2Lt Rodriguez. His first package from me is probably still 2 weeks away from reaching him. At Marilyn's suggestion, I had asked Marty to request that he send an update with clarification and/or link to the item he needed. That update, with a little research, is where all the vendors and part numbers came from.

I've been talking to everyone who's willing to listen about this. My very best friend, who has frequently helped with purchasing tactical gear, really did think I was talking about paper plate holders.  So, it's not a gender related thing.  I think it's more like wishful thinking.  I would be surprised if the LT doesn't get a case of them.

JoCee,

Thanks for the alternate sources for the plate carriers.  I looked at opticsplanet.com and the Blackhawk plate carriers were on sale, $105.95 each with free shipping to APO/FPO addresses.  I ordered 2 for SGT Matthew Crane.  Next month after the 15th, I will order 2 for SSG Kristopher Carroll.  We will get these guys taken care of!!

Well, JoCee, I won't be the one sending a case of paper plate holders...But would love still to see the guys laugh.  Laughter is such good medicine.

If and when we get them all the plate carriers they need, we have got to send them a few paper plate holders (if they haven't gotten them elsewhere).

Lilly & JoCee, thanks for the tips on opticsplanet, gosh what I would have saved on two there would almost have purchased a third one.   Can't resist a bargain so will go there and order a cpl for Sgt Crane as well. 

Has anyone shopped for the best price on a 'gillie suit'?    I think that's the way he spelled it.  Hopefully I will have time tonight to go 'shopping', sounded like that was a high priority item for SSG Carroll.

Anita

Anita,

Search on 'Ghillie'

I've heard vague rumors that they train snipers in some of the areas I've hiked but I've never seen one ...

I thought ghillie suits would be a piece of cake until I started looking at them. They seem to be specific to terrain and sometimes even type of movement or positioning. I've already ordered two plate carriers and two camelbaks for SSG Carroll's group (Christmas in July) so even if I knew for sure what he needed I couldn't send anything else until next month. I'm sending out a basic "Welcome to A-stan" package to him today and I'll request that he send an update with links.

jo