I love watching Mike from the evolution of his earlier days in the military to now, his style of speech and approach to videos has evolved and changed considerably from a very indoctrinated militaristic style of presentation to a more relaxed and laid back style that doesn't take itself as seriously.
As much as I love the new Garand Thumb, especially his becoming deadly in the mountains series, I do miss the older, straight to the business informative content.
Everyone ragging on GT for grabbing the mags constantly but nobody’s mentioning how this was 3 years ago and how much better his speaking skills have gotten since, super impressive
Honestly don't know why you don't have more views. Every video is of the highest quality and the information is no bs. Really educational and actually practically unlike a lot channels who just do stupid shit for fun
Great vid. Since you asked, would like to see extreme weather stuff-how to stay functional for combat/survival when primary threat is cold. Then extend it for on foot overnight(s)-bags, bivys, tents, etc. and how to use them effectively.
Casey Brown Layers, layers and layers have a lot of clothing layers. That's the thing I learned in the fdf (Finnish defense forces) so yeah below -40°F winters. If you're shit out of luck dig a hole in the snow and sleep there, eat pine needles and don't expose your skin to the cold if not absolutely necessary. If you fall into the water, don't panic and when you get out change quick. Crosdcountry skies are the best way to move around, not the normal ones get slmething thicker. Also if working with vehicles, keep a blowtorch ready so you can heat up the engine block, don't know how it works with civilian vehicles and all the plastics they nowadays have.
Casey Brown you won’t wear plate carriers in the extreme cold. Since you’ll need cold weather clothing you’d wear regular chest rigs or MAVs. Overheating is super easy with a PC and warming layers.
Viru Sinstall Just because it is a quality video with a large amount of solid information is no reason not to talk shit. What are you new to the intranet-webs?
That seems to be a more fitting description of yourself. Perhaps next time you could try using some constructive criticism instead of belligerently showing how offended you are by his opinions.
I would think much of the same philosophy would apply to a bolt action set up; only the specifics would change as needed. Ammo and/or mag pouches would different different. As most bolt gunners "shoot and scoot" you most likely would want to keep it light and low profile. Think first, what does a bolt gunner need, then choose the molle gear to hold that. Bad guys HATE snipers! I'm sure an entire video could be devoted to the sniper load out. Set-ups for precision bolt gun work typically don't require a lot of ammo.
i love how he doesn't argue...he just post the human anatomy and a cut out of the Sapi plate. he must have been a one page power point guru....explaining things to know it alls.
I don't know man, what's the point of protecting your heart if you leave the aortic arch exposed... I don't know. I'm sure some pretty clever military doctors have worked this out so I try not to argue
I served from 03-07 and did two tours in Iraq using the interceptor body armor. At that time our command only let us use general issue gear. The most customization we were able to do was the multitools we bought. It really was a treat to get a new Gerber or Leatherman in the mail. Now I have no use for tactical gear but I cant help but watch your videos and drool over all of the more modern and far better equipment. Thanks for satisfying my itch. I will one day have the money to purchase stuff I don't need but unfortunately that time is still yet to come :( Keep it up!
Thank you, I just got my plate carrier and I wasn't super sure where to adjust it to. I work in the medical field and I would say that your logic is sound, another reason to not stack mags on your front is because it shifts the weight even further forward away from your spine. That increases your chances of suffering a back injury, as well as making you less stable on your feet.
A lot has changed from my days in the ARMY. Very good information. I know a kid that is going into the Marines. I’ve been watching your video to check out gear that maybe I can send him once he makes it through his training and will be allowed to have his own personal items. Things like knives, GPS, Socks, titanium cups, MSR stoves. During Desert Storm I had an older brother (civilian but avid backpacker) send me some cool stuff. Not things that I would necessarily Carry on a foot patrol but made life better.
Garand Thumb Hey man, quick question: I live in Canada and it's really hard to find plates at a decent price here, but I found a good deal on 8×10 plates, are those adequate protection ? I'm close to the same frame size as you. Or should I just wait and save my money and get 10×12's ?
Garand Thumb I’m finally buying some armor. I looked at the crye products. Little expensive for me. Do you recommend the spartan armor system brand over the testudo from ar500. I know I shouldn’t cheap out on armor I plan on spending $400-$500. I can’t spend too much because I need to buy another LWRCI:)
Great video Garand Thumb, very informative! I like the mantra *Stop Holes, Plug Holes, Make Holes.* Very simple way to remember what is important about setting up a PC. The clearance issue with pouches on the front is a particularly good point, I have heard stories of guys getting shot in the derriere because they could not get low enough. Another suggestion for anyone setting up a PC or any LBV is to just put it on and wear it and see how it feels. Run and jump and crawl in it if you have to. In my experience that is when you will know if a pouch set up is ideal or idiotic. _Looking cool is half the battle_
Garand...Thanks for the info...I completely changed my plate carrier and belt set-up based on your information...Appreciate you taking the time to film these.
video really helped me understand more about placement. I used to just have a shit ton of pouches everywhere. don't get me wrong they were used, just not in the right way. I had never heard of first and second line gear, but once you explained the concept it gave me a better understanding of where my more mission essential gear should go. keep up the great work man, always watching for more videos.
Just purchased my first AR a few months back. Getting into this tactical , concealed weapon lifestyle especially since Las Vegas.... your channel, by far, kicks the most ass!!!!
Fantastic video jammed packed full of useful knowledge, Thanks. I'm new to your channel after stumbling onto one of your videos & I'm glad I did stumble into here. I gotta go now, I can't wait any longer to check out all your vids & learn some new info. THANKS for your service & to ALL the other US Mil members(past, present & the fallen), you all are APPRECIATED, GREATLY.
Really enjoying this set of videos that you have been putting out the past few days. As always the quality and information is top of the line. Could you do a video on your belt or pack set up? Thanks for the great content.
Mike, I've learned more watching you in the past couple of weeks than i have in i don't know how long! Of course, if you don't look cool, what's the point . . .? Seriously, learning alot, thanks.
Love your Philosophy of Use Videos, and the fact you run a Garand is just awesome man! Maybe you could do a video on gear stacking your GEN IV Mayflower over a plate carrier or something. I'd like to see a video on Day/Assault/Patrol packs. Very professional and resented videos, and I hope there are more to come!
Very informative on the info and TTPs . I've jumped my JPC a few times on static line jumps. low profile is the key. NAPs and LEGs will never understand. - RLTW!
It was cool that this popped up on my feed after having been watching Mike for so many years. To think, all I did was revisit the "plate carrier rabbithole", and I landed here.
139 times. One hundred... thirty nine... Per my count, that’s how many times Garand Thumb touched his mags... Yes. I was bored and had some time to burn...
Very informative video. Really thought out, great information, and we'll organized. top notch video quality, I've really enjoyed the content that you have been coming out with. keep up the amazing work and I look foward to your future content.
Definitely have the tourniquet in some sort of pouch. They get worn out in direct sun, like most things. Next thing you know, you’re going to use it and it rips when you try to tighten it.
I laugh my ass off at the subtle digs at mall ninjas/airsofters you do. I like your videos I am a military vet and patrol officer now, your info adds to my own experience and give me different point of view on some items.
So I've watched some of your videos in the last couple days and have been enjoying them, but by far this has been the most straight forward one, which I really appreciated. I setup my rig in a lot of different ways and moved around as much as possible with each configuration and found that less is more at times, but still didn't feel 100% about it in the end, hence I watched this video. I also wanted to incorporate a battle belt so if I had to drop my plate carrier I'd still have some back-up gear, which proved a little challenging when crouched or going prone. In the end I left the majority of the gear on the plate carrier, figuring I'd scavenge as needed until getting to safety. I did notice there wasn't any sort of knife/cutting instrument nor spare pistol mags on your rig and am wondering why that was. Lastly, thank you for your efforts in spreading knowledge and your service.
I must use some voodoo magic with my mags facing opposite of yours. lol Hey, it works for me. I learned the hard way on my first deployment in 2003 using a chest rig that stuck out too far. It wasn't from going prone, I had to climb a wall in northern iraq in some shitty little town at night and it was a PITA.
As a goof I used my battle belt as a cummerbund looped through the straps and buckles of my minimalist plate carrier. Very supportive and sturdy but mainly fitted very well to the circumference of the vest straps and my torso, now I have a lot of molle room leading to me adding a first aide pouch and 2 extra mag pouches to my left and right sides. Adds back support because I have the back of the belt looped on the inside of my pc because; of my hydration pouch/fitted better that way. You can’t tell because of my added pouches, that it isn’t a cummerbund but technically the battle belt is just a high end cummerbund on your waist without plates/pads. The room saved because of the shape of the battle belt’s design is why I am not looking for a cummerbund, I can even add side plates and still have enough real estate to add a radio pouch etc..
"If you don't look cool, what's the point" Reminds me of what my squad leader told me when I was a PFC. "There are 3 rules in the infantry: 1. Look Cool 2. Don't get lost 3. If you get lost, look cool"
Outstanding video. I found you through Instagram recently, and have been absolutely blown away by the quality of videos/content you put out. Thank you and please keep them coming. (Current police officer/Army Reserve officer)
I’m sure other companies make it too but ar500 makes a shooters cut plate that I have in the 10x12. It allows you good space to shoulder your weapon without much hassle.
Ok this is the first video I have watched on this channel. It is very good. I got out of the US Army in 1989 so I have forgotten most of the little I knew but something about this guy makes me think he is not just an internet commando. Who is he?
I need your help. I am a SAW gunner. I struggle a lot with my kit. Every movement we do is a smoker for me. I am currently using the issue IBA and FLC. I have heart and I am trying my hardest to improve my physical readiness, but I'm still gassed after every movement. What plate carrier/set up would you suggest that would help me so I can keep up better with my team/squad? I feel like I am letting my team down and I want to be a combat multiplier, not a hindrance on my team.
Just found your channel Garand... love it. I'm guessing you're USAF SERE? I have a few friends in that AFSC. My question is, do you run your general purpose items in your uniform? Such as paracord, signaling, notebook, leather man, light, ferro rod, etc?
Your setup is very close to mine before I retired. I hated to see guys with their mags stacked out 2 and 3 deep, or in the issued sideways mag carriers strapped to the front. Your video was very well done!
Very useful advice! Thanks for mentioning the lateral protection, because that (in my opinion) is an essential area to protect. Is the module option just as effective as a carrier which includes built-in lateral plate pockets?
Depends..The add on side plate pouches will work just as well for running hard side plate armor as a carrier with a cummerbund designed with pockets for hard plates. However.. a lot of the carriers that comes with cumberbunds designed for armor also have large pockets that cover the entire cumberbund meant for running soft armor panels. If your just planning on running hard side plates which is most likely what you’d wanna do , the add on side plate pockets will work just as well. However you would get a lot more protection for fragmentation with the soft armor/ side plate combo on the carriers that comes with armor capable cumberbunds .
Differences in velcro on the sleeves, height of the colar, general fit, color of the shirt material, pocket size. I'll have to do a comparison video to note all of the differences. I like both equally.
Thanks Yes please do a comparison review. Also as a SERE instructor I would love to see your EDC carries for urban permissive and rural non permissive environments.
Another great review. I bought the HSG war belt and tacos, cause of you, and im very happy. my metal 308 mags get a little stuck so i am going to upgrade to a more dynamic mag. I also got the safari locking holster, as you recommend, ..again very happy. SO NOW i am looking at this crye 2.0 vest. Your knowledge is key.
i have a plate carrier setup and it is a 10x 12 plate holding carrier. The only thing is that the buckle for the shoulder straps interferes with my gunstock and im honestly ok with it it just can be annoying to shoulder my gun. Now i am looking for real plates and yes people are gonna be replying to me saying that i shouldn't put real level 3a plates in a vest meant for MILSIM, but i have to work with what i got. Also plate carriers to me seem over priced as shit rn like i want a 6094 but GODAM there like $550 which is highly out of my buget including $400 for 1 plate each
Soon plates will be size of a phone to protect only heart till plates r no longer necessary its better to kamikaze and die honorable death. Why wear a plate.
Thanks for the video. I never served, but I play airsoft with a bunch of current and former military and law enforcement guys. I have picked up a bunch of tricks but never had the theory behind it. Ya- airsoft so I do double stack mags like you said because well, its a game not a deployment. Keep the videos coming, they are great! Don't let the muggles get you down- trolls suck and you cared enough to put this out, I cared enough to let you know that you are doing a great job!
