As a grunt, you carry what you need for the mission, which may be alot. Past that, you have to make sure you are taken care of, which adds more gear. In this case, you will want a system like this sewn on British PLCE belt webbing, shown above, to give you ample storage space for 18 hrs worth of fighting gear. This system is designed to allow you and your team to be completely self-sufficient for about 18 hours without logistical support.
CONTENTS
The contents of the belt webbing kit shown are not exactly what I would bring with me in the case of what is in my IFAK or my canteens. However, it represents how much I am able to bring and shove in my pouches. In reality, most of the food in the pouches that don't make much noise would probably already me on my person, which makes more room for other stuff like a radio and batteries. This is a loadout used for training, which means I did my best to balance the webbing system but still have some gear I might use.
Just remember that the loadout shown is for about 18 hours of patrolling with some emergency equipment. In this loadout you can see that I have alot ao ammo on my belt kit, and little equipment, which means that I am not expecting much more that just having to find the enemy and fight during daytime. There are no grenades, radios, breaching gear, NVGs, etc. What you put on your rig can say alot about what you are planning for, if you have experience in the realm of military planning and operations.
POSSIBLE USES
Many people would look at this webbing set and think that it has very little application. However, in my experience, this set has many applications. If you are gearing up to go into combat, you will find that this setup has the potential to work across a vast array of applications from security patrols to raids. The storage space on this rig doesn't need to be topped off, but it can still be used to keep stuff on you at all times if needed. Of course, if you didn't need alot of weight on you, you could transition some of the gear into a pack that you could leave behind. Regardless, I find this webbing system to be handy and comfortable. If you need to add body armor, all that you need to do is throw the plate carrier or armor system over the top of the webbing. This is a bit reverse from what people typically think about, but I assure you, the belt webbing system will not interfere with it in any way if it is properly fitted and adjusted.
SUMMARY
The British webbing system is a piece of gear that was designed to give the infantry greater capability on their belts without needing to rely on a pack for storage. It is still being used today in many units, but it is being transitioned out due to a change in fighting and logistical advancement in which self-sufficiency is not as vital or necessary. However, for a militiaman, this kind of gear would be invaluable due to the fact that they would be limited on logistical support and would be highly likely to have to pack for emergencies since they will have to remain self-sufficient.
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