As far as being a kit-slut, I must be in the upper 1% of all crewmen for trying out anything that makes my life more comfortable or easier. You name it, I've probably tried it. I have tried a lot of different gloves out, because I hate having cold, wet hands. The issue gloves (IMO) all suck-ass big time. The new temperate glove (the leather CADPAT) looks pretty decent, for what it's designed for (only seen it for a brief spell). Our unit is getting it issued next week, but we're going to the field, so I'm sure every pot-washer on base will get them before we do, so we'll miss out, no doubt.
I think that if the kit follows a few basic principles, it should be whatever works, works: should look at least somewhat similar to issue kit (to avoid the high-school paintball team effect), it shouldn't just be for show or total idleness (the Hi-Tech "slippers" that were issued like candy to all the people with bad backs and knees (could be the rucksack that some of the fella's were carrying around in front of them that caused the back/knee injuries) that lasted about 3.2 seconds in the field), and for operations especially, effectiveness has to be more important than Gucci-ness (ie. non-IR defeating/resistant kit).
I personally hate the types of people who think that certain traditions have to be upheld at all costs, over the safety and long-term health concerns of their soldiers. The example I am thinking of is the (former) wearing of the black-beret for crewmen at all times. I was on a winter ex when I was a young Tpr, and our Tp WO insisted we wear our beret at all times, no matter how cold it was. Or how guys had to wear the beret when they were in Somalia vs the Tilley hat. When we did Op Grizzly, our RSM grudgingly (probably because he was ordered otherwise) "let" us wear the new CAPAT wide brim hat. I used to find it odd that we had to let everybody know that we were tankers by wearing the black beret. I suppose the 40odd ton tank didn't give it away...... Thankfully, common sense has given way, and we wear the appropriate headwear at the appropriate time.
I think that if somebody wants to squander their money on expensive kit, that's their business. I think maintaining 100% conformity for the sake of everybody looking identical is a complete garrison mentality. I think boots have to be the most important thing that a soldier wears, and we are stuck with the piece of crap that is the MkIII. We are in the 21st century, and there have been many advances in regard to footwear design, so my take on the footwear issue is this: if somebody wants to spend $300 on a pair of boots, let them. As long as it follows the basic guidelines, who cares?!?!? The same people who wear 8 year old velcro closed running shoes to PT will refuse to buy the better boots available, use the MkIII's for their whole career, and then wonder why they have screwed backs and knees. Let the people who want to look after their health and bodies do so (at their own expense, or have a boot allowance). If I knew I didn't have to jump through hoops or have to justify to a MO or a SSM why I want the best Corcoran, Matterhorn, Danner, etc boots, I would go out tomorrow and buy them. But I know that somebody will be jealous that I have enough money free to do this, and whinge, and it would be back to the MkIII (just to clarify, I have worn MkIII's my whole career, with the exception of having orthotics in them, and resoled with Vibrams (one pair) and just recently, after trying to get issued a new pair to get resoled, and being told that they don't have my size, and if they did, I wouldn't get them because they are restricted for Ops only. I was then given a "chit", if you will, to go to a local outfitter, and given a choice of a few boots, and got Goretex Matterhorns. Personally, I would have gone for the Corcoran's (not authorized, however), but you can't look a gift horse in the mouth).
As for the leading by example issue, maybe I'm a piss-poor leader, and disloyal, but I think that if I have to wait for some of my soldiers to get good gear, who would rather squander their money on VLT's, cigarettes, and/or pissing it up against a wall before I can go out to get Gucci kit that makes my life easier and/or more comfortable, I guess I'm a shite example for my soldiers. But I'll have dry, blister free feet, someone useful knees, comfy hands, a dry FMP (the CADPAT CP FMP cover looks pretty lame, but it's waterproof, and if you like writing on a wet FMP, fill your boots), and be somewhat organized. I've given up on waiting for the army to provide what I consider the basics (I woulda/coulda/shoulda bought Matterhorns and a Stealth Suit when I was a young soldier, but was worried about the whims of my various SSM's who would alternately OK or veto non-issue gear depending on their moods. Though to be fair, the CTS program, for the most part, has been very good to excellent (I really like the small pack, and I'm glad I didn't buy the CP version, which pales in comparison). My only complaint is the length of time, and seemingly erratic method of issue. I realize it takes time to produce 60,000 to 100,000 (or whatever the number is) of anything, but somebody has to come up with a sensible priority of issue. 2RCR hasn't been issued the CADPAT goretex jacket, but I've seen DP1's wearing it. And when my wife went to Afghanistan (Op Apollo), they wouldn't issue her a Gerber, because it was only issue for people getting in. When she got in, it was the C5, but the brainiacs behind the counter couldn't figure out that she hadn't ever been issued one (Gerber). So she had to buy one on her own dime.
Anyway, there it is.....
Al
