Putting the Word Out

 

Submitted by Eric Daniel

Recently, my unit transitioned to the ASIP radio.  While this is all good and well, it has created something of a situation.  Prior to the ASIP we were using the stock SINCGARS which, in turn, were essentially the same size as the old PRC-77s we used to use, so, out in the field, we were able to use the same radio packs and frames for hauling the radios around. 

Obviously, the ASIP changed all that.  The ASIP is a fraction of the size of the SINCGARS and its size doesn’t really justify putting it in a dedicated backpack-style mount.  Moreover, there was no longer any real reason to have a dedicated RTO to carry the radio; the radio was now small enough that the leader could just carry the radio as part of his regular kit.

The problem here is where to put it?  Now, I’m a big fan of surplus gear because there always seems to be something out there, from a previous period, to do a job you need doing.  In this case, the job I needed done was finding a means of securing the radio to my MOLLE compatible assault vest.  Unfortunately, I seem to have struck out.  After searching high and low, far and wide, in this army and many others, I haven’t been able to find a surplus bag for the ASIP.  The only, and I mean only, MOLLE compatible pouch I’ve seen for the ASIP is the Blackhawk S.T.R.I.K.E. ASIP pouch.  Now the Blackhawk bag seems like just the thing I was looking for, but it’s also $70-80, and I wanted to be good and sure this was my only option before I considered buying one.

So the question for all of you who have gone before with the ASIP radio is, are there any alternatives (one other option is I bury the radio in my camelback, but I’d prefer to be able to access the faceplate) to the Blackhawk pouch for transporting the radio, and if so, what are they?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Comments

[Snowman]

Eric:

If you need it, I'll buy it for you. Just send me an email. Freaking ridiculous that you'd have to dig into your pocket to buy this.

Snowman

[scoutxlt]

While I completely agree with Snowman, and would purchase the item for you too... The Jokers upstream really need to get their heads out of their six, and spec this with the right kit for your needs... and I'm not talking a cardboard box!

[Devilfox]

There are couple other options I found.

One is on website called Supply Captain, they have 'DUAL HYDRATION SYSTEM/PRC 119F RADIO CARRYING POUCH' that can carry an ASIP. Price is tad steep however $129 or so. But can carry few other things too.

Second option in on website, Kifaru Net. They carry 'Radio Pouch' that hangs internally for the older 119s. I am sure if you contact them and ask, they can adjust the width. Price is alot more reasonable around $29. Only catch is, its an internal mount on backpack. Which honestly in the course of things ain't too bad.

[alex smalley]

check out tactical assault gear they make a bunch of gear and are usually cheaper than blackhawk if they dont have a product that fits your needs. then they will work with you for developing it.

[Mech 1]

What is going on? Since when did our military personnel have to buy their own equipment? It dam sure wasn't that way during Korea or Vienam. We were issued whatever we requested and or needed.
Somebody please explain this to me. Has the U.S. gotten so bad that our military now have to furnidh their own gear? What's next, will they have to furnish their own uniforms too?
What a disgrace!!

[Mike]

seems that it'd be the size of an old "butt-pack". All you need then is a shoulder strap and you got one fine ol' radio bag. cheap, too...

[steelcobra]

Mech 1: It's not so much we need to, but that most of the time we can rig our kits to suit our needs better that way. And we get clothing replacement allowance, so we do have to buy them on our own...

As for the original post, you might want to try to get these if you need to access the controls; a remote control handmic.
5895-01-432-8370

[alexander]

yes we do have to buy alot of our gear. and our allowance come on it barley buys an acu top let alone a top bottom shirt socks the clothing alowance is a joke and the acus are too they stain and tear so easy im active duty scout and its a pain to replace these things

[Alex]

This is what I did: I found a sustainment pouch that goes on a MOLLE alice pack. The radio fits in it just fine. I just attached that to my FLC. And it didnt cost anything. Besides, the Molle has two on it.

[barber13f]

This pouch sucks, it digs into your arms and doesnt fit over PPE very well. They tear up very fast and while the MOLLE pouches are a great thing to be able to put on you end up with a monster that is a bitch to carry around by the time you get done throwing mission essential items on the thing. Look into the camelbak transformer, it is a very comfortable pack and has room for extra batteries, hand mic's, and whips along with any other shit you put in there. My RTO was able to keep 2 batteries a soft or hard whip, an IZLD and an extra Mic. The outside pouch has enough room to shove in extra maps 3x5 cards and map markers. I would recommend this pack to anyone that has to carry an ASIP for an extended period of time. It's alittle more expensive but it lasted my team 15 months of humping through the Euphrates river Valley.