Modern Minuteman - Gear List
Modern Minuteman - Gear List
Modern Minuteman - Gear List
-Rifle
*AR or AK would be the norm but any 5.56 or 7.62 semi auto would be of benefit to any group!
*7 magazines for a total of 210 rounds
-Sidearm
*3 magazines (personal preference for what you carry)
-Extra Ammo
-Weapons mounted light for rifle
-Firearm cleaning kit
-Fixed blade fighting knife
-Folding knife/Multitool
-Tomahawk/Hatchet
*I wouldn’t dismiss the utility of this item, whether as a weapon or tool for creating a shelter or
even a creative trap/diversion for the enemy...
-Shovel/Entrenching Tool
*Once again, the utility for creating a fighting position, digging a dakota fire trench, and digging a
cat hole...
-Armor
*If you plan on getting into a gunfight then I think armor is a must have, I would include a
helmet… Head protection can be anything from ballistic protection to a bump helmet, protecting
your thinking tool may be one of the most important things you do!
-Battle Belt
*1st line layer with sidearm, mag pouches for both sidearm and rifle, knife, IFAK,
flashlight/headlamp, compass, map, water, fire stick, etc….
-Chest Rig/Plate Carrier/LBE/Load Bearing Vest…
*2nd line layer with armor, additional mag pouches, comms, and water...
-Day Pack/Sling Bag/Hydration Pack
*There are styles that will attach directly to LBE’s and Chest Rigs or Plate Carriers)
-Operating Pack (30-40 Liters)
*3rd line layer(This would be for extended operations… Worn in place of the hydration carrier or
day pack. Room enough for group gear, personal gear, spare ammo, bedroll, stove, rations,
water, etc...)
*(This pack would vary in size for your use… Most packs in this catagory will have hydration
sleeves built in, compression straps for snugging it down if it isn’t filled to capacity, removeable
internal frames, MOLLE straps, plus extra compartments for organization… Military surplus is
great, plus some private companies specialize in operator style packs such as Eberlestock,
Karfu, Hill People, Tactical Tailor, Mystery Ranch, Arcteryx, etc...plus there are many “tactical”
styles on the market (Condor, Rothco,, etc..) that will definitely suit these needs!
-Communications Equipment
*Multi-band, 2-way radios would be the norm, Baofeng (All around #1), Motorola, etc...
-10 Essentials
*1st aid, knife/paracord, map/compass, fire starting equip, water, food, shelter, warm clothes,
rain gear, flashlight/headlamp…*(A Minuteman should never be without these 10 items)*
-Water/Water Treatment
*This is obviously your lifesource, 3 liters per day per person is a good rule of thumb...Hydration
bladders, collapsable water bottles, Nalgene or Klean Kanteens, take your pick! No excuse not
to have water….
*(Filters like the Sawyer mini, lifestraw, or pump style like the Katadyn Hiker or treatment options
such as iodine or chlorine tablets
-Shelter
*From a basic survival tarp, Bivy sack, space blanket to a hammock to a traditional tent, this
choice will vary on season , AO, and mission… Keep in mind, you’re not out to set up a cozy
camp and tell ghost stories… Quick setup, quick takedown, low profile and low visibility should
certainly be taken into consideration!
-Sleeping Bag/Pad
*Poncho liner, Snug sack, fleece/wool blanket, LW sleeping bag, etc… Closed cell foam pad, lg
enough to go from you hips to your shoulders. Depends on the season, AO, and mission…
-Food
*Energy bars, GORP (trail mix), nuts, jerkey, SPAM, MRE’s, dehydrated meals, etc… Easy to
eat on the go items… Avg of 2,000 calories a day is the norm so set yourself up for being able
to sustain yourself…
MISCELANEOUS GEAR
-Gear repair kit
-Personal hygeine kit
*TP, Wet wipes, sanitizer, sm pack towel, foot powder, bug repellant, sunscreen, etc…
-Chem sticks
-Flares/Strobes
-Solar Charger
-GPS
-Burner Phone
-Optics
*(I would include Binoculars, Monoculars, NVG’s, Therms, etc in this catagory…)
-Protective Eyewear
-Camo Netting
*(For hideaways, sniper veils, encampments, etc…)
-Climbing Rope, Webbing, Carabiners
*(100’ rope & 25’ of webbing for a Swiss Seat and assault line)
-Notebook/Pencil/Sharpie
*(Taking notes while on patrol, sketching enemy camps, details of movements, etc…)
CLOTHING
(This is a full overview of clothing and layers and what the “Modern Minuteman” chooses would
be based on the season, AO, and mission requisites)
-Underwear (quick dry)
-Long Underwear (Poly Pro or Merino Wool)
-Pants (This will obviously vary, depending on climate and season)
-Short Sleeve Shirt
-Long Sleeve Shirt
-Insulating layers (such as power stretch fleece tops and bottoms, LW sythetic filled pullovers
or jacket, Down jackets/parkas for extreme cold climates/conditions)
-Outerwear (Waterproof/Breathable shell jacket and pants, Soft shell technology is huge today
and is almost 100% WP and a lot more breathable than Gore-Tex, plus the fabric is much
quieter)
-Socks (Synthetic or wool with optional liners to help with blisters and foot rot)
*I’m a huge supporter of the 3 pairs of sock rule, 1 on your feet, one pair that you just had on,
and one pair to change into and you rotate!
-Gloves (Working gloves (tactical shooting gloves) that you can manipulate all your gear with
are a huge bonus, plus lightweight liners and warmer gloves/mittens (they make mitts with
trigger fingers) for colder conditions)
-Headwear (Wide brimmed Boonie hat, billed cap, Stocking cap or watch cap, and a lightweight
balaclava) (helmet is listed above with the gear)
-Footwear (Proper fitting boots are of the utmost importance, choose something with ankle
protection but are relatively lightweight! Arch support is a must, remember, your feet are
supporting not just your body weight but now an additional 30-50 plus lbs…