How To Set Up Your Plate Carrier?

Plate carriers are widely used by the military personnel, law enforcement officials and civilians in risky jobs, who carry a sense of urgency and personal responsibility. Each plate carrier's shape depends on how the owner wishes to set it up. Although the plate carriers can be set up per the wearer's choice, there are some rules that the wearer should adhere to. So if you plan to order a plate carrier in the UK, here are some rules you should stick to while setting them up.

Know the rules

The first thing to pay attention to is the fit of the body armour. This should be done before the pouches are incorporated. The current rules for setting up plate carriers focus on the end user's performance, and there is little room for experimentation. There are certain rules that cannot be broken, but trends may shift depending on the use. When you order a plate carrier in the UK, you should remember that your supreme priority is the proper fit of the plate. Level III, VI and Special Threat Plates are designed to stop a specific set of projectiles. They give the wearer a distinct but limited advantage in a violent encounter by protecting the heart and lungs. The front plate of the carrier should be able to roughly ride from the centre notch of the collar bone and cover down to the base of the rib cage. The top edge of the plate may sit with the tops of the shoulder blades. A perfectly suitable plate carrier will keep the plates secure when moving, running, climbing or diving for cover. The wearer should ensure the shoulder straps are adjusted to the set height. If the plates jostle and bounce rapidly, they will wear out the bearer and pose a risk of injury when climbing. A slightly tighter cummerbund can reduce the pressure which rests on the shoulders. 

Proper loadout

Loaded pouches should ride as close to the wearer's body as possible. The gear can be divided into four main categories, as discussed below. You also have the opportunity to choose between a variety of equipment manufacturers for mixing and matching to determine the perfect fit for you. 

Ammunition

In recent years, magazines are typically carried on the plate carrier to the belt, with many preferring reloading off the belt first. Fresh mags are shifted first to the speed pouch as the magazines are expended. This helps the wearer to go straight to their fastest mag in an emergency. Those worn on the front of the carrier should only double up in specific circumstances. 

Medical

Personal medical gear is often stowed on the belt. If you can choose for yourself where a personal first kit will be integrated, you can pick a location that is accessible by both hands in case there is a disabling injury. Tourniquets should be distributed across the body from where both hands can access them. Though individual preferences may vary, at least one tourniquet should be attached to the carrier, even if worn with a duty belt. This will ensure access to a medical kit even if the belt is lost or you do not have time to put it on. There have been various forms of danglers developed that can help accomplish this. However, many others opt to use breakable rubber bands or shock chords.

Admin

In modern plate carriers, the top section keeps gear like Juggernaut cases or KAGWERKS. This gives excellent access to information with programs like ATAK. The top space of plate carriers was previously reserved for an admin pouch with maps, spare batteries, pens and other miscellaneous items. Remember that even using a chest-mounted computer, you should have a dedicated admin pouch if it is not designated on the uniform. This will take one step out of putting your gear, thus saving time and making it easier for the wearer to keep stocked up.

A difficult decision to make is the placement of the radio. Though they could be accessed easier if carried on the front, it may not be ideal. If carried on the back, it would be out of the wearer's way and may also force them to depend on a teammate to access it, especially if the battery needs to be changed or the frequency is lost. However, the most common location for integrating a PPT connecting a radio to communications capable headset has remained the front side of the plate carrier since it is the non-dominant side and allows easy access while keeping a finger on the trigger of a firearm. Talking about the back of the plate carrier, if it is kept empty, something will fill it, quickly adding weight and bulk. For those preparing for a longer operation or carrying larger gear, you may opt for a full backpack worn over the plate carrier. Or you may even attach a water bladder at the back.

Final thoughts

Setting up a plate carrier is a highly personal process. It requires a bit of fair thinking to acknowledge the process. Remember that responsible owners will be honest about their capabilities. The only difficulty most people face with this kind of equipment is much like a permit to carry.