Assembling your LBE: tips for docs

LTC Thomas Garigan

See also: Packing your stuff

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Pull the rear strap on the LBE down so that the LBE stays off of your neck.

Tighten ALL LBE straps so that the web belt is at your waist, and not riding on your hips; if it's on your hips it will hinder walking.

Roll up ends of all straps, and tape over the roll:

• You want these items at 45 degrees to:
• allow room for armswing while walking,
• reduce interference with your ability to lay on your stomach or back,
• allow you to rest your arms on the magazine pouches,
• leave room for items in between.
• (You can try putting canteens more toward the rear if you want them to help hold the weight of your rucksack, but they'll be harder to reach, and leave less room for a buttpack.)

Things for your magazine pouches:

• toothbrush, toothpaste
• knife, with lanyard tied to pouch
• sunscreen
• lighter
• large magic marker (for triaging)
• camo stick
• mirror
• compass
• spare cord/shoe laces
• penlight and reflex hammer
• snack from MRE
• Spare glasses or sunglasses

TIE DOWN EVERYTHING!

Tie your canteen carriers to your web belt:

• using boot lace or parachute cord, thread the cord through the top hole in your web belt,
• then through the top ring of the clip (so you don't lose the clip),
• then down through the back of the canteen carrier (where the clip goes),
• then back up to the top of the web belt;
• tie in a square knot, then
• tie each end in another overhand knot,
• and melt the ends with a match to prevent fraying.
  

For even greater security, run the cord through the top rings of the clips so that you don't lose them, too.

FITTINGYOUR HELMET:

TAPE OVER ALL CLIPS!