For this week’s edition of FirstSpear Friday Focus, we’ll be taking a look at the First On.
The First On is a plate carrier designed specifically for those first to the scene. It goes on quickly over duty soft armor and clothing, featuring two integrated 5.56 magazine pouches and a radio pouch for limited weight and bulk, as well as FirstSpear’s Tubes closure system for speedy donning and doffing. Velcro loop on the front and back allow for the attachment of identification.
Available in Black and Ranger Green. The First On is a great value for those who need a straight forward plate carrier with basic pockets.
www.first-spear.com/product.php?productid=17714
Tags: First Spear
Nice simple and effective rig, but I wouldn’t expect any less from FS. As for an active shooter type rig though, I feel this would be more beneficial with a trauma kit in place of the radio pouch. I can see it useful for someone who shows up not already carrying a radio, but not for a regular patrol officer. Having worked as an LEO, I would not be taking my radio off my belt and placing it on the vest.
The thinking behind the radio in front is (a) in an active shooter response you’re gonna be working on your field tac channel, your agency’s ground, air and SWAT channel(s), your EMS’s channel(s) and likely as not, allied agencies’ channel(s). Yeah, train to work by touch but it’s nice to see the knob or display; (b) in addition to swapping channels you’re gonna be wanting to adjust your volume in the “new” paradigm of “first on, first in” as you clear your way to the bad guy; (c) a radio on the hip can affect your ability to get small if you do find yourself in contact and need to move behind marginal cover; (d) if you want that trauma kit, have at it. ATS and SOE sell foldout kits that fit in a radio-sized pouch.