What started as providing security for humanitarian aid vehicles on their way to the front, my time in Ukraine has had many twists and turns. From training to “volunteer efforts”, I needed something with the flexibility to go from slick to full combat loads. Enter the Crye LVMBAV.
Light and packable, the MBAV is made of a 4 way stretch material that allows me to cinch the vest down to a minimal profile whether slick or jocked up. That minimal profile is essential for Ukraine and makes a huge difference when quickly getting in and out of vehicles/damaged buildings.
Plussing up an MBAV is as easy as attaching an AXL Advanced Adaptive Placard. I have three or four of these with unique set ups at any given time depending on where I am based. The placard hooks into/out off mounting interfaces on the MBAV so changing from one to another or going completely slick takes a matter of seconds.
Centerline front, the Shaw Concepts 3-Magazine Elastic 556 Placard is the best fit for my day to day. The elastic cells reliably retains magazines, without flaps or bungie. When empty, the pouches completely collapse. Having an integral TQ holder and the ability to molle a large admin onto the front of the placard is also preferable to layering a number of Velcro backed pouches and adding unwanted bulk on the front of the vest.
Below the Shaw, I keep a groin protector and a Platatac ASAD. The Platatac is perfect for “overflow” items, like pick ups(items found or given) or empty magazines, etc. I sometimes run these on my belt but I’ve found it’s easier to stow/unstow this pouch when mounted up front over the groin protector.
The groin protector itself has Ukrainian made soft armor that is based off of the Russian GOST system as well as an upside down shooters cut Hesco L210 size small. No idea who makes it, but this particular groin protector and the Hesco plate are a perfect fit (not sure how many beers deep I was in the kit room when I figured it out but there you have it).
On the sides, I prefer a Crye Stretch Cummerbund. Even loaded up, I can run the sides tight to my body without sacrificing movement or breathing. I typically run a magazine and radio in the forward cells, and then a water bottle and magnet for shotguns or other tools in others.
If the Crye Stretch is not available, their JTAC cummerbund will do. While not as dynamic, the JTAC cummerbund supports a hard 6×6 plate and a 6×9 soft armor panel. While not always available, running PPE on the side is a must for work in contested areas.
On my left, I also run a Titan Retention system. A ratcheting system, the Titan can accommodate any number of different tool/weapons that you may come across. It’s also nice if I have to climb or work anything/anyone that requires both hands without having a rifle constantly getting hung up on the environment or other people.
While “green” comms are not a constant, the Silynx Clarus PTT has been a winner over multiple trips. It supports easy control of dual comm systems without creating a tangle of cables and devices. The lapel clips also attach to the AXL placard seamlessly.
Finally, in back, I have a Ferro Concepts Roll 1 pouch. Wearing a plate carrier inside of a vehicle with no lower back support wears on you even after a short period of time so I was super happy when this was first announced. In the field, I cut out a portion of the Velcro interface used to attach it to the carrier so I can rip the entire IFAK off my back versus traditional method, which is difficult to access with gloves or cold hands.
Behind the Roll 1 is another Ukrainian made soft armor panel. The lower back is typically overlooked when considering armor so while it’s just soft armor, it’s better than nothing.
After three years, the LVMBAV has become my go to. It’s not the shiny new thing, but the design and materials work in ways many of the “latest and greatest” do not. Whether comfort, flexibility, or durability the LV MBAV is my standard and has a permanent spot in my kit bag.
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