I've got to buy what...?

[mattj]

I was talking to someone whose son is in training at the moment and she said that he and the rest of his troop were getting quite annoyed at having to spend a large chunk of their wages every month buying kit. I already have some kit for one reason or another, but was wondering if i could get a headstart and buy some stuff now.

Im guessing you get issued boots, DPM's etc, what about webbing etc?

What do you get issued and what are you expected to buy?

[bootneck]

matt
you could buy dhobi dust, toothpaste, soap, boot polish, brasso, dusters, scrubbing brush, boot brushes and a decent pair of chukka boots just incase you get some shore leave. you`ll probably all chip in to buy a steam iron, but having one with you when you arrive would be a bonus, and don`t ask your mam how to iron, there is a proper way, your drill instructors way, mother for the next few months.

[voodoo sprout]

I thought in training you were only allowed to use issue kit? But it seems that isn't the case, so I'd also be interested to hear what people are buying.
I would expect however it would be replacing substandard kit with better stuff much like is seen all too often in the regulars - better boots, patrol packs, multi tools, armalites...

[bootneck]

i think you`ll find that in training, you will use issue kit, somebody please correct me if i am wrong.

[wilson]

As far as I know, you have to use issued kit untill you complete your 30 weeks as it keeps everyone in the same boat so to speak!

Aye,
wilson

[mattj]

so what is it these guys are having to spend money on? shoe polish doesnt cost that much.

[ABI]

Can't speak for CTC but when I went trough Depot Para I took two spare pairs of denims (lightweights) and two spare red PT vests, as well as socks etc.

You will probably have a locker layout which includes both of the above being clean, pressed and on display at all times, if you have spares it makes life alot easier.

Word of warning though, the staff will be on the look out for 'fly merchants' so be warned.

[bootneck]

no...............but bullshyte does, and you`ll get plenty of that. don`t forget, out of that coin you`ll be getting, you`ll be paying tax, food and accomodation, national insurance, and if the PTI`s are still in business, various other things, be prepared

[dan]

Nigel Foster in 'The Makings of a Royal Marines Commando' (my Bible), said that whether nods used issued kit was down to individual DS, some were fairly relaxed about lads using magnum boots and the like whereas others made sure you stuck to the issued kit perfectly!

[Peds]

Would you be allowed to buy a Bushmaster or similar, and use that instead of the 80? I'm guessing that you use whatever wep they tell you use, but I'm pretty sure in some US SF they choose their own kit according to each mission.

I could start saving now... what 3, 4 thousand quid?

[dan]

I absolutely, with 100% certainty, promise you that the SA80 is the only rifle you'll use. I hope that was bait rather than a serious remark! I think US SF generally can choose their own weapons once they're in but during training they'll all be using the same pieces of kit.

[mattj]

argh, so i was saving my airmiles for nothing! so webbing isnt issued? as far as i can tell, that'll be one of the more expensive things to buy.