SSO/SPOSN SMERSH
Patrol Loadout and Review video...
I’ve been using the SMERSH rig for over 3 years now and when it comes to foot patrols there is nothing better…
The LBE as we know it today really started taking shape during WWII and the Korean war. We went from a cartridge belt and haversack to the need for magazine pouches as our military transitioned from the M1 Garand to the M14 to the M16. So with this change the way we carried ammo had to change. We went from the M1956 Load Carrying System (predecessor to ALICE) in the mid 50’s to our favorite lady, ALICE, at the tail end of the Vietnam war. ALICE continued to be used until we were introduced to MOLLE in early 2000. But this quickly disappeared during the GWOT years in favor of armor setups for vehicle operations, thus the disappearance of the LBE from the American gear scene. Essentially the whole idea for the LBE was to enable the soldier to carry their fighting gear and basic sustainment gear while out in the field. The Brits have their PLCE (Personal Load Carrying Equipment), the Russians have SMERSH, and Americans have this weird mix of private companies producing legit LBE platforms like the Nixie Works Light Fighter Rig and Velocity Systems Jungle Kit, to name a few.
I tried for a couple of years to piece together an LBE out of a mixture of ALICE and MOLLE trying to find a happy balance for a patrolling loadout. Through this trial and error period I settled on getting a Russian SMERSH LBE for the combination that was going to work best for me.
LBE’s are ideally suited for foot patrols over varied terrain, distances, and periods of time. In my use, an LBE provides me with a basic fighting loadout, administrative needs (like observation gear, communication equipment, basic survival (E&E) items, and sustainment for a 24 hour period. You can push that time period out by adding a pack (sized anywhere from an assault pack to a long range patrol pack) to push the mission as needed. I strongly feel that the 24 hour patrol is probably the most common scenario that will be conducted by the rural person for maintaining a security awareness on their property and surrounding areas.
Pros of the LBE setup is that it creates an efficient/organized means of carrying equipment in an easy to access manner while maintaining mobility and balance (when worn correctly) on foot and a lower center of gravity vs a chest rig. Easy to get low while going prone. Having the load off one’s chest allows for better heat management and upper body movement. This setup also allows for adding different backpacks depending on sustainment or mission needs.
Cons of the setup is it makes vehicle operations difficult (but then again it wouldn’t be the appropriate kit for that (see our write-up on chest rigs) and it does add bulk around the waist making you wider then you really are so maneuvering in tight places (such as thick underbrush) can be tiresome.
One other important note on LBE’s is when choosing a pack to wear with them. Not all packs will work, the Brits have short backed Bergens that are designed to ride on the rear pouches (they create a shelf of sorts) to allow the LBE and pack work together. Medium ALICE packs also work great as well as any number of assault style packs. Most general backpacking packs won’t work as well so you need to be aware of how they work together.
I have tested both setups (setup with the identical gear) for 24 hour property patrols and have experienced the pros and cons for myself, I highly suggest (if possible) for you to do the same. As my buddy PNW-BC has discovered himself recently through relentless testing, one definitely performed better than the other during 24 hour patrols, in varied terrain and conditions. Even our own military is starting to see the need to go back to LBE as we transition away from the GWOT years back to a more traditional battlefield for possible upcoming conflicts.
It's a never ending compromise. It was so easy when I was a young Marine. A.L.I.C.E is what we had. And if all you do is hump everywhere you go. The rare chance you got to ride in a truck, all u had to do was take off the pack and sit miserably awkward with the H-Harness on, butt pack and first aid kit digging into your lower back. Pack on your lap. Then it got complicated with the MOLLE and LBV.
What do I do with the day pack of I am wearing the big pack? Should I take the big pack or the day pack. The decision was usually made for you by Sr Enlisted or Officer. Later in my career I combined the old ALICE pack with the LBV. Of course the Camel back or hydration system was better than canteens but where do I fit it, and what do I do with the canteens now.?
Then came actual body armor and out went the flak jacket which was great. This lead to chest rigs for vehicle operations but now shooting prone was a pain in the ass.
Now, as a old Retired Jarhead I use an ALICE pack or medium back pack, simple belt for pistol. Mags on the belt or on the plate carrier with an extra mag or 2 in the pack.
I tried playing around with the plate carrier for training. But to be honest it's a display piece.
Things would have to get pretty real, and pretty wild for me to actually wear the dang thing.
Just like I felt about the stupid Kevlar helmet when I was in. In prone it would roll fwd in my head and block my view, the pack would push it fwd in prone.
I remember an old 1stSgt saying " I would rather get shot in the head than wear the Kevlar, at least I can see and won't be miserable until I die".
You almost have to have a specific gear set up for each scenario. Looks like you have a great kit for what you mainly do.
I run the British PLCE and find it more than capable.