Levels of Kit: Items On The Body

First of three videos that provide direct support, educationally, for Orion Training Group Small Unit Maneuver and Small Unit Sustainment classes in terms of what is on the gear list and how that should generally look/ be put together.
The video is not exhaustive, nor is anything presented the ONLY way of doing business. As always, I provide considerations based on my 20 years of active duty in the Marine Corps as a Force Recon Marine and my continued study and use outside the Corps.
Hit up the comments section for questions you may have, and don't forget to check out the Instagram pages for additional information if you found me through this platform. There is also the Patreon, subscribers of which have early access to all videos before KZbin and more in depth articles than other platfroms.
Stay dangerous.

[@AdministrativeResults]

Man is a wealth of knowledge

[@Blakewater0326]

One would hope that after 20 years on active duty and now 2 years still involved with training I would have SOMETHING of value to add. Thanks for stopping by, bubba!

[@commiesnzombies]

dig the old school jungle tiger stripe pattern

[@minecraftboy4208]

@@Blakewater0326 😂 my guy out tucker Carlson in and is a war criminal yeah wow

[@wanderingcalamity360]

Your vote of confidence means a lot. Subbed.

[@boejiden1942]

​@@Blakewater0326 odds are you have 1 or 2 things useful to share after 20 years. 😜

[@Saintbow]

A trick I do when i'm out in the brush is using Flea and Tick dog collars around my ankles/shins or on my shoes/boots. I also use the Flea and Tick treatment dropper where you squeeze the oil from the package dropper. Just work in the oil into your on your shoes/boots and socks. It can also be used on your skin. Both treatments can be bought in a three pack or six pack. If it's good enough for my dog, it's good enough for me!

[@jbazan11]

Back in the gulf war soldiers would wear pantyhose to keep sandbugs and ticks from latching on their legs

[@hiramhaji7813]

Your a lot braver than I am putting on those oil treatments for dogs and cats. The colars work for sure

[@Maatdrummer1]

I am from North Texas where if its not frozen there are chiggars. An old sock with sulfur powder in a ziplock and dusting around the ankles waist, and armpits liberally and frequently. Keeps the ticks off foo.

[@possumpatrol45]

Could I just get a pet monkey to pick the bugs off me when I'm done operating?

[@Blakewater0326]

Permethrin treatments of clothing also work. I avoid putting stuff directly on my skin, and instead treat clothing. I came out of the woods that day with no ticks or other pests.

[@modernhereticnw]

Recon Marines always have the most practical approach to shit. Less gucci, more dirt-time.

[@NJRey]

As it should be

[@TACTICALNOMAD]

Recondos are self-sustaining, unlike SEALs who have the backing of air support, etc. Rarely do Recondos get ANY back-up, they're all on theor own, so they have to be on-point in their missions. It's sad that they don't get the accolades they so highly deserve.

[@samhouston5217]

The Force Recon guys I have known and worked with are always so chill. That's confidence. Tier 2 guys tend to be a bit more insecure. Thank you for your service Brother.

[@samhouston5217]

@Jaques Rabit True.

[@jorgeenchilada]

force recon is not tier 1... hhahahah

[@tommygunstudios]

@@jorgeenchilada he meant the guys were tier 1 as in their character lol

[@samhouston5217]

@@jorgeenchilada Yea, sorry bout that. they are the most chill of the tier 2 guys it seems to me.

[@jorgeenchilada]

@@samhouston5217 I feel you man. I think people forget tier 1 is basically just Delta and Seal Team 6, probably a few more I can't think of off the bat but it's extremely exclusive.

[@BAN0_]

Blake is that senior we all needed in our lives. He's also simultaneously a modern day founding father

[@commiesnzombies]

looks like a modern day viking

[@libertysrigors76]

The intro really sold it. The information made it better.

[@MonkeyBoy-sd9vc]

We all feel it coming. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not in a month, but relatively soon we will all be forced to dig very deep to see what we're capable of when defending our family and our extended family, our race.

[@Nate1984Mac]

1. Outstanding instruction 2. I love the extreme professionalism and calm demeanor. You're very humble and obviously a highly capable warrior. Good job, Leatherneck. 3. I deeply respect the lack of swearing. As you can imagine, many of us (former) warriors are training up our children to walk the narrow path. Love the clean language.

[@Blakewater0326]

Many years ago, when I made it into the battalion sniper platoon our Chief Scout interrupted a session of mission briefing practice by writing on the chalk board, "STOP THE FUCKING". Clearly, we had overdrawn on our allotment of daily fucks. Or maybe I could say that after all these years I have not more fucks to give? Some dad humor for the day. Thanks for reaching out with your feedback, it's appreciated.

[@jeffccr3620]

It's been probably 35 years ago but I worked with a guy that was a Vietnam vet real quite guy rarely would talk. Anyway he showed me how he would use his poncho rolled up with his quick gear like a bedroll then a rope as a sling Damn that was long time ago Rip Ernie

[@Sparkfly88]

Loved it. Straight to the point, no fluff, no random ad in the video. Just straight facts.

[@HaroldCornbreadCarter]

Dude 15 second in, I’m sold haha

[@jeremykagak3328]

The man said I served for 20years, that's why I subscribed... thank you sir , I wish I could serve but a heart attack made sure that won't happen, especially with today's recruiters/Admin.

[@Blakewater0326]

For good reason, unfortunately. I saw a handful of Marines die during physical training, and each time the investigation found that they hid a heart condition from the DoD. Perhaps it was worth it to them, though I doubt many of them would want to have gone so young.

[@marcosmontanez2844]

Been following you for a LONG time on the socials... this type of content is GREAT! Keep it coming, we're here for it

[@Overlandingtruckie]

Just the opening song is awesome. Great video. Thank you for putting it out.

[@Migwelp]

The vibe of that intro is fucking immaculate. Edit: Nvm, it was the vibe of the entire thing. Immaculate. Good audio and excellent music choices.

[@AyeMane117]

Love these kinds of videos, me and my brothers really appreciate the info and look forward to more of these videos.🇺🇸

[@dangerman5123]

This is the kind of content we need more of. Just found your channel today, appreciate the knowledge download. Looking forward to more videos.

[@commiesnzombies]

would add a fishing kit, folding slingshot or a slingshot band, a frog gig spear head or broadheads,snare wire,mini light or headlamp with usb charger and mini solar panel charger, and a pen flare launcher with flares to the " nut ruck"

[@Attack16]

Excellent intro music, takes be back to better time’s growing up in the 90s. Great content, thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@WanderingWildcat]

always nice to see a true subject matter expert

[@TheIamPC]

Absolutely love this series. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

[@Wandrew223]

Well done brother! Looking forward to the next one! 🇺🇸💪🏼

[@Covshooter556]

Talon Sei has gone Super Saiyan

[@CAPTAINFLAKEZ]

Nice 😂

[@67freekegs18]

Great intro! Great video. I subscribed immediately. I hope your channel grows to monstrous proportions.

[@Blakewater0326]

The goal is to start with a couple videos a month, and then eventually one each week. It's been tough getting this going, though hopefully I've not got the solution through Bear And The Outlaw.

[@protectpersevere2030]

Awesome video man! Never actually heard of a Nutruck before but i have a chest kit bag that i’ll wear in conjunction with my belt kit that serves a very similar purpose. Appreciate the work that went into this, thanks 🤙

[@andysfreshorganicmicrogree2090]

Hell yea! I just stumbled upon this AWESOME channel and I'm SO glad I did. I will share it with everyone. Thankyou Blake for your Outstanding service to this country, and all the Lifesaving info you are taking the time to share with this KZbin family. Bless you, all your peoples, and pets😢 Brother you are Very much Appreciated more than you know. In 2002 I signed the paperwork for the SEAL Challenge @ the US Navy Recruiter in Altamonte Springs FL. He actually LIED to my face, which prevented me from ending up on Extortion 17 * R.I.P. Hope y'all are having an Awesome weekend. From Stevo GRAAN * in Orlando FL OORAH & SEMPER FI * Forever! [] [] []

[@journeyman7189]

Excellent presentation Blake. Looking forward to more from you. Nate

[@nickmartino2839]

I always feel like I owe the man money after watching his videos!!!! The vast knowledge is priceless....

[@TheLawrence1999]

Ill def be checking out your following videos, Ive grown up thru the Boy Scouts and learning all kinds of skills and sadly most of them I dont practice anymore so alot of things have faded away but Im slowly getting back into land nav and survival skills other than the basics I know for sure about. I think its awesome those who help out communitys by teaching skills and helping people to learn and be more independent when out in the field. Thanks for your service.

[@shramj]

Fantastic video, this series is going to be great.

[@formam1022]

Man keep up with the videos, just found you and saw that you post once in a blue moon, keep it up, you offer great advice.

[@Blakewater0326]

KZbin has been rough to get up and going. Technical issues with recording off the phone and all; now I have Bear and Outlaw to do filming and editing, so the plan is to finally get regular with it again. You can also check out the Insta pages for more.

[@holzfallen1113]

That intro is the bomb! 😂

[@jensverleysen1164]

Thank you for sharing this knowledge. Hope these videos keep coming, really cool stuff 🙏

[@2wheelsandatent]

Awesome stuff! I started going out living of what my dual sport motorcycle could carry about 5 years back. I started not knowing how to set up camp/ build a fire (without red neck gas method) etc. So many thong like learning to gather process tinder, wood, water and purifying it etc. I didn’t realize howimportant all of this “fun” could become. Thanks for educating us who have enjoyed freedom to the point we didn’t learn these essential skills as free people!

[@nathanielmilam75]

I like compression socks that are toe socks. Very much like a tabi. All your toes have a cover. Helps keep the toes and toe fungus at bay. I am a real advocate just like he stated about wide toe box on shoes. Feet swell when your not hydrating properly and if you been on your feet for 12-24 hours.

[@ichikurataichou3119]

Wellspring of knowledge man. Did 10 years 8 as a 0321. Loved it. Learning a lot from you today. Thank you for your time. I completely agree with the waterproofing non-waterproof shoes will dry so much faster your waterproof shoes almost always get filled with water and never drain trench foot quite a number of times not fun gentleman not fun I've added a few holes to some of my shoes to allow drainage better do it your own risk guys

[@PTFGtx]

As someone new to this stuff, I found that you were very clear and concise. Rather than focus on specific brands, you laid out the principle of what each piece of kit does and the mentality behind why its there, which lays out a good foundation for knowing what to pick, nice work.

[@hiramhaji7813]

Good to see an electrolyte tabs in a kit other than my own. Common sense kit, KISS, staying out of the what if mentality. Semper Fi

[@rdsmith334]

100% on electrolyte tabs. I’ve had hydrated folks hit a wall, gave them e-tabs, and watched them bounce back to full speed inside of 15 minutes.

[@hiramhaji7813]

@@rdsmith334 for sure

[@SS-tr5ru]

This is serious ginger billy. Glad risky shared this channel. Really considering tiger stripe now

[@mr.morris2907]

Didn't even know you had a channel Leather! Outstanding shhhht & I'll be binge watching the rest after this.

[@ericdoubleu5390]

That intro though 🤌

[@Jaeger04]

Dope video man. Please continue to make videos like this

[@mattfleming86]

This was a top tier video. Thank you Sir.

[@BearAndTheOutlaw]

I hope all of you learn somethings from this. Enjoy !!

[@johndean4120]

Subbed after the first video I watched. Great info!

[@soulessvalleys8404]

Nirvana, and all the kit that i used. There are others like me. Subbed❤

[@gregcox600]

Blake, always LOVE your content. Always direct to the point and practical. Keep ‘‘em coming!!!!

[@d540vamartin9]

I've got a very similar bag, it was a $3 sling bag from Walmart. I took some junk scraps of strap and reinforced the seams. Now it's my shoulder bag EDC. In responsive emergency scenarios I got a placard I beaner onto it. Basically it makes it a bandolier w a sling bag connected. And the sideways can't angles the mags to my mag hand so it helped my reloads on accident

[@loganmesserly2685]

Top notch man. Keep it up

[@jessestockwell4096]

Thank you for great and helpful content brother.

[@robertdowns8182]

BZ!! Like everyone else looking forward to more!

[@hangtough503]

Beautiful video. Great camera work and editing. Killer, on point intel. Loved. Subd. D🤙😎🇺🇸

[@ljguitarwizard]

Damn good intro, had me in the feels lol

[@frank.preacher]

great video Blake!

[@NightVisionJourneys]

Good shit brother, and Semper Fi!

[@CAPTAINFLAKEZ]

Insight that appreciates with time, for us and after us, is priceless. Solid message to top it off. Much appreciated.

[@Runningmancs]

Great info. Thanks for sharing!!

[@pietanicev1044]

Intro gave me chills, good video

[@rangerchief8004]

When I was in Group I wore Ozark hiking boots on deployments. They were simple and cheap. They are very durable even know the were $30 boots and I still wear them after retiring .

[@dandetande288]

That red beard is gangster man!! I'm jealous...(no hommo sh!th...)

[@terranovacapitalrealtyinc430]

Sir, all I desire to say is thank you.

[@scottvito4608]

I just discovered this guy’s channel I’m in love, thank you man so much for sharing your experience and your knowledge I’m doing everything I can to put your teachings to use

[@sifusasdo2314]

Cool Video 👍 Thank U for the Info and links 👍

[@jefejeffwell1113]

New subscriber, here. Sick vids, broski.

[@chrislandrum62]

Awesome content. Subbed!

[@sgtschmitty8013]

This is why I only take tactical advice from Marines

[@brandyhouston2105]

Thanks for making the video.

[@randymicallef3545]

I just stumbled onto your channel. Great advice and content, thanks for sharing and consider me subscribed.

[@dillonbuckner5281]

Socks are god tier yet often forgotten

[@jeffbesos8256]

That was a badass intro!

[@archangel20031]

One thing I have found essential is a no-see-um head net, it keep bugs off your head, out of your ears, eyes and from breathing them in if you are breathing heavy and your nose is not enough for breath intake, AND it can break up your outline and dull a light skinned person skin tone. I even use it biking if the gnats come out in force.

[@Blakewater0326]

bug nets can be useful, but in thick brush they are also a nuisance. It's a method, just perhaps not the best method looking at end use.

[@nickjenkins1663]

Great content.

[@ryisbored529]

Love ur videos. Keep that shit going dawg

[@hondarsr505]

New follower..thank you sir.

[@alabamaairborne4245]

Good stuff homie!

[@d540vamartin9]

Oh fuck. This dudes got a buddy. The chosen one has revealed himself Lead us, great warrior

[@sa-amirel-hayeed699]

We are all chosen, if you are here and interested in the info and philosophy. Fall in line, warrior - let's move out.

[@user-bd5md5cm2j]

I love the tiger stripe. Sick

[@blakeshawke1934]

Good shit and good name.

[@Llamadosalvaje]

Cool intro! From Chile 🇨🇱

[@weilam03]

tiger camo looks great in that environment

[@Blakewater0326]

It does ok. The most important thing is wearing a pattern that shares colors with your environment. However, fieldcraft is what will keep you hidden until you no longer wish to be.

[@jesseterrell2109]

Went through the same sentiment 13 14 years ago it never ends.

[@spawr845]

Keep it going, especially those kind of intros.

[@jaeger1-417]

Great video Blake!

[@Blakewater0326]

Thanks, @BearAndTheOutlaw deserves the credit for filming and editing.

[@jaeger1-417]

@@Blakewater0326 for sure they did great filming and editing, but the knowledge transfer was all you pimp.

[@levisweet979]

The Spirit has me

[@vtbrian3252]

All the questions on equipment time to open an Amazon link. No military experience but have been watching things since 9/11 and preparing. A good watch that is charged by solar. Citizen and others make them and knowing when to plant and other things can be handy. I have a G-shock solar that stays updated on time from an atomic clock that was less then $100.

[@user-fz5lh1cf5l]

Nice video thank you much🤝

[@car23969]

I have a pair of doc martins composite toe that are slip resistant and padded but breathes amazing I’ve hiked in them and walked all day long and they felt like clouds! Downside they are heavy AF!

[@francoismarion-eu3jq]

Altama makes the standard issue boot. The make a boot called the Exo speed 3. It is the lightest boot you can get that meets uniform standards. Its an excellent boot, and i wouldnt wear anything else on deployment

[@ShouldHaveKnownYT]

The Grunt Perspective KZbin channel also has great videos about practical load outs for different setups. Similar to Blake, no frills, straight up solid knowledge.

[@PTFGtx]

What's better than one slice of cake?@@lih-fk8by TWO slices of cake, RAAAAAHHH

[@ClevelandRams65]

Wow, that place looks very familiar. I use to work tobacco at the Maysville site over 40 yrs ago. Great facility and place to train. Thanks Blake!

[@Blakewater0326]

We're not up in Maysville for this video, though close enough that the geology and flora remain the same. Alliance Outdoors has been a successful spot for Maneuver Training Solutions so far, and hopefully it continues to be.

[@ClevelandRams65]

@@Blakewater0326 Again, Thanks! I greatly appreciate your videos.

[@ClevelandRams65]

Blake. Just wondering if Spartan Ranch is closed.

[@Blakewater0326]

@@ClevelandRams65 has been for years. Alliance Outdoors set up next door to it, and that's where I teach classes through Maneuver Training Solutions.

[@ClevelandRams65]

@@Blakewater0326 Thanks, couldn't get on the island on Sat. & decided to drive by. I know it's only for LEO's & Contractors but it's frustraint to find a place to train. the only place near me (live in Rawleigh) is Sir Walter in Creedmoor or the S. Pines area. You don't have to reply and thanks again for your videos!

[@DoWork316]

Solid info 🇺🇸🏴‍☠️

[@luckeypolishing]

Good info, nothing silly like some channels are getting .

[@fargoalspach557]

Yep , Informative I like it.

[@JohnJones-op8uf]

Thank you...

[@bryanfaulkenburg462]

Never heard Nutruck before but I dig it.

[@Blakewater0326]

more amusing than "fanny pack"

[@josevicente7344]

Great video! Full of great information. Wanted to who makes the bush cover your showing in the video?

[@bds123087]

Years ago I was taking a weeklong, swift water, rescue training course, and I made the mistake of wearing those funky looking water shoes. The ones where your toes are separated. Long story short my feet were literally bruised, black and blue. I had a hard time walking for about two weeks after the course. The Saul was just too thin.

[@Blakewater0326]

Try working out/ exercising barefoot and doing mobility and strength exercises for your feet and ankles. We get too used to modern shoes doing all the support for us and our feet get soft.

[@scottlehman9738]

SEMPER FI brother.

[@ElMachoMucho]

I'm not gay but this man makes me think twice

[@themadhatter227]

Pooper making kissy faces?

[@Mac_in_the_Hat]

'Tis the season I suppose

[@Intrepid70]

Definitely gay but good for you

[@Parable_One]

He is a hunk, there is no denying that.

[@samt5716]

🤨📸

[@exodus9941]

Curious, what was the music you used at the end? Thank you for spreading this knowledge as well.

[@T2_Ops]

Love the content man! Also what song in on the start up

[@Blakewater0326]

Nirvana, I forget the actual title.

[@ltinfpr2j247]

Thank you sir