Recce Legend Johann Niemoller and the "Niemoller Rig"

[@johannniemoller]

Johann Niemoller ... thanks to all you guys and comments ..fantastic

[@zachgregory1289]

Very cool history! Thank to Johann and Kommando store for doing this project.

[@kingsman3087]

99percent SA ppl know nothing of SA recces

[@timfronimos459]

Mr Niemoller, greetings from Michigan USA. As you already know, SA troops were the greatest during the Cold War on both sides. Some of Americans recognize their courage, sacrifice and capabilities. May God bless and grant peace upon South Africa.

[@theobvious1958]

@@timfronimos459 was SA involved in a war in the second half of the 20th century??

[@timfronimos459]

@theobvious1958 Is that meant to be sarcastic, or do you not know the history?

[@peanutarbuckle2879]

"a shop for men." - Johann Niemoller. If someone said that about me I'd put it on my website banner whether it was true or not.

[@KommandoStore]

@@peanutarbuckle2879 new motto unlocked.

[@belliduradespicio8009]

please nobody tell him about the femboys

[@Westcoaster54]

@@belliduradespicio8009 🤣

[@SuperVonKiller]

Damn Straight!

[@kingsman3087]

99percent SA ppl know nothing of SA recces

[@kevingnomen6092]

You can tell this really meant a lot to the OG. You guys are awesome!

[@KommandoStore]

I am pleased to say this should be the first of many videos with Johann. He is simply incredible, we are looking forward to recording more history.

[@ColourOfTheGods]

Makes me very proud as a South African, top job guys

[@KommandoStore]

Glad you enjoyed it! We had a blast working on this project.

[@NatureWalden]

This is really cool with the documentary. Backpack friendly webbings are great. I can't afford this now but I hope it sticks around for a few years to get one..

[@KommandoStore]

@@NatureWalden glad you liked it! We’re stoked to get this out there.

[@davidleonard1813]

The man started with a sewing machine and an idea. If you can't afford one you could make one

[@billnye173]

It's crazy to see how far yall have come, from a company I saw on /k/ years ago that sold cool patches to producing and modernizing cool and unique pieces like this and many others. Happy to see yall come so far 🫡

[@KommandoStore]

We appreciate the love and are stoked you’ve been with us from the start!

[@topendgold9284]

Australian army 80s and 90s. Saffa webbing was the most sort after webbing you could get. We made versions of it and ispired by it. Great kit!

[@sqike001ton]

Current Russian SF stuff is very similar only save the use of Velcro

[@stopcensoringmen5044]

Please do a feature length documentary about this guy.

[@KommandoStore]

@@stopcensoringmen5044 we many more stories from our interview with Johann that didn’t make the cut for this video. Stay tuned for more content!

[@BlenderisedMind]

As a fellow Saffa, this was truly heart warming to watch. My father was a field medic during the border war. Thank you for this! All the very best! 🍻🇿🇦

[@KommandoStore]

We’re glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and for the support. 🍻

[@uc7953]

Hell yea thats sick Id love to hear more from Johann and his stories

[@KommandoStore]

More to come!

[@Mayobb833]

You guys are just crushing it. Bringing back badass gear and preserving history

[@KommandoStore]

So stoked to share Johann’s story!

[@wildweasel2707]

Still have a full Original set in a cupboard, got it many years ago. Amazing bit of kit, used it doing Anti poaching work and still holds up to this day!

[@KommandoStore]

That's awesome! Quite the find.

[@user-ez9en7vk2z]

Recce's were a special bunch. They don't seem to make 'em like that anymore! Great production value on your content.

[@KommandoStore]

Much appreciated! Glad you enjoyed the video. 👊

[@simonwestaway8732]

They absolutely don't make them like that anymore! I'm very proud of my generation and my people.

[@tiaanpretorius3375]

Thanks for this great video, Loved it! What a legend Johann is! Proudly South African 🇿🇦.

[@KommandoStore]

Thank you for watching! We loved working on this project with Johann!

[@Tyroniusmaximus92]

As a South African. Nice one guys.

[@KommandoStore]

Thank you! 🙏

[@bdivin8298]

One hell of a documentary. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this production as much as I did.

[@KommandoStore]

We appreciate the kind words! It was such a privilege to bring Johann's story to life.

[@Watdedonner]

As a South African that served during that time, the Rodriquez song encapsulated that time period perfectly. Forces favorite.

[@KommandoStore]

Our team must have done their research. Seems like that song was a fan favorite.

[@nephilimorder9622]

As a South African this makes me so proud, and the fact that you're producing these rigs in South Africa, big respect

[@KommandoStore]

So glad to hear that. We did our best to honor the legacy of this rig and the Recce’s who used it.

[@thepatriotsrage661]

@@KommandoStore Absolutely awesome!! Giving back to the community through job creation is awesome!

[@Mikehoncho87]

Damn. I was smiling at the end. I love how y'all are doing the things your doing. Like going to South Africa and making the gear the way it was ment to be made.

[@KommandoStore]

We appreciate the love. 🫡 thank you so much for watching and for the support!

[@madjackblack5892]

I used to work with some 32 Battalion vets in Afghanistan. Great guys and they definitely knew what they were doing.

[@empire-classfirenationbatt2691]

Really cool video and a legend here in South Africa. I was lucky to get a nice bateleur 90 para webbing. I'm a South African infantry reservist and the bateleur 90 is a fantastic piece of kit.

[@KommandoStore]

@@empire-classfirenationbatt2691 love to hear that. The Niemoller webbing really did revolutionize modern kits.

[@stefankruger1057]

I was wondering if the 90 is/was based on the Niemoller. While watching the vid I was thinking this looks a lot like the Bat 90 rig I had. Less buckles and more velcro though.

[@cspec5729]

I was lucky enough to get two rigs from ex 1 Recce operator about 17 years ago, both hand sewn and issued by 1 Recce. The one looks like a version of this Niemoller rig, now I know who made it, thanks! One was a long range patrol vest and the other described as vest for use on motorbike mission with pouches for Browning Hi-power and MP5/uzi mags

[@johannniemoller]

Yes we worked with them and SAS most of them came to 5 Recce where I was stationed..

[@user-jr2ue9nu6y]

Proud to be South African

[@AliciaTimm-tt8do]

9:20 9:28 Anyone ever run into an American named Dave Barr? He served in the 44 brigade of the South African defence force in 80/81. He also served in Viet Nam, the IDF and in Rhodesia. He lost both legs in a land mine exposion while he served in S.A. He went on to set round the world records on a Harley Davidson. He recently passed,Hell of a guy!

[@joevil6259]

I did my military service in 1979 -80 (2 years). We received the "normal" webbing of the time(it had several 20-round R1 magazine pouches and had a place for two water bottles in the back , etc.) with a great pack that sat on top of the webbing. The idea of course was that one should be able to get rid of the great pack the moment the shit hits the fan. There was only one latch to untie on your chest and then throw it off your shoulders. I remember the first time I put the great pack on I almost fell over backwards. It was that bloody heavy but you get used to it. The webbing in itself was actually quite comfortable. Having said that, I was not in the Spec Forces which had totally different challenges. Respect to those guys. They were animals. If you want to read more on this topic then get "Recce" by Koos Stadler (Koos initially studied to be an NG Church minister at Stellenbosch. Put that in your pipe) and also "19 with a Bullet" by Granger Korff (Parabat who tried out for the Recces. A very good read). I met several ex-Recces at Stellenbosch University ...most chill guys imaginable. What a time! The problem was that I didn't even know it at the time. Just another day.

[@KommandoStore]

@@joevil6259 thank you for sharing this! So cool to hear stories from the guys who actually used this equipment. Thanks for the book recommendations too! We’ll have to check them out.

[@thepatriotsrage661]

Thanks for your service. The books are both excellent reads, give them a read @KommandoStore

[@diogeneslantern18]

​@@KommandoStore Granger was quite full of himself, I found. My favourite border war book is An Unpopular War: FROM afkak to Bosbefok. Granted it's about regular troepies but it's an anthology of questions and interviews with about 40 guys and their personalities really shine through in their experiences.

[@conradthatcher859]

Respect for Johann. as a regular infantry soldier we looked to you guys as the main manne on the front line 👌

[@PNWBackwoods]

Nessecity is the mother of invention. Keep on keeping on

[@gringofett3944]

Hell yeah....this is why I love you guys.

[@KommandoStore]

@@gringofett3944 love you too ❤️

[@Daniel-iz7iz]

The SAY LOU scouts were amazing warriors forgive my spelling I was amazed @ these mixed race soldiers in South Africa. No air cover, no armor, wild animals and snakes like the black mamba plus scorpion's and big spiders!! These men were like modern Spartens, no one compares only Long range recce and patrols or SOG. This man is a MAN among men !! 🦁

[@KommandoStore]

It was an honor to work with him on this!

[@surfango1]

Selous Scouts, Rhodesia.

[@RAIDER8388]

Badass. Love to see more of this guy.

[@dbs4898]

I have my niemoller webbing signed by johann niemoller and koos moorcraft. Great guys

[@grilin18.]

The Rodriguez at the end was a big surprise but very fitting and very welcome.

[@markwillies7666]

I remember listening to him on the Border 87/88 like it was yesterday.

[@KommandoStore]

So glad you liked it! Thought it was a nice touch 🙏

[@phh2400]

Was surprising but fitting. Glad to see him on live stage after the famous documentary.

[@magaz]

I saw him live about ten years back. Bloody good show!

[@M.H.D.actual]

Damn this is so cool, and an absolute inspiration to all of us who make gear 🫡 hats off to you lads

[@jinksomiabodyart3189]

History and useful rig. Right on!

[@diegoflores3408]

I won’t lie I like the admin take on the rig but I want to order this one from SA just out of the principle of it and wanting to support this old grizzled master of his craft and kommando store

[@fromtheguncounter4140]

Seeing you guys make this project happen is too cool. This is a great video summary as well!

[@KommandoStore]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it 🙏

[@KommandoStore]

what do you want to see us make next?

[@Alaskantiger311]

reproduction pattern 84 battle jacket and grootsack.

[@Bruski_Two_Zero]

We have the Pattern 83 chest rig, now we need the battle jacket

[@jordanpohl6856]

coming back again to say the battle jacket, but there are some new materials and improvements that could be made today to the harness, padding, and fabrics to not just maintain the no frills functionality, but move it into a lighter trimmed down rig.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

I want some DPM in modern cuts. The good DPM like from Falklands era. 😀

[@rhodieranger2874]

With this production quality? A movie lol. But some of the CISO stuff from NAM would be pretty cool. A Splinter pattern gorka would be pretty sweet. You guys are crushing it and I love to see it.

[@arnogericke]

The guy did 3 x “Gunston 500”s from Tanzania to South Africa through tough enemy territory. These guys are really built different 🤙🤙 Ending it off with Rodriguez is really a cherry on the cake for any South African 👌

[@KommandoStore]

You know your history!

[@mikespectre4153]

Got my P83 battle jacket from an SADF veteran. The Afrikaners made some very cool kit! Im excited for this rig, and what color ways will be offered

[@KommandoStore]

@@mikespectre4153 For now, we’re releasing it in the original color, but we’ll explore other options! One of the cool things about the rig was it was designed to be painted depending on the deployment.

[@dereckjtbear2175]

Oh Man,.. Listen to that hard core 'boer'(farmer) indigenous Dutchman. I recall (40+ years) the Korparaal,Sersant.. when we did basic training and platoon weapons etc ... Run run on the double for the first three months which didn't stop until 'Uitklaar.'

[@chrishines2518]

Man when you think you hear about the ultimate badass, here comes the history of a man to say “hold my beer son”. Warfare breeds ingenuity, necessitates advancement, and always has the same end results. Gotta love a fighting man though! Our father in Heaven shakes his head at our bickering amongst nations, thank you Jesus for purchasing our freedom from eternal death. God bless us all! And thank you for this gem of history from my cousins across the pond.

[@KommandoStore]

Amen 🙏

[@KoevoetMeester]

tears brought to my eyes, that is my people

[@KommandoStore]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@rokhnroll]

Killing Zone By Harry McCallion is a really good read, Para's to SAS to Recce to Barrister.

[@etiennelaubscher5336]

Just told some folk today at work about the history of Renamo and how they started to walk very long distances.

[@KommandoStore]

1500 km is crazy!

[@gustavlokotsch3298]

From South Africa 🇿🇦 thank you kommandostore

[@davecoutts2872]

Hi Johann I remember Phil Morgan telling the story of you buying your sewing machine, he was always able to tell a good story

[@patrickoberem9109]

I probably ended up with one of the later versions but I must say thank you. Our webbing equipment was great in the SADF.

[@Shepherd3066]

Grade A production boys 👍

[@KommandoStore]

Appreciate it! 🙏

[@tylerfoss3346]

Nice music by Rodriguez! Great job on this video!

[@KommandoStore]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamesbuckley7749]

Hi Johan. About time you received recognition for your kit. Hope to see you sometime again. BR James

[@matthew1882]

Awesome stuff guys. As a South African the Rodriguez stirs a lot of memories.

[@KommandoStore]

Glad you enjoyed it 🙏

[@MDR-hn2yz]

Maybe I’m getting sentimental, but I love hearing stories from old soldiers. Semper Fi.

[@gbarton97]

THE GOAT DOES IT AGAIN

[@KommandoStore]

🙏 appreciate the love. Thanks for watching!

[@MarxAlex]

Iron fist from the Sea is a very good book on the maritime recce teams, essentially they were SA's seals.

[@KommandoStore]

Saw some awesome footage of those guys while preparing the footage. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@EXO9X8]

Please do more with Johann

[@KommandoStore]

Stay tuned 👀

[@allanburt5250]

Much appreciated, great story

[@KommandoStore]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@brendenvanommeren5047]

What an absolute giga chad of a man and i am excited for me to be able to spend more money on stuff from your website.

[@MikSF123]

Johann needs to write a book about his time in the Recces

[@KommandoStore]

That’d be incredible!

[@barryhay2024]

This makes me very proud to be South African....🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦❤❤❤

[@KommandoStore]

So glad you enjoyed it! We loved working on this project.

[@barryhay2024]

@KommandoStore your store US based? How do i go about purchasing?

[@cujotwentysix7519]

@@barryhay2024 KommandoStore is indeed us-based.

[@abegon3879]

So what youre saying is, the SMERSH is so near done being produced that you can focus another project :00

[@KommandoStore]

Thankfully Arktis is just wrapping up production with SMERSH and we should have that out to people starting in January! No real relation to Niemoller as we have been pursuing both for some time now. It looks like we will be shipping SMERSH/Niemoller around the same time.

[@abegon3879]

@ insert ACK! Echoing reaction

[@reiheractual]

MY WALLET CANNOT TAKE THIS ANYMORE

[@metaworldpizza]

best video ever!

[@an_R_key]

Thank you for respecting their contribution to history.

[@glennevitt5250]

Thank you for the information 😎👍

[@casual3702]

9:24 "Kommandostore is a shop for men" also kommandostore: *sells suggestive anime themed merch*

[@HyperHawk55]

These guys are really good at making wildly expensive stuff

[@ConnorT25]

What would you pay for it?

[@Gregory-qu1ct]

​@@ConnorT25I don't know their production and import costs but it would probably sell much more if it was $50-75 cheaper.

[@cooldue16]

The original from the 1980s sold for 250-600 in 2015 this ain’t a bad price by today’s standards.

[@MichaelKemner-wj9nc]

That pic with the lion is awesome

[@KommandoStore]

The whole photo album was amazing! 🦁

[@ricwilmot6617]

Lions name was Teddy.

[@MichaelKemner-wj9nc]

@@ricwilmot6617 thanks I had to look it up further after you gave me the name. Apparently he lives on somewhat of a FOB called ft droppies after a monkey who collected the spent brass cartridges.

[@ricwilmot6617]

@MichaelKemner-wj9nc Fort Doppies is correct. On the Quando River.

[@Franzsyztem]

I've own a set of the Niemoller harness and hot extraction assault vest, from the photos on the website it seems like you've done a helluva job preproducing this pretty niche piece of kit.

[@KommandoStore]

Thank you. It's actually quite difficult because Niemoller rigs were so customized to begin with. Various 200D, 330D, and 500D nylon materials were used over different spans of time, and details of the construction were iterated upon. Johann mentioned that later rigs incorporated inflatable air bladders and other gadgetry. In the 80s the specialized hardware and materials, sanctions, and the low rate of production meant that pricing per rig could be as much as $1,100 in 2024 equivalent dollars. I guess since they were practically living in the things for 90 days at a time, $12/day was a small price to pay to ensure the safe return of a Recce.

[@Franzsyztem]

@@KommandoStore Thanks for the Information, Always great to know more about these arcane items. The wedding I have looks just like the repro. Mine was made out of an OD packcloth nearly identical to that of the 400ish Denier nylon of ALICE pack and it has a nearly identical pouch layout besides a small zippered pouch in the left suspender above the knife sheath. and it also uses some fixlock buckles from Sweden, although some are a brown color and some are black. I know that there are some versions with different closing hardware like ladderlocs and side release buckles, and I didn't know about the air bladders. My hot extraction vest on the other hand was custom made by clansman for a Lt Col in 2nd Recce, and I never seen another one that's closed to it. Lots of variations on that vest as well. from the trims/bidding tape to the how the hot extraction seat is stowed.

[@AlexanderHonsVonEber]

The production value of your videos is outstanding guys.. I worked for HGTV for a few years and other tv shows and I gotta say - job well done guys! Oh and I wear a 2xl in the villain track suit combo jacket… jk..

[@KommandoStore]

@@AlexanderHonsVonEber that’s quite the compliment! Thank you for watching, we’re glad you enjoyed it!

[@GatorGreenGladiator]

When can we get more of the HEAT rigs?

[@cole2871]

I’m not usually a commenter but this was too good not to. Phenomenal work gentlemen. 🍻

[@KommandoStore]

Appreciate you! 🍻

[@lewdutoit7630]

Saluut en Goddank vir julle opofferinge!..

[@rafaelr9266]

damn i was waiting for this for ages !

[@KommandoStore]

@@rafaelr9266 it’s been a lot of work to get here, but we’re stoked to release this!

[@boshoff814]

Great history lesson

[@KommandoStore]

Such a fun project to work on. Glad you liked it!

[@SABassfishingadventures]

I am very interested in getting my hands on one, I am in South Africa and do anti poaching patrols etc. How could I get one in South Africa to avoid shipping etc?

[@davidallcock6316]

That 80s SADF gear was very good...the brown one...tough as hell...you cannot dye it...even pure bleach has no effect..ive tried...i used that kit everyday for about 20 months...8 sai storm pyp..a few years back i picked up 9 rucksacks on a rubbish dump..no frames...all were in bad condition...i managed to re uild 2 complete rucksacks...the rest i experimented with...if you cut offvthe padded belt it is a good starting point..i coupled it to a load bearing harness that i bought at a paintball shop...i chopped and altered. various pouches straps and fasteners to make a modular webbing...over which you can still carry a full rucksack ...i use it for day hikes and carrying a camera and varied lenses...its a great piece of kit that i can rig up for any task of varied duration.....oh and Velcro...the wide one..brilliant stuff...I have knives and various items that can be Stuck to my pack by means of Velcro .

[@lobokurg2786]

I love this. I ruck a lot, both civilian side, and in the service. This is a piece of kit I would love to field test.

[@bluejuice7229]

Have seen similar webbing designs in 1980s in Ethiopia during a civil war. Not identical but practical for different purposes. Materials used were leather, bits of plastic jerry cans, and in some cases anything you could get your hands on. Sandals made from tyre rubber, kept thorns at bay. It all evolved from necessity.

[@KommandoStore]

Crazy how much necessity drives innovation!

[@nzieller]

We are built different Dankie Oom 🇿🇦

[@Mr___Fozzy]

Rodriquez and Recce Rigs ✌🏼

[@GLEN-ys7qt]

Love it!

[@GrubfortheNub]

This earned you a subscriber, thank you.

[@KommandoStore]

@@GrubfortheNub thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 👊

[@darthcannabis856]

I love seeing his kit get praise again. A kit that can be worn comfortably with the Bergen is rare. I’ll be checking your store. Perhaps I’ll make a new addition to my collection.

[@KommandoStore]

Thank you! 🙏

[@golgotha1522]

Rodriguez at the end was a nice touch. -RLTW< 1 >

[@Wandenkolk]

Great production

[@Avasterable]

this is why you guys are my favourite online shop for men

[@KommandoStore]

@@Avasterable I see what you did there 👊

[@jacquesnolte8881]

Where is Kommandostore based (looks like Rapid City, South Dakota) and are there any considerations for local South Africans ito pricing/delivery /import/export tax costs - in other words, would it be possible to order via you for local delivery and in the process save on cost since the rig is locally (SA) manufactured?

[@MarnusvdMerwe]

Hy het gese dit word in SA vervaardig, so ek glo hulle sal plaaslik beskikbaar hê. Ons moet net vir JN opspoor…

[@timothytimothy4899]

This guy's were the best in the world

[@KommandoStore]

Oh for sure. We were so stoked to work with Johann on this.

[@anthonybaiocchi3028]

Opfok with an ammo box - EINA!!

[@JimmySilverFoot]

What a great and wholesome video.

[@dusty7264]

Great video 👍 sounds like a awesome product

[@vanzylbooysen4826]

Great to hear 👍🏻

[@snidely_whiplash]

This is sick, but when are we getting new production p83 battlejackets?!

[@KommandoStore]

I'm not allowed to comment on that

[@snidely_whiplash]

@KommandoStore I'm sure releasing the battlejacket would fund A LOT more projects.

[@roibatty]

Holy shit you guys put Rodriguez as the outro music, ultra based and fucking great

[@KommandoStore]

Perfect ending in our opinion. Glad you enjoyed it! 🫡

[@krisjooste]

Any plans to ship direct locally in RSA?

[@ERA718]

Awesome video. I just wish the Takkies came in size 13 so I could cop both.

[@JoeSnuffy96]

Do you guys think that some time in the future you will release this same rig, but the magazine pouches configured for 5.56 mags? Keep up the great work, it’s awesome seeing people keep history alive.

[@KommandoStore]

That would be really cool! We’re exploring a few ideas right now.

[@Long_Tall_Sally]

Absolutely Goated

[@Llamadosalvaje]

This is amazing! The real deal

[@gerard377]

Thank you for give our SF the recognition they deserve! The SAS love to claim far and wide that they are the best and none is better but they never speak about SASF because they know that SASF are the best in bushwarfare, unmatched and on a league of their own!