The Infantryman’s Tools

In this video I break down some of the tools I’ve used in the field and explain their importance. Enjoy! And stay tuned for more!

[@davidoftheforest3822]

I appreciate your 'worst case scenario' minded approach to gear. Lots of people assume everything will go like clockwork, but, in reality, things tend to go pear shaped.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Absolutely, real life is anything but what you expect

[@bryanfaulkenburg462]

I have worn work glove almost everyday of my adult life. I hate using brand new gloves. I prefer worn in gloves. So to help new gloves break in faster , take the gloves and twist them in both directions several times. This stretches the leather getting rid of the stiffness. Also raw unfished leather dries my knuckles out quickly so a lotion or cream is a must also added a "oil" on the inside which helps the breaking in and drying out issue.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Awesome advice!

[@MeKnotChu6651]

@@TheGruntPerspective don't forget to oil the outside of your gloves also. Keep the leather nice and supple and it will last longer and flex easier. I also like to use glove liners as it gets colder out.

[@alvaroeloredo]

Most excellent advice!

[@addisonesslinger3653]

I've found an expedient method of soaking the gloves with water and wearing all day. By the end of the day they are molded to fit your hands. The following day oil them up.

[@chairmanofthebored6860]

​@@addisonesslinger3653 same advice with some extra steps. Oil them and throw them in the oven at 175 for about 2 hours. Just like breaking in a baseball glove. Makes a world of difference

[@knightshousegames]

Speaking of comfort in the hand for Esee knives specifically, the TKC G-10 extended handle scales are super nice to make most of the Esee knives feel even better in the hand. They have some goofy color combos, but they also have standard OD, Coyote, and Black as well. I have an Esee 4 with them and the little added length at the end and the grippy texture of the G-10 make it feel way more secure in the hand than it did with the standard Micarta

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Yeah I had an Esee 6 with those handles, very nice

[@rodtennant7603]

Good video again. Change your carabineer to a smaller black one. Try to get a German entrenching tool with a pick attachment as well, or get some old world war one or two type short infantry matock picks to have carried in the team. A good shortish machete is excellent for the bush. Cannot be replaced by using a folding entrenching tool other than in an emergency. Ensure the blades of all items are black or camouflaged, including the pruning shears. For those who think that an entrenching tool or matock pick is not required by every team member, in a conventional war, they are fooling themselves. There are no shortcuts and 50% light weight options. Study world war two pictures and you will see that every German infantryman had an entrenching tool on his belt kit and almost every allied soldier had one on his webbing. Small units and teams can be reassigned or be given different tasks in a combat team or combat group. Sandbags are also essential for every infantryman. A suitable axe is good for team equipment. Also some proper rope for lashings, long nails and chicken wire or subdued colour plastic netting.. Greetings from a bush war veteran infantry officer from South Africa.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

I go with that carabiner because it’s rated for rappelling! But I’d definitely like to get a black one so it’s more subdued. Thanks for watching!

[@domenickdecocco3343]

Chances are if War reaches the states, urban combat will be a given. A good set of bolt cutters, a sledge and a crowbar will be useful for the average prepared citizen to have as well. At least in a vehicle. Love your videos! Keep’m coming.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Absolutely, thanks for watching!

[@kentallard8852]

I cant see that ever happen, but for units in Ukraine at the moment where there is urban fighting yes that would help (or alternatively a shotgun with door breaching rounds)

[@user-uq7sr9eb7v]

8:22 thanks for the confirmation. I feel better now

[@TheGruntPerspective]

😂

[@cardiacbob]

Work gloves are not silly to a combat engineer! That's part of our basic kit. I held both the 11B and 12B MOS. Hooah! (Retired 11B40). And I was issued several Ontario Machetes over my career. I wrapped the handles with Bat tape and put 550 cord lanyards on those boys! still have the one I retired with.

[@RobotPanda15]

Been tracking your content for a while now. The perspective on near peer threats and how important self sustainment is is awesome. Modern war seems to be all about ignoring the gunfight and going for the people and population, great perspectives.

[@kentallard8852]

shock & awe doctrine

[@DanDannyDanielleBob]

Check out the condor terrachete. Pretty much the go to for a budget machete. The overland machete is probably the ultimate in the smaller machete size, but you pay a lot more for not much more performance

[@TimberwolfCY]

Love your stuff man. Already subscribed. You presentation is so clean and precise and info-packed. No crazy preaching sessions or excessive 'story time' just to-the-point data-stuffed talking points with good examples and real-world experience and perspective to back it. Super useful for civvies like myself who are healthy enough to practice/prep but not quite healthy enough to enlist. Thanks a ton for your service and your sound advice. Already in my 'Like immediately after pressing play' category. Thanks again.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Thank you for watching! I’m glad I could help!

[@Doug807]

Very helpful. I like the explanations you give for each otem.

[@Zulutime44]

Also, as in Ukraine, the modern open country battlefield is fought with drones and missiles that make armored vehicles tend to keep their distance from the FEBA and the enemy. Thus, dismounted infantry rule the roost, and field craft, even survival in adverse conditions requires a different kit and training than before. You may not see your vehicle for several days at a time. Very different from my cold war experience in a mech infantry battalion.

[@Firsir]

Awesome content

[@JohnJones-op8uf]

Excellent video! Keep em coming!

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Thanks for watching!

[@lololol220]

Hey man love ur video! A tip I got from a bushcraft instructor on axes is to start with a file then use a stone. I've used my Wave course file a couple times it does ok but not ideal

[@wastelandwarrior9738]

Get a hockey puck sharpening stone. Works amazing

[@seventhstone]

great videos sir, thank you

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Thank you!

[@WillieMakeit]

Saftey glasses for urban, bush wacking, hunting.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Oh yeah I’m always wearing safety glasses

[@Jeremy-Two]

In 1997. Ukraine gave up their nuclear capabilities in a deal for a government to protect them. Never give up your guns.

[@wastelandwarrior9738]

A lot more to that story than that

[@TimberwolfCY]

@@wastelandwarrior9738 Sure, but damn if it isn't the core of it.

[@cyrustrent6975]

nuclear weapons are of a very different nature than semiauto rifles.

[@mister_stang]

In 2014, they started bombing Russian civilians. They've also worked with the American deep state for years. Let's not forget that NATO pushed Russia into this war. Just because politicians say someone is the good guy, doesn't mean they are.

[@chrisgriffith9252]

​@cyrustrent6975 It's the principle of defense which applies... would this occur if the nuclear weapons were present? Maybe, maybe not, but we may have had to find this bullshit fest

[@michaelwhite9199]

What happened to just “borrowing” the pioneer kits from Motor T’s vehicles? Edit: I really do enjoy your videos.

[@frankcastenza6361]

Black ops bro

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Yeah I’ve done my fair share of that too😂

[@jameshuffaker9369]

I carry pretty much the same tools for the same reasons you stated, never a day in the Military, thank you for your service, but never say never and field craft/bush craft/ survival are important skill sets for anyone that spends time in the field. It only really comes up when somebody gets separated and dies. Shouldn't be that way, but I suspect most soldiers are about as educated about the above as the rest of the population, and they keep dying from ignorance.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Thanks for watching!

[@kentallard8852]

Regarding having to hunt does the army/marines do any sort of course on butchering and preparing game? A chefs knife kit plus cast iron pan and pot+lid would be good to have somewhere in the platoon for that too.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Yes they do! Haven’t been yet but it’s on my bucket list

[@d26williams]

Does your Protac light run down batteries even when not in use? I’ve had one for a bit I’ve always had to flip the battery inside out so it doesn’t run down.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

No I’ve never noticed that. But I replace my batteries pretty often.

[@Jeremy-Two]

Thomas Jefferson quote. "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from, time to time, with the blood of patriots and tyrants."

[@tylerclark1801]

As far as Etools are concerned... what about the method of 1/2 the team carrying one so we can spread load equipment more. Not everyone will be digging at the same time due to needing security anyways. Just a view point. Other opinions?

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Definitely a valid option

[@cardiacbob]

In every Infantry unit I was in the SOP called for your two qt. canteen on the left side of your (large) ALICE ruck (I'm old) and the E Tool on the right side. You ran the two qt. canteen strap around the front of your ruck to secure them and keep them from rattling/bouncing around (and you dummy-corded them).

[@Signal-20]

thank you.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Thanks for watching!

[@frozennorth6527]

For the sake of weight and space the e-tool can fulfill the machete role. I get that the e-tool is heavy and kind of unwieldly but in a pinch it can do the same so long as it's light brush. Just my two cents.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

I’d have to disagree. Like I said in the video, having the right tool for the job makes the job much much easier

[@frozennorth6527]

@@TheGruntPerspective we don't have to agree, our perspectives are different(in regards to the e-tool). I used mine for everything that someone would normally use the machete for. I just view it as a large multi-tool.

[@marcosvandalen7526]

@@frozennorth6527 a knife can also fulfil the role of a machete you know, machetes can cut down trees. I think that's really the big difference.

[@xusmico187]

great info, 1 is none, 2 is one, but you do travel heavy.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Thanks for watching!

[@VAMobMember]

I’m a civilian, never wore the uniform HOWEVER As an Engineer I carried a Multi-tool, mini mag lite and refillable butane torch lighter every day and needed them often and even when I didn’t others around me did.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Basic dude stuff, gotta be prepared

[@francism9782]

Multitools are a godsend. I'm in CA, so if im in places where even a multitool can give me second glances, I carry a Swiss Army knife...excellent tool but sucks losing the pliers. 😅

[@VAMobMember]

@@francism9782 I started with a SAK, the Black Camper I think, it has a Philips instead of a cork screw. Switched to a Leatherman (Parkerized finish) Supertool, only regret the parkerized finish. Do have other Keatherman but the Supertool is still my number one.

[@francism9782]

@VAMobMember supertool is a solid choice. So long as people dont abuse them, a good leatherman will ast a looong time. I run a wave, myself. I keep telling my buddies that every man needs to roll with the equivalent of a bat belt on them at all times...and no bat belt is complete without a good multitool.

[@VAMobMember]

@@francism9782 let’s agree to disagree on the bat belt. To me it depends on the location where you are and the “life”, “work”, etc going on there as to what you need for EDC. HOWEVER having on and wearing one are two different things and my prior comments are about WEARING one.

[@antchung2370]

Silky bigboy cord and a good tomahawk CS.. Lose the hatchet and the machete.. 👍

[@woodsghost9088]

I'm a little cautious about "you will be in a peer/near peer environment fishing and killing squirrels for food and building fires." What we have seen in the past, and recently, is fires attract artillery and recently... drones. I'm not sure yet that everyone should have an e-tool. What I was taught is to have half the team carry e-tools and the other half pull security or otherwise help. You can then either save the weight or issue other needed tools to the team. An idea is to also carry sand bags in your pack (3, 5, 10?). But that will be dependent on what leadership thinks is a good idea.

[@Maatdrummer1]

It seems odd to me that this isnt common sense, but I am 62 and read a lot of stories growing up. I have all this and a medium Alice pack and frame to carry it.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Thanks for watching!

[@goofygob2178]

The Protac lights can also take a AAA batteries

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Super cool

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Love those things

[@tomquirin4231]

new sub here bro, u.s. marine vet here 93' to 97' active , would love to talk gear more but i only have email here , great vids n content , keep em coming , thanks > tom !

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Thanks for watching!

[@tomquirin4231]

@@TheGruntPerspective NO probs brotha, you military , when , what branch ? , yes k.i.t., email me bro, would love to talk more , thanks > tom !

[@Nobody13325]

Funny, what you have on the table. Is pretty much the exact equipment. That I keep in my extended truck kit.

[@christophergonzales272]

Great minds my dude

[@marcosvandalen7526]

Tried and tested equipment. Don't sleep on gerber axes, the blade is FIskars and very good quality.

[@fishrrelaxing9361]

One trenching tool per 2 maybe at most 3 troops.. same goes for hatchet and machetes.. 3 man group I think is more modern as one person Carry’s just one. Everyone should have a knife and folding saw and multi tool period.. flashlight doesn’t deserve to be in this kit.. I agree about the handheld.. I keep on on fighting gear.. for a tool kit light I prefer a basic light that is able to be clipped onto anything and with an adjustable head.. you want hands free and use and already have a headlamp.. otherwise I’d carry a second headlamp.. just me.. 8cm is a good steel little more durable then 1095 and almost as easy to sharpen with basic skills and tools.. it’s also a little easier to find in higher end knives then 1095 which really is only more or less found in kbar anymore lol. Pretty sure that knife isn’t 1095 and is actually cm8 I know my tops and others like that are.. Only one tool and you go machete? No you go hatchet.. you can with proper kills do fine work like a knife and much more versatile then a machete, trenching tool or knife.. if I’m cutting out anything the machete is actually the first thing to go for me.. I carry a kakri style so I’ve never tried to Batton wood with mine but what makes them efficient is being king and thin do I really don’t see that as a realistic option.. tbh I may have to get a regular one just to try it.. The shears are overkill.. lot of good multi tools have a wire cutter inside the pliers back at the jaw.. serves same purpose..

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Thanks for the input! But I seems we definitely have some different experiences! Thanks for watching

[@WillieMakeit]

I have started to carry by pass snips while deer hunting. I found these come in handy for cutting cover to both open and conceal movement. I even use them for stalk hunting on deer trails , I can reach out in front of me and snip a branch that's in the trail and drop it versus moving the branch and it wiggles and when you let the branch go it wiggles. Another positive i see is counter tracking, while you travel in conflict zones, cut branches and drop them behind you on your trail so they obstruct and block your passage and help delay detection from trackers. Good luck out there. WRPL829

[@DEVILDOGGO]

What sheath on the knife?

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Just the one that comes with it, the belt loop I bought off of eBay.

[@DEVILDOGGO]

@@TheGruntPerspective thanks PIMP. Keep the vids up. Solid stuff.

[@IAmGrimmX]

I carry I'll of that

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Hell yeah

[@tom-dr1ym]

Carrie 7 items you have

[@rhysmeyrick615]

Get it out of your system.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

???

[@Nobody13325]

E-tool is mounted on my ruck, carry a BK-2 in my kit.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Anything from Becker is an excellent choice

[@Nobody13325]

Nice channel Sir👍

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Thank you! Share with your friends!

[@Nobody13325]

Retired Army Line Combat Medic.