What Does Ally Mean? | Gadge's Gear | AATV EP126

[@Dan-Dan46]

The tape on the buttons was also to try and reinforce the thread a bit so they didn’t rip off as easily, Allyest thing I saw was back in 1989 as Junior soldier my section commander had the Sas smock the bright tropics and he used a US Alice pack when we all had the 58 large pack!

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

That makes sense with the tape. It’s interesting going through photos as well. You rarely see any serving soldier on operation using totally unaltered issue kit.

[@chrisholman7441]

I was in 3 Para, 87-97. It used to bug me when you seen a crow who had been in the reg 2 minutes trying to be alley. Like coming straight from depot in the shot to battalion wearing his beret with the cap badge around by his ear. Also putting a quilt on your bed the first night, I wouldnt have dared do that, cos ya would have been filled in big time. When I joined the depot churned out some good soldiers back then. Aldershot will always be the home of the Paras, its a bloody ghost town now, very sad indeed. We all used to go down on the piss wearing green flight jacket, levi 501's dezzy boots with para chord laces and a company t--shirt or sweat top. Now that was alley as fuck!

[@M.I.L.O.007]

Being in a Scottish regiment at the time of serving terminology was somewhat different. ALLY meant allied forces equipment used ( excercises and deployment as per SOP's ) usually American in nature. GUCCI was used for the guys that spent an absolute fortune. KHAK was used for guys who customised the issue kit and added mods for practicality. Goretex everything was a big thing in the '80s.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Thanks for letting us know. Always interesting to hear.

[@VapourTrailz]

Getting caught with a grenade ring on your smock after giving the customary range declaration to be cleared off "I have no live rounds, empty cases pyrotechnics or parts thereof in my possession, sir"... Priceless. Quality video, thanks again.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Hah. Good one! :)

[@stewbacca117]

My problem was always empty casings sneaking into my boat-sized boot treads 🤔😱😭

[@46templar]

I remember i was a cadet at RAF Cosford in 86 doimg the declaration holding the waste ammo tin it was the first time for me on the range and it was a very very cold Feburary

[@radaraacf]

What just thinking that myself before reading you comment

[@johnross8273]

A lesser seen, and not so obvious one was the Claymore mine bag, for 2x spare waterbottles. My CSM at the time was ex 22, and this was his gig. Genius out in Kenya.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Nice. I’ll look out for one.

[@getthebrewsin6258]

I do love the lengths soldiers go to, to adapt their kit. A good example is the beret (which I really miss wearing everyday). When issued in phase 1 we were shown to, shave the excess fuzz off, remove the ribbon, cut out the lining and shape it by dunking in cold water, ringing out the excess and moulding to the correct shape then wearing it for a few hours as it dried. I later came to learn that officer berets have less fabric and generally neater so I got my self one of those and carried out the about changes, also sewing in my cap badge as it liked to wriggle out occasionally. I liked to wear the beret low at the front, just above the eyebrows the raising in a curve to the crown, a nice clipped hair cut would help grip the lid to your head.

[@muskett4108]

The most Ally item was the Grenade tin made into a steemer to cook ration tins pressure cooker style. Only needed an inch of water. The 95th Rifles were the earliest of Ally troops. Just did it, so didn't need a term for it.

[@SILENT-APPROACH]

In answer to Gadge, the Alliest bit of kit that I saw was a corporal in 216 Para signal squadron who didn’t use his issued Kevlar mark 6 helmet or Kevlar para helmet but a 1960’s US army tin helmet from Vietnam with a British army DPM helmet cover on it I shit you not!!

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Love it.

[@hbombharry]

I used to have a set of South African webbing I used when I was playing opfor for tesex it was brown when I got it but sprayed it with some nato green and black made it look decent my pal got one left it brown and got his ass chewed off all the time by officers for wearing it

[@bigdazz8636]

Classic bit of ally kit..58 pattern webbing basically consisting of water bottle pouches, because they were better at securing kit and didn't move about like the traditional square kidney pouches, an American water bottle pouch, so you can tell which one is your water bottle pouch in the dark and a couple of standard ammo pouches. 😁👍

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

I need to show off my custom 58 webbing at some point.

[@paulmadeley4078]

In Australia the ODF (Over seas Deployment Force) in Townsville Qld 1991. The Brigade Commander passed an order. "No aftermarket kit was to be used". Buggered a lot of us as most of us had bought Gortex jackets and South African water bottles. (They fit the Minimi Ammo pouches). We got away with using Patt 56 metal clips on our pouches as we found out the new Aluminum clips would unlatch and you would loose half your web gear. Some guys used to use fuse wire or trip wire to tie them closed. The only Gucci thing we could get away with were Sorbethanes in your boots for long walks. When they issued us brown boots (Tan) the soles were too flexible and there were may of us on patrols would trip over contour lines and go arse up. The boots would fold over a stone and that was that. We had no problems with the old black GPs. But no, that was classed as outdated. When I finished playing soldiers I still remember the crap kit and used the catch cry . "Remember your equipment is supplied by the lowest bidder".

[@modoudrammeh]

Wow! I'm 28 year old occasional airsofter and ex British infantryman this was definitely a cool vid! all the words mentioned in the beginning of the vid are still used!

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Thanks! Lots of fun to make.

[@Rob-on5tz]

And don't forget '"Hero Sleeves"' on your arctic smock, and put carabiners on everything. Harry maskers that metal mug and your good to go.....Ally as fuck. Now I'm off on a run ashore to do my Dhobi and get the wets in. Hoofing. . ;-)

[@sweaty7012]

Dunno about 'Ally' but I remember 'Warry' in 80s /90s Infantry. It was warry just to have a gas stove rather than the issued Hexi block thing. Oh and bungees on the webbing!

[@amfearliathmor9747]

Most Ally gun was the .45 ACP DeLisle Carbine.

[@AZSP1966]

I've got a French surplus metal canteen and cup with canvas cover similar to that one but it's bigger than the standard American set.

[@jarvy251]

Being from a highland unit here in Canada, one of the things I loved about our Balmoral Bonnets/Tams was they would slant forward and give us that eye-shade you described. Probably an unpopular opinion but I even liked the toorie on top

[@phh2400]

for the "reuse gear as other thing", I quite love the cheap MTP 45l bag cover to be repurposed as a "Mitznefet", simply by shortening the cordage. It is not that much breathable as a mesh, but anyway I am not in a desert, actually in winter time it is quite good... so as a basic camo to break the head silhouette work perfectly. Simple to add loops for additional foliage.

[@chromenewt]

Well I'm glad I know the difference between ally and Gucci kit now. I always thought airsofters with Gucci kit were ones that spent loads just to look good and I got kit that was practical and made the job easier.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Yeah you can be Gucci without being Ally. :)

[@davidroutley7619]

‘Twas “warry” (for a particularly “warlike” individual with the “right” look and the “right” kit in my day) (87-92). Never heard the term “ally” until years later on ARRSE.

[@sweaty7012]

Me too- same era too!

[@harrysmokes9265]

I thought ally was like allyexpress cheap China stuff 😂😂 only been watching a few weeks glad I've watched this now😂😂

[@SILENT-APPROACH]

Great video guys, I joined in 1986 and left in 1997 just before the guys started getting issues Gucci kit!!

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

I get less interested in Brit kit as it gets better :)

[@SILENT-APPROACH]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV tiger stripe is my passion these days

[@Solidsnake0208]

Interesting, never heard of the term before! Known a few people who have served in the British army, most of them never talked about it, but one used to often tell the most ridiculous stories that I eventually disregarded everything he said! 😂

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

All too common. Happens in every walk of life though!

[@stevetheduck1425]

My father (I'm 63) was a Rifleman in WWII, in Italy. To him, the word 'ally' pronounced 'alley', meant uncertain / unhappy about that. 'I'm a bit alley about that' meaning he didn't thing that was the best way to go about something / it would be unecesarily dangerous. He said there was an Arab word picked up by the Rifle Brigade in North Africa: al-ee-keyfik (highly paraphrased no doubt, and possibly a joke on me). The word for looking tidy or 'stylish' as a soldier (sometimes needed when an officer was visiting their laager) was to be 'tiddly'. This usually meant swapping kit between themselves so one guy could look as expected at the door, the gate.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Thankyou for telling us about your father. It’s very interesting to read these recollections and fascinating to see how language changes over time.

[@PrimarchX]

Picked up an Arktis windproof smock. Definitely alley!

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Nice work

[@DeltaBrat1]

Weekend just gone was hoofing got back honking and completely threaders 🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Sounds like you need to get in your pit.

[@cujimmy1366]

I went for the Royal marines smock. Felt it was a bit more hard wearing than the SAS one. And would give it a good soaking in a proofing agent .

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Good shout

[@hughsmith9401]

used them ar 15 border country n.ireland 85 same tape on the rifle 👍

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Good to know we got some details right. Thanks for letting us know.

[@Cattledogfever]

Very cool chat 👍

[@radaraacf]

From what heard. Ally meant the other pronunciation as in ally not alley, meaning fancy gucci shiny and what SF operators may wear

[@James-C24]

When you see the notification and click immediately!!!

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Thanks James!

[@BIGkami74]

I swear by my windproof smock. Best smock I've used to date.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Not that I’ve ever served but I prefer it to my newer issue smocks.

[@derdersoft]

Nice looking kit. Out of interest on the M16 is that a SLR sling?

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

It is yeah. Well spotted.

[@derdersoft]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV Looks well. Adds a British twist to it.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

It will be mainly used for British loadouts so felt right. I saw a couple of reference photos with British troops using the slings.

[@jockin_around8314]

Being an ex royal engineer, we didnt get much ally kit compared to the infantry based/SF units. For obvious reasons (plus our store man was a tight arse 😂) i ALWAYS considered the SAS smock and the Para smock as ally, always wanted to get my hands on one but could never get one. I love the concept of cuffed sleeves on a smock. Gods willing, i will get my hands on one sooner or later hahah. Great video!

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Tons of windproofs on eBay. Not so many Para smocks but available.

[@jockin_around8314]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV its just your luck with the ally kit, especially if they are still in use today. Ive already seen a virtus helmet for sale on Ebay XD

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

I’m pretty sure the helmet and plate carrier/armour are still on the restricted list.

[@reddevilparatrooper]

Back in the 1980s US Army we called cool gear as "High Speed". If you were a good soldier you were considered "High Speed". By mid 1989 and present "Hooah" replaced "High Speed". Having "Hooah" gear, attitude, looks and so on. But when asked by your superior to agree on or understand an order you said "Hooah". It could mean anything positive even negative. We had a saying that "Hooah" could mean fuck you too. But the British Army term is always positive I think?

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Pretty much but like most things with the right tone it could be used in a derogatory way. ‘Yes Sir’ could mean pretty much anything too :)

[@reddevilparatrooper]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV I remember back in 1989 when this term came about. I was in an Airborne Battalion in Panama before the Panama Invasion. Our company had 4 NCOs that graduated from Ranger School at Ft. Benning and they came back saying "Hooah". Also guys who had failed Ranger Indoctrination Program after Airborne School as Privates to go into one of the 3 Ranger Regiments. Since they were all parachute qualified they sent them to the 82nd Airborne and other Airborne units. They sent their failures to us. Made more problems in terms of discipline majority. Some few managed to go back and earn the Ranger Tab or make it back to the Regiment.

[@46templar]

I love these kind of show of you two and how do you know if the smock you buy is from either the SAS or the Paras Tom and not some seller giving the old bs?

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

It’s technically a DPM windproof smock, called unofficially an ‘SAS smock’ by many people. Cost me £15 or £20 from an army surplus store. If you buy off eBay it’s pot luck mate.

[@46templar]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV thats what i thought about pot luck

[@mujahidhussainvlog8222]

Very good 👍

[@staffiea8908]

the tape on the buttons was to stop the cotton unravelling as NCO's would pull on them and then the button falls off much to their amusement also you covered up the ventilation holes on the hand guard something i did and was moaned at back in the day and my trops are raid modded from sb stores before they switched to 95 crap

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

To be fair the guns electric Airsoft so it doesn’t really get hot but I do take your point.

[@Laylah02]

Good information

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Thanks.

[@hbombharry]

The tape on the buttons was to stop you rubbing the cotton out when crawling not for reflection that’s the reason when we trialed the 95 kit they changed to the para cord loop sewed instead of sewing the button directly

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

I read some documentation a while back that suggested it was for IR reflectivity as well as as you say for keeping them attached

[@hbombharry]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV that would make sense but after a couple of washes the IR proof used to wash out the smocks anyways it was one of the things they tried to sort out with the soldier 2000 kit

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Indeed. I’m careful with my modern kit that gets used for night games for that reason.

[@hbombharry]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV I glow up like a Christmas tree in my kit it’s been washed that many times now

[@estianburger8709]

Gadge's contender has a South African Pattern 83 Battlejacket

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

We’ll be looking at that one for a future loadout video. We’ll change the beret for another bit of headwear though. I’ve got a M83 Battlejacket. :)

[@estianburger8709]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV Nice! Can't wait. I am a South African collector. Love your and gadge's discussions on the various kits. I collect mainly South African Paratrooper kit.

[@theoscott5266]

An SAS smock is not ally unless you add elastic cuffs cut off your mates jumper/cardigan/whatever he has :P

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

I like the concept that they are off your mates Jumper! :) I'll get the sewing machine fired up and nick some nice Woolly socks from somewhere...

[@ALEXJP76]

SASS used to sell proper wool para smock cuffs, I used to get the tailor to fit them to my issue Arctic windproof.

[@James-C24]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV thats what paras used to do when they changed the denison smock to not have cuffs. Their is a company that sells the. For about a tenner and all they need is sewing on. Silvermans perhaps but have a look for denison smock and you may find them.

[@muskett4108]

Elasticated wool cuffs are not Ally on a windproof. They get wet and take forever to dry out. They came issued on Para Smocks where they belong only. We all know Paras struggle with buttons and velco.

[@ianderbyshire384]

I'm afraid I got it really bad: Matterhorn Boots Jungle boots RM arctic smock and trousers Arktis ventile smock Jungle DPM trousers and short sleaved shirts Chest rig Karrimor Condor bergan 32 years ago, all the gear and no idea lol cheers Ian

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

‘Ally’

[@ianderbyshire384]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV Regs called us STAB's, but back then I worked on a farm, they could say what they liked but I was very fit and strong, bad weather didn't bother me and as such soldiering was bloody easy compared to farming, apart from the being shot at bit, which I didn't experience..........................so

[@harrythomas4044]

SAS smock Hero cuffs Para helmet Tailored belt kit with a roll pin belt Altberg jungles Women want to be with you and men want to be you. Job done.

[@Armo1997]

Forgot to cover Ally helmets which is a pretty big thing

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

We don’t have any. :) I’ll do it for a specific loadout video.

[@Armo1997]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV Can pick up pretty heavily scrimmed (Ally) MK4 turtle helmets from the 70s-80s quite regularly on eBay these days. Same with the more modern MK6 and 7s now. Or just make your own from reference photos.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

I’ve got Gadge around so it won’t be a problem. He’s got a good mk4 scrimmed and I’ll be doing my own for a game later this year. My Mk6 is going to be done up for a late Afghan Loadout vid.

[@Armo1997]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV Sounds good, looking forward to it!

[@ClodiusP]

On words. Blighty from the Bengali word for foreign, "biletī".

[@stevetheduck1425]

I heard it meant 'home'.

[@muskett4108]

Survival Aids and Silvermans were the Ally/Gucci shops, or SASS made to measure, but the best Ally kit was found in the Cpl's mess and came out of a plastic bag from the "Trials" unit. Trials kit was stuff being tested, so some unit (often RGJ) would be told to use it and go tabbing in it. SAS or Arctic windproofs don't actually last that long under heavy use; they barely last a tour; unlike the 68 pattern stuff that could last a campaign. But as said windproofs were lighter and dried out faster, so great for those working hard on the wet Brecon/Otterburn. Sweat so wet on the inside, and rain so wet on the outside, but a good wind might dry it out in ten minutes; 68 pattern took forever. The first Goretex was Ally, as were Danner/Matterhorn boots. Any Bergen over a large-pack. Or even the Munro day-sac. A Buffalo fibre pile pertex shirt, or the jacket, were Ally heaven (worn under a windproof smock). Later there were the Softie jackets. The 1980's was a time of change. Pre Falklands its was 68 Pattern Guards Smart. After the Falkland then the more Ally the better; to Slackjacket levels. 85 Pattern was yuck, but at least PLCE Green nylon webbing came out with a good Bergen. Very soon after done in DPM with the issue SA80. Helmet change too. The 95 uniform was very good and in truth was out in the early 1990s. But so were the Gulf War Desert Combats. Ally were DPM NBC suits when they first appeared. Hard to know what is Ally now as so much of the kit is so good. To me a Foxhound seems so Ally, but then I just had a LR! Good times.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Modern issue is better but even more ally private purchase is still around. Materials and construction improve fast led by developments on the civilian side.

[@Spacemonkeymk1]

Jees, I still got my late 80s Survival Aids catalogue, and third pair of Danner Acadias, Buffalo shirt but prefer the Karrimor to the Berghaus myself. Prized kit is the New Zealand SAS smock in ventile, obviously... Managed to nab a dessie one too. You can keep your MTP.. ;)

[@muskett4108]

@@Spacemonkeymk1 I'm on my second "Trials" ventile DPM smock, the first I wore out when serving (black sack item). Slightly different darker and simpler DPM pattern to the NZ one. The NZ has other features too; by all accounts a great smock. Still my preferred DPM is the 1970's print' have a few windproof items in that. When found they demand a huge premium. The second DPM printed circa 1984 demands less and at least close to the quality and DPM colourway. I also have my last 1990s DPM which has a different print again. And then there are a couple more prints. Cotton quality drops as time went by. Heck, I have loads of windproof smocks, even Desert, OG, and MTP. Now used for pigeon shooting and bushcraft. I just find them comfortable, especially as I run hot when working hard. I've yet to find a better UK camo than the 1970s DPM. MTP can work when there isn't lush green as found in the UK. Wales and Scotland hills aren't lush, but washed out, so MTP can work there. The biggest improvement to modern camo is binning black boots which are as bad as a white face. To me a lot of modern private purchase offered isn't that great, being over featured. Frankly, soldiers need less kit, not more; fight light.

[@Spacemonkeymk1]

@@muskett4108 Best camo I've found for UK summer is my Japanese which is a lighter, greener version of Flektarn, closely followed by the Swedish pattern. I'm very impressed by the old red/brown Hungarian pattern in autumn and my Rhody kit is awesome in grassy environments. I've worn my tigers in the jungle but you might as well wear black because that's what it is as soon as it gets wet. NZ jungle cammies much better for that. Big camo collection to choose from.. ;) I had SASS knock me up an S95 pattern ventile suit in green which is very useful and well made.

[@Muli_mit_illum]

It’s funny you Mention British soldiers using Bundeswehr issued Gear, I Currently serve in the Bundeswehr and most of my Combat gear is British issue Gear, I traded with British soldiers on exercises.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

No matter who you speak too every seems to think everyone else’s kit is better. :)