Rip it good! Old song, but the drink is good. In fact, it is very good—esp. after you’ve been out doing in full gear ("Battle Rattle") and hit a period where things slow down. Not sure yet which flavor I like best, but may decide here soon.
First up, let me thank those responsible for my vest. The essential components are good, and seem to have gotten the stamp of approval of those who examined them—and they have reason to know armor. They, and I, hope that it never gets the ultimate test. The carrier is something else, and I may change it out later for a somewhat different configuration so that I can get a bit more flexibility, and add-ons. A couple of add-ons are additional bits of armor (always good to have options) and a couple are to tie in better with the systems the troops carry. That is a very good thing if you are going to be spending time in the field with them, not to mention being able to place identifiers in the same place, etc.
When you are actually moving and doing, the armor is not that bad in terms of weight. When you stop… Rip It makes it light again (or at least tolerable, there isn’t anything that will take out the kink I get in the center of my back when I stop moving).
Don’t think rear echelons are a good place for me in terms of “fit” 
My helmet is good, though the liner system could be improved. My thanks to Sgt. Gus who showed me how to change it out and offered some good suggestions on what should go in. The current system is very much like a spec ops liner, but does not stay adjusted and pins, staples, etc. are not what I consider a good option. As with the vest, I am looking at a couple of “add ons” for the helmet so that I can put some things in good places. Think those who saw it were amused by the paw print on the back of the helmet…
If my language slips in post, e-mail, or in person, please forgive for I am at heart a barbarian. Lapsing back into such language is in no way the fault of Easy Company, who are a most civilized and erudite group who, when not out on patrol and such, have refined discussions whilst sipping tea. They are killer at chess too (no, serious about that).
Have I been missing some sleep again? What? What makes you ask that? Hmmmmm????
LW
