MILITARY SURPLUS – Civilian World Applications

In this edition, I will be focusing on the AN/PAQ-4C Infrared Aiming Light Transit Case, Style 4055 Double Magazine Pouch, Woodland Camouflage Chaplains Kit Carrier and the M2581 Personal Decontamination Kit Case and their possible applications for civilian use. In the future, I will also be sharing some of my military service stories and how we used the products. They were not always used for the intention for which they were made! If you have any similar stories, I would like to include them in future columns. Please send your stories in care of editor@anmexponews. The first product I reviewed was:

AN/PAQ-4C Transit Case

The AN/PAQ-4C Infrared Aiming Light Transit Case was originally designed and manufactured by Insight Technology Incorporated to transport the AN/PAQ-4C Infrared Aiming Light.  The case was developed for the U.S. Military and is a versatile carry-case constructed of specially formulated polymer resin which makes the case

both lightweight and provides superior strength.  The case contains O’ ring rubber seal technology, a plastic carrying handle, heavy duty hinges, plastic clip closures, a compartmentalized interior, and removable interior foam.  Dimensions of the transit case are 11″ x 8″ x 5″ outside dimensions and 10″ x 6″ x 4″ inside dimensions. The case was originally constructed to exceed Military Standard C-415.  The transit case is both air and water tight and the cover can be easily removed to accommodate additional foam inserts.  The case also features a pressure equalizer valve for both air and sea travel, is strength contoured, and includes a stackable interlocking design.  The transit case is extremely user friendly and highly versatile.

For those outdoor-types, adventure seekers, shooting enthusiast or for those that just need a case to carry something; the AN/PAQ-4C Infrared Aiming Light Transit Case is a low-cost solution to all your carry-all needs.  The transit case can hold just about anything and best compares to the high-end Pelican cases.  The case would make a great carry container for sensitive electronics, weapons, cameras, or anything else that needs a lightweight, airtight, watertight, and bomb proof storage solution.  With a quick and easy change of the removable interior foam, the transit case can provide several additional applications or uses.  The case may be modified to facilitate testing and measurement equipment, telecommunications equipment, surveillance gear, radio communication equipment, night vision/infrared cameras, and would also make a versatile tool kit.  Industries that may benefit from the transit case will include the aerospace industry, the medical community, EMT/ fire rescue teams, law enforcement, and health and safety professionals.  The case may be found useful for industrial safety equipment and could be utilized for virtually every camping, hunting, or hiking application.

For those who need a lightweight and versatile carry-case, the AN/PAQ-4C Transit Case is a cost-effective solution for those individuals and industries that require an airtight, watertight, durable carry and storage container.

Style 4055 Double Magazine Pouch

Initially developed for the U.S. Military by Specialty Defense Systems, Inc., the Style 4055 Double Magazine Pouch for the M4 and M16A2 rifles provides a useful and portable small item pouch.  Initially designed for the Marines and U.S. Army, the pouch provides a durable and rugged-tough carryall container that is compatible with other webbing and harness systems.  The pouch is made with military grade nylon and measures approximately 7 inches x 3 inches x 1.5 inches.  The pouch is Molle and

Alice compatible and is easily attached to civilian style belts and harnesses via the rear straps or Alice clips.  The pouch includes a flap cover with sewn button fastener and Velcro.  The pouch also includes a grommet on the bottom to provide drainage and is extremely lightweight and portable.  The pouch comes in woodland camouflage print and was manufactured to the highest military-quality standards.  The pouch features a quick and easy opening design which allows two 30 round magazines to be inserted into the pouch in a staggered fashion so they offset leaving the back magazine a little higher to allow easier access and removal of magazines.  The pouch features nylon-web straps on back for easy load-up and transport.

Civilian uses for the pouch include being a useful carryall for most hand-held GPS units, small electronic equipment, or as an ammunition pouch in all hunting or sport-shooting scenarios.  The Style 4055 Double Magazine Pouch has already been highly accepted within the paintball sporting world as an ammunition holder and is also popular with fly fisherman as a versatile accessory pouch that is easily connected to most over-the-counter chest-pack harnesses.  Land surveyors or engineering professionals may also find the pouch useful as an equipment carry and active gardeners or the casual do-it-yourselfer may utilize the pouch in various scenarios.  In addition, the pouch has proven useful as a versatile biking-related carryall.  Carpenters or construction related professionals may also find the pouch resourceful in holding laser measuring equipment, measuring tapes, pencils, or cellular phones.  The durability of the pouch make it compatible in virtually every environment both wilderness and metropolis.

If the Marines entrust in the durability and toughness of the Style 4055 Double Magazine Pouch, then so should you.

Woodland Camouflage Chaplains Kit Carrier

Developed by Specialty Defense Systems, Inc., the U.S. Army issued chaplain’s kit bag is a nylon carrier that provides a versatile platform for individuals seeking a useful all-purpose carrier.  The bag was constructed with military grade Cordura nylon and measures 3-1/2″ thick by 6-1/2″ high by 7″ in length.  The carrier is Molle and Alice compatible.  Features of the carrier include a removable carrying strap, polyethylene stiffeners inside the case and a flap cover with a quick release slide lock fastener and Velcro for added security.  The carrier includes two Alice clips located on the back of the pack and the inside of the carrier is compartmentalized.  The carrier can be

attached to other packs or carrier systems via the Alice clips on the rear of the carrier or by the two straps on the back that feature two sewn snaps.  The carrier can also be slung over a shoulder with the removable and adjustable shoulder strap.  The shoulder strap is constructed of highly durable webbing and features two plastic connector clips.  Plastic stiffeners on the sides of the carrier maintain the bag open for easy access and the grommet on the bottom of the carrier provides a drain hole for water applications.  The carrier comes in woodland camouflage print and contains a small tab at the top of the unit to provide a location to attach a clip or tie-down.

The carrier is large enough to hold any number of items and serves as an extremely versatile, portable carry-all.  The ability of the carrier to attach easily to other hiking, pack systems or belts makes the carrier useful in various civilian applications.  Uses for the bag may be found in the camping and hiking industry and for virtually all other applications that require a durable and highly portable container.  Within the hunting and fishing industries, the carrier would provide a useful container for hunting and fishing supplies and would make a practical shell carry at the range or during field hunts.  Additional applications for the carrier may include a camera case, electronic media device carrier, air travel bag, or diaper bag companion.  The shoulder strap and retro woodland camouflage design would also make the carrier a functional fashion accessory.

If a lightweight, strong and versatile storage container is what you are looking for, the chaplain’s bag is the ideal system to solve that problem.

M258A1 Personal Decontamination Kit Case

For those that have served in the U.S. military from around 1975 (M258) to approximately 2001, the M258A1 Personal Decontamination Kit and its rugged case invoke memories of gas-mask training, the gas chamber, and long hot days in protective gear.  Developed and manufactured by Brunswick Defense, the M258A1 Personal

Decontamination Kit or specifically, the M258A1 case makes a great waterproof container that can be utilized in any number of situations.  The pocket-sized case measures approximately 4″ long x 3″ wide and is 1 1/2″ deep.  The case is made of durable, military grade plastic and is waterproof, bombproof, lightweight and air-tight.  The case contains a removable top with durable nylon connector and a metal strap hook for easy attachment to clothing or equipment.  The top of the container was designed as a flip-open-top and creates a water-tight seal when properly closed.  The case comes in olive drab color, is extremely handy and easy to store or conceal. The case is simple in design and virtually indestructible.  The case was originally designed to withstand a bomb-blast, chemical attack or nuclear fallout.

Within the world of geocaching, the M258A1 Personal Decontamination Kit case makes for a simple and cost-effective container that keeps your possessions dry in any inclement weather. Small enough to be hidden almost anywhere, but also big enough to allow small swag trades, the container has become an instant hit with geocachers.  Other civilian uses for the containers include applications for all water-sports related activities and all hunting and fishing scenarios for keeping possessions dry or holding ammo or bait.  The case has proven highly useful for muzzle loading, archery, and duck hunters.  The weight and easy of attachment of the case also makes it a perfect waterproof carryall for the serious back-country backpacker or everyday casual hiker.  Additional uses may include utilizing the case for carrying water, storage food, keeping toiletries supplies dry, as a tinder box, or to keep fire-starting materials dry and handy.

There’s no telling how many uses there are for this perfect lightweight, simple, and indestructible case.