Are you Marine Reserve up on 35th? thats where i'm at. If you are you get issued older stuff, but if your just checking in you get all the nice new stuff! (isn't it messed up knowing recruits get better stuff than me, same with all the boots!) Well anyway i rock my issued gear out in the field, now if you get an OTV take out the soft armor it makes it 10 time better. My kevelar is sh*t too but i use it anyways. If your ever in doubt bout that stuff, just remember if you have earned it wear it!