IDPA and military gear

[TheLastBoyScout]

I'm a Marine mid at The Citadel, on our IDPA/IPSC team.

As part of my training, I've been issued deuce gear including an LBE, Flak and kevlar helmet.

From my civilian life playing airsoft I have a thigh rig and duty style pistol mag holders.

I understand that IPDA is intended as concealed carry (team uniform is mostly a matter of preference, variations on the theme of "BDUs with a pistol on the belt that holds up your pants, and the blouse as a cover garment"). As cadets, we aren't allowed to represent the school in civilian clothing.

I mainly do this stuff with an eye towards developing skills for active duty. I use a bone-stock Beretta right now, and don't own a civilian style holster--the holster part of my thigh rig can be put on a belt.

I seem to remember reading something about military and LEOs being allowed to shoot using duty gear, and even though it would be a disadvantage, I want to shoot the match this weekend in full gear if possible--flack/thigh rig and mags on my lbe in addition to canteens/rifle mag pouch etc.

Can I or can't I?

 

[TheLastBoyScout]

Found the rulebook cite-- P. 13, 2005 edition

CoF 13. Use concealment for scenario stages when
appropriate. Exception: Police or military officers when using
actual duty gear.

I guess the question is can a (non-deployable) Midshipman do it with gear that could be duty gear, if/even though he isn't issued a weapon or associated gear by the military?

 

[Hoser]

Ask the Match Director when you show up. If says no, then you know where you dont want to shoot.

 

[SIRVEYR666]

Yes, but Military and LEO must wear ALL of the gear on your duty belts that you normally carry. Cuffs, mace, etc. I'm not sure how much "stuff" you normally carry. I've seen some LEO's with a lot of stuff. They didn't move too fast to say the least.

 

[Fawkes]

Good question. I'm not sure that the tactical holster would be allowed. I agree to ask the match director when you show up. But just in case, I'd look into picking up a good leather belt holster if you're going to play the game.

 

[akanotken]

I think your chances are good.

Explain what you are wanting to do (it's reasonable and you aren't making a mockery of the sport or gaming for an advantage). I'd be shocked if you were turned away.

Then have a safe time, you've just found a venue to increase gun handling skills and your shooting in stress (high visability and timed).

If it's a no go, ask if you can shoot for no score ....

 

[Jim Watson]

I have seen some number of cops shooting IDPA in duty gear. No military, but I doubt any match director around here would turn you away if you showed up in uniform with a real issue holster, thigh or not. I wouldn't make you wear a pack, but you would have to wear all your belt carried gear. One deputy here says shooting matches in full fig made him aware of just what he could and could not do while corseted up in vest and lots of lumpy stuff on his belt.

 

[Jenrick]

I personally don't think working off a thight rig is that much of an advantage. They are faster then a belt duty holster, but they're still slower IMO then a good concealment holster. I speak from wearing both a belt and thigh holster at work every day, not of course at the same time (ah the joys of policing). I doubt any RO is going to give you to much trouble if you show up in vest, pot, and rig.

-Jenrick