Different Battle Belt and Duty Belt Setups

Working in a Military, Security, or combat sim setting? Lets get your belt squared away.

Here I have some recommendations and prices to assist you along your way setting up a duty belt.

Here are a few of my go brands for working with the National Guard and as a Private Security Officer.

Security Belt Setups

A gun is only as good as the holster its carried in. The Safariland brand offers top tier quality and pistol retainment.  These holsters run around $180 to $220 and offer level 3 retention. This is a very safe holster as the user has to flip both a thumb retainer as well as depress a button to draw. Stay away from SERPA style holsters as the pistol retention button being so close to the trigger and trigger guard makes for an unsafe draw.

As far as the belt itself, Snake Eater Tactical offers a very solid belt with Cobra Buckles. These run around $200 and are USA made. These belts utilize a velcro liner belt that bites onto the exterior belt, keeping your gear and holster where it needs to be, even when you run. For a more affordable option, Lancer Tactical does make a very high quality clone belt, that offers alot of the same features, for around $30-$40 depending upon pattern. Condor also makes a fantastic duty belt with inner padding that is very comfortable for long term wear. Condor LCS Battle Belts run around $40 and nicer models run about $90.

Pouches

Eagle Industries MLCS pistol magazine pouches are my go to. These have a top cover and keep your magazines from entering orbit as you run or perform physical task, these can be found surplus for $15 a pop and are extremely durable. You can also tuck the Velcro tongue in to use them as an open top pouch if that is your preference. Condor also makes a very similar Top covered pistol magazine pouch for $15-$20.

For a dump pouch that takes up very little space and looks professional, the Blue Force Gear dump pouch is a must have. They run $60 and collapse completely into themselves when not in use.

Cuffs or Restraints

Personally I dont carry actual metal cuffs on security details. I carry the single use Zip Restraints as they are very affordable, durable and weigh almost nothing. This also allows you to carry multiple sets in the same spot on your rig that a single set of cuffs would take up. I use an M4 Magazine pouch from Eagle Industries to carry 3 sets of Zip cuffs as well as stash an additional G19 magazine.

Medical

An IFAK is a must have for any kit and basic medical training can go a very long way. I personally carry a CAT Tourniquet on the back of all my belts next to an IFAK. A CAT runs $26. Having some medical disposable gloves is always a must. These can be added to your IFAK very easily. You can get your hands on an IFAK for as cheap as $90 and get more in depth kits for $200.

Less Lethal 

Sometimes having a non lethal option is the best option. Steel collapsible batons, Pepper ball, Mace and Tasers are all viable tools. Tasers however do fail and are ridiculously expensive, so personally I stick to the Steel baton. Keep in mind that a baton can be seen as a lethal weapon legally if used incorrectly. Steel batons range from $25 to $35 dollars and will include the carry pouch. Pepperball as a non lethal is another great deterrent, Byrna offers a solid, reliable CO2 activated option for $375.99. Byrna also offers Level 2 Holsters for under $50. Umarex also offers a CO2 Pepper ball pistol for around the $100 price range.

Military Duty Belt 

My military belt is much more bare than my Security set up. I utilize my military belt for carrying a spare M4 magazine, a canteen for hydration, and medical. Your needs will vary so keep an open mind this setup may not be for you.

I use the Lancer Tactical Special Combat belt for this setup. Its much lower profile than the Condor belt and fits well when combined with a plate carrier or chest rig.

I carry 2 tourniquets, the issued IFAK, then more Eagle industries pouches. I also use the same small Blue Force Gear dump pouch on the back of the belt. USGI Improved Military Canteen pouches can be found surplus and run under $20. I usually wear this on my left hip so its easy to grab a drink even when inside a cramped humvee.

Setting Up Your Belt 

Dont let your wife bully you for playing with your gear.

Get in front of the mirror, put on your setup, and try to access your kit. If you find that you cant reach your spare magazines or medical where they are, move them around, adjust, and refit yourself so you’re set up for success. As a right handed person and shooter, my magazines are all setup on my left side. My pistol is kept clear of clutter, and my back medical kit is accessible with either hand. Keeping your kit balanced and not cluttered is a priority, since if you cant reach or use it, its just dead weight.

Combat Sim 

When it comes to Force on Force training, I usually run one of my previous belts to get reps in. With Safariland Glock style holsters, Elite Force/Umarex brand Airsoft Glock pistols will fit perfectly. GBB magazines also share the same pouches. Airsoft is a fantastic way to test setups with shooting, moving and getting trigger time.  When playing for fun vs training, I usually up my combat load with additional magazine pouches and throw a carabiner on to hook my gloves and mask on.

I hope this was informative and helped you check out some quality products! If you have a brand you would like me to check out drop it down in the comments!