Why This Prototype Combat Rig Could Help Army Soldiers Fight A Possible War With China | Loadout

A United States Army officer shares a modified combat rig that could offer service members a more optimized alternative to the traditional TAPS, or tactical assault panel system. In November, we spoke with 1st Lt. Zachary Calderone of the 25th Infantry Division during the Army’s Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center, or JPMRC, training exercise in Hawaii. JPMRC is a large-scale 10-day training exercise where the US Army, along with international partners, utilizes realistic combat scenarios that prepare soldiers for battle with peer adversaries like China. Based in Oahu, the 25th Infantry Division typically trains for combat in jungle environments. On this day, Calderone’s platoon was operating in the P’hakuloa Training Area on the island of Hawai’i. While the tactical assault panel system is one of the Army’s standard combat rigs, Calderone was tasked by his unit to test out a prototype optimized for jungle warfare. Calderone breaks down the differences between what he calls the “jungle rig“ and the standard TAPS rig, pointing out how the new rig offers superior adjustability and breathability. WATCH MORE BUSINESS INSIDER VIDEOS: 43 Essential Items Marine Corps Officers Bring To Battle | Loadout | Business Insider Every Piece Of Gear In A New Zealand Army Soldier’s 72-Hour Bag | Loadout | Business Insider How The US Military Spends $800B Per Year On War Machines | True Cost | Business Insider ------------------------------------------------------ #army #loadout #businessinsider Business Insider tells you all you need to know about business, finance, tech, retail, and more. Visit our homepage for the top stories of the day: Business Insider on Facebook: Business Insider on Instagram: Business Insider on Twitter: Business Insider on Snapchat: Business Insider on TikTok: @businessinsider Army Jungle Soldier Reveals Combat Rig That Could Replace TAPS