In the world of tactical gear, understanding key terms and gear functions is critical for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Whether you're gearing up for military operations, law enforcement missions, or outdoor adventures, having a tactical gear vocabulary can be beneficial.

 

In this Tactical Gear Glossary, I break down the basic terms used in tactical operations, explore the purpose of each piece of gear, and explain its unique functions.

 

By the end of this guide, you will be fluent in the language of tactical gear, allowing you to make informed decisions when selecting, using, or discussing tactical gear.

 

 

The tactical gear glossary: everything you need to know about essential gear

 

 

 

 A

 

Armor Plate: Reinforced plate inserted into tactical vests to provide ballistic protection. Typically made from ceramic, steel, or polyethylene, it is designed to stop bullets and shrapnel.

Assault Pack: A compact, lightweight backpack used for short-duration operations. It carries essentials like ammunition, medical supplies, and tools, often with MOLLE straps for customization.

 

 

 B

 

Ballistic Vest: A protective garment designed to absorb and deflect bullets. It can be fitted with soft armor for protection against handguns or hard plates for rifle protection.

 

Battle Dress Uniform (BDU): A standard military uniform designed for combat situations. It is durable, breathable, and comes in camouflage patterns for effective concealment.

Body Armor: Protective gear worn on the torso to shield vital organs from bullets and shrapnel. Consists of hard plates and soft armor for maximum protection.

Boots (Combat): Footwear designed for rugged conditions. These boots offer support, comfort, and protection, with features like slip-resistant soles, ankle support, and waterproof materials.

 

 

 

 

 C

 

Chest Rig: A lightweight alternative to a full vest. Worn on the chest, it carries ammunition, radios, or medical supplies and offers quick access during tactical operations.

Camouflage: Patterns and colors designed to conceal a person or object from observation by blending in with the surrounding environment.

 

Communication Devices: Radios, headsets, and other equipment used for transmitting and receiving information, crucial for coordination and situational awareness in tactical operations.

 

 

 

 

 D

 

Drop Leg Holster: A holster worn on the thigh, allowing for quick access to a sidearm without obstructing other gear. Often used in dynamic combat situations.

Duty Belt: A belt worn by law enforcement and military personnel to carry essential gear like holsters, handcuffs, radios, and other mission-critical equipment.

 

 

 

 E

 

EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal): Specialized units or equipment for handling and disarming bombs and explosives. Includes protective suits, robots, and remote detonation devices.

 

Elbow Pads: Protective gear worn on the elbows to cushion impact and prevent injuries during falls, crawling, and other activities that involve contact with the ground.

 

 

 

 F

 

First Aid Kit: A collection of medical supplies and equipment used to treat injuries in emergency situations, including bandages, dressings, medications, and trauma supplies.

 

 

 

 G

 

Ghillie Suit: A camouflage outfit made from netting and natural materials to blend into the environment. Used by snipers or personnel requiring stealth in outdoor operations.

Gloves (Tactical): Tactical gloves provide protection and dexterity, allowing the wearer to handle weapons and equipment. They are often reinforced with padding for knuckle protection.

Gas Mask: A protective mask used to shield the user from harmful gases, chemicals, or biological agents. Often equipped with filters and a full-face shield.

 

GPS: Global Positioning System, a satellite-based navigation system used for precise location tracking, navigation, and mapping in various environments.

 

 

 

 

 H

 

Hydration Pack: A small backpack containing a water bladder and drinking tube, designed to allow hands-free hydration during outdoor or military activities.

Helmets (Tactical): Protective headgear worn to prevent injuries from impact, shrapnel, and projectiles. Can include attachments for night vision, communication, and tactical lighting.

 

 

 

 

 I

 

Infrared (IR) Markers: Devices or gear that emit an infrared signal, visible only to night-vision goggles. They help mark locations or targets for tactical operations at night.

 

 

 

 

 J

 

Jacket (Tactical): A jacket made from durable materials for use in tactical operations. Features often include reinforced areas, multiple pockets, and water-resistant capabilities.

 

 

 

 K

 

Knee Pads: Protective gear worn over the knees to prevent injury when kneeling or crawling. Often padded and made from durable materials like foam or hard plastic.

 

Knife (Tactical): A strong, versatile tool designed for self-defense or utility purposes in tactical situations. Features can include a fixed blade, serrated edge, or a tanto point.

 

 

 

 

 L

 

Load Bearing Equipment (LBE): Tactical gear like vests, harnesses, or belts used to distribute the weight of gear, including ammunition, water, and medical supplies.

 

 

 

 

 M

 

MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment): A system of webbing on backpacks, vests, and other gear that allows for customizable storage with pouches and accessories.

Mag Pouch: A pouch designed to hold spare magazines for firearms. Mag pouches are attached to tactical belts or vests for quick access.

Map: A visual representation of a geographical area, used for navigation, planning routes, and understanding the terrain.

 

 

 

 

 N

 

Night Vision Goggles (NVG): Optical devices that amplify available light, allowing users to see in low-light or no-light conditions. Essential for night-time tactical operations.

 

Nylon Webbing: Strong, durable fabric used in tactical gear, especially in straps, belts, and backpacks. it is resistant to abrasion and can be used for load-bearing purposes.

 

 

 

 

 O

 

Ops-Core Helmet: A high-performance helmet used in military and tactical environments. It provides ballistic protection and can be fitted with accessories like night vision, communications, and face shields.

 

Optics (Tactical): Special scopes and sights attached to firearms for improved targeting accuracy. Includes red dots, magnified scopes, and thermal optics.

 

 

 

 

 P

 

Plate Carrier: A vest designed to hold ballistic armor plates. Plate carriers provide protection against rifle rounds and are customizable with pouches and accessories.

 

Pouches: Small bags or compartments attached to vests, belts, or carriers for carrying ammunition, tools, medical supplies, and other essential gear.

 

 

 

 

 Q

 

Quadcopter: A drone used in surveillance, reconnaissance, or support tasks during tactical missions. Its four rotors provide stability and the ability to capture real-time data.

 

Quick Release Buckles: Buckles that can be quickly and easily released, allowing for rapid gear adjustments and equipment removal in emergency situations.

 

 

 

 R

 

Radio: A communication device used by tactical teams to coordinate and relay information. Can be handheld, vehicle-mounted, or integrated into tactical vests or helmets.

 

Ropes: Strong cords used for various purposes, such as climbing, rappelling, and securing equipment.

 

 

 

 

 S

 

Soft Armor: Flexible, lightweight body armor made from materials like Kevlar. Provides protection against handgun rounds and shrapnel, but not against rifle fire.

 

Survival Kit: A collection of tools and materials designed to help the wearer survive in hostile environments. Includes fire-starting materials, shelter, food, and medical supplies.

 

Safety Glasses: Protective eyewear that shields the eyes from debris, dust, and impact, preventing eye injuries during tactical operations.

 

 

 

 

 T

 

Tactical Flashlight: A high-lumen flashlight designed for use in tactical situations. Typically features multiple light settings, including strobe for disorientation, and can be mounted to firearms.

 

 

 

 U

 

Utility Pouch: A versatile pouch designed to carry tools, medical supplies, or other essential gear. Often modular and designed to be attached to vests or belts.

 

 

 

 

 V

 

Vests (Tactical): A category of wearable gear designed to hold and organize essential equipment such as ammunition, hydration packs, radios, and medical kits.

 

 

 

 W

 

Webbing: A fabric material used in tactical gear for securing, attaching, and carrying equipment. It is often used for straps, belts, and loops on backpacks and vests.

 

Water Bottle: A container for carrying water, essential for hydration during physical exertion and prolonged operations.

 

 

 

 

 X

 

X-Ray Glasses: specialized eyewear with enhanced vision capabilities, such as night vision or infrared capabilities.

 

 

 

 

 Y

 

Yardstick: A measuring stick used to measure distances in yards, useful for range estimation and target acquisition.

 

 

 

 

 Z

 

Zeroing: The process of adjusting a firearm's sights to ensure accurate shooting at specific distances, ensuring that the bullet impacts the intended target.

 

 

 

After reading this tactical gear glossary, now that you are armed with knowledge and understand the importance of quality tactical gear, it's time to take action.

 

Don't settle for second best. Contact Lupu Tactical Gear today to discuss your needs and order your custom tactical gear. Our experienced team is ready to provide you with the highest quality products that will work in any situation.