Modifications to the USMC Gen 3 Plate Carrier

Modifications to the USMC Gen 3 plate carrier.

This video will outline how to take the bulky issued USMC plate carrier and make it into something that’s less so.

You’ll only need:
-outer plate carrier and load-bearing panel
-cummerbunds of your choice, either the minimalist elastic ones or the structural ones
-shock tube
-needle-nose pliers

Front soulder strap tuck: 1:07
Soft and hard armor install: 2:02
LBV corner tuck: 3:14
Back shoulder strap tuck: 3:43
Cummerbund adjustment: 8:45
Final look: 10:49

*note*
If you choose to use the elastic cummerbunds, the visible portion of the stretchy elastic should be on the BACK plate bag. The velcro by the non-stretchy end of the cummerbunds should be at the FRONT. Also the laser cut molle on the elastic cummerbund should face inside your plate carrier, towards your ribs.

HUGE shoutouts to @localskinwalker and Josh Glomba for many of these ideas. One thing I love about the Marines is how like-minded folks can come together and share ideas in order to help out the force, instead of gatekeeping information. These guys generously gave permission for me to showcase some of their ideas in this video.

In future I’m going to create a video on aftermarket add-one that I integrated with my own issued Gen 3 carrier to really make it more usable and comfortable.
I’ll also make a series of videos that outline what gear setups made my life incredibly easier at each stage of my career so far: vehicle-borne rifleman, security forces, rifleman, team leader, squad leader, combat instructor and now acting platoon sergeant. I’ve had a few LTs ask so I’ll do one for y’all as well. I will also talk how your gear should adjust based upon your mission set.

Hope this video helps! I was planning to release this a long time ago but anyone in the military knows that the training never stops.

Stay lethal folks.

Drop any further suggestions in the comments!

[comfycouchreviews]

I remember when PDMICE/SYSCOM asked for recommendations on a posted prototype photo. They literally fielded the opposite of what combat arms NCOs asked for.

[bruceyung]

I think these things are fabulous! So much high technology and better protection! Let me tell ya… when I fought in Iraq in 2003, I was issued a steel plate that was placed inside of my vest and that was the only protection. This system looks light years ahead. Thanks for this video bud!

[MrSwccguy]

The more you mod it the more it looks like a Eagle SPC arguably the best issued plate carrier for all the non sof people.

[burgerking]

Pro tip, tuck the zipper in the bottom and tape it up it so the sapis dont sag so they actually are placed properly

[mr.bismarck]

Never got to use this PC when I was in. Wore the Gen 2 in my time. What would you say are the pros and cons of this plate carrier? Because I i think some of the stuff looks cool like the first spear tubes which look very useful. But most grunts I talk to don't like it.

[matthew]

I don't understand how you manage to weave that shock tube through the molle at 10:21. my molle is so tight it was impossible to do this setup. Any advice?

[Joyner.D]

Based off this plate carrier this is an officer

[deadeye]

The gen 3 was a horrible upgrade, if you can even call it that.