What is the Recon Flick?
The recon flick is used when you do not expect contact and need to move fast. For example, when you are scouting, training or even when working in an armored vehicle. The plate carrier is used for when you do expect contact. Watch the video to learn what you need in a standard flick and read the article to learn why you need each item.
Tips
The Flick that I have now is identical to the one I was issued. I prefer my flick to ride a little high, i.e. more on my chest than on my stomach. I just can’t stand it when it pinches my sides. First thing I did was altered the flick so that it would fit me snug and eliminated several buckles and extra material. This made it way more comfortable and helped it stick to me better when I have to run.
You may wish to take it to a seamstress so they can help you with this part. Just keep in mind, when you’re wearing a flick you have no armor. So being able to get your hands on your mags is vital. Your bullets going down range is your armor. It was this reason I cut off the retaining straps from the mag pouches. Keeping the flick snug on your body will help retain the mags but you will still be able to get mags in and out.
What a Recon Flick Needs
IFAK, individual first aid kit, is a must, but don’t go stupid with it. Don’t settle for cheap equipment either. A real IFAK should cost you close to $200. The one I featured in my video was a standard issue military IFAK. Honestly, I don’t feel that’s enough. Whenever I step off on a live mission I plus up my IFAK. The contents are as follows: Tourniquet x 2, Chest Decompression Needle x 2, Occlusive Dressing x 2, Israeli Pressure Dressing, Medical Tape x 2, Quick Clot/Vetigel ( This is new stuff, if you can get it please let me know…I’d love to field test it.), Roll of Gauze, Trauma Sheers, Scalpel, Gloves, Nasal Canal.
That is a lot of material. However, it’s all a must. You probably won’t be able to fit it all into the IFAK pouch, but get it on your recon flick the best you can and try to keep it all in the same area. Be sure you and your buddies know where to find it. Our SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) dictates that we carry our IFAK on our left side. We also write our Blood type on our boot tops and IFAK pouch. This helps anyone that has to give us blood know exactly what blood type we are.
A survival kit is for when everything goes wrong and you have no choice but to fall back on your SERE training. This is just a few items that will help you when you’re in the brush. Items are as follows: Fire Starter, Picture Frame Wire, Life Straw, Dried Food (enough for one meal), Small Pocket knife (I recommend a Swiss army knife), Dryer Lint.
Brush Sheers are awesome, they can help you get through that thick vegetation when moving to your objective site. Just don’t go crazy with them and blaze a path a blind man could follow. Again, don’t go cheap; you get what you pay for.
M-4 Mags or magazines for whatever weapon platform you’re running should be painted. Just understand that if you’re running an H&K or an M14 or something other than an M4 or AK-47 you’re going to have a hard time finding a flick that will work for you. I used a few rattle cans I picked up at Wal-Mart to paint mine. Using tree leaves from local trees as a template, I painted the mags in this order:
- Brown- as a base, let it dry.
- Tan- with Pecan tree leaves, let it dry.
- Black- with Oaktree, let dry. OD Green- with Pine tree.
My area is more green so I go heavy with green. Before painting, I wrapped the bottom of the Mags with Black Medical tape. This helps me get a better grip so I can pull it out of the pouch faster. Remember, rounds down range are your armor. Keeping your enemies head down while you maneuver is the only answer, so Pack a lot of mags and make sure you can get them out fast.
A Karambit knife that has a loop on the handle end. I like this because I can retain the knife in my left hand while still reloading my rifle or pistol. It came with an awesome plastic sheath that locks the knife in place preventing it from flying out. Just be sure that whatever blade you choose, you train with it.
My pistol holster is on my flick. As a 12 year Recon Veteran, I have found this works the best for me when doing recon work. I have found I sit more than anything else while in my hide. I want my pistol off my side so I can lay down on my side and/or move around without it getting into the dirt. I have even found that while moving on my belly into position the pistol gets no dirtier than if it had been on my thigh or side. This just simply works better for me. Black Hawk made my holster. I painted it the same way I painted the M4 Mags.
Seatbelt cutters are pretty cool items. I decided to put one on my Flick as it doesn’t really weigh anything and it’s very handy when doing water egress or cutting your buddy out of a jacked up vehicle. I guess it’s one of those things that you’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Additional items on my flick are Pistol mag pouches, a flashlight pouch, and a double M4 mag pouch. The pistol mag pouch should be self-explanatory, just make sure they work with your weapons mags. My flashlight is made by Surefire. They make good stuff, but I bet you could find an equally good flashlight cheaper.
The Double mag pouch is really on there for my radio. I run a Harris overseas and a Motorola or HAM radio stateside.  All which fit well in the pouch. The reason I don’t run a simple radio pouch is it doesn’t come with a flap over the top of the radio. The mag pouch will give my radio more protection when you get caught in the rain and when you’re sliding on your belly. And if I’m ever on a mission that I don’t have a radio, that I can pack two more mags in the same pouch without having to change pouches. Again, rounds down range are your wall of protection.
Conclusion
So this is the layout of my Recon Flick. If you want to build your own Flick than go for it. Need help? Then call (919) 223-7741 or email us at prepare@tackleberrysolutions.com.
To buy one already set up and equipped then just email us the following:
- Rifle you plan to use
- Pistol you plan to use
- Radio make and model
- Knife you’d like to carry.
Please note the IFAK will be a standard issue IFAK. If you want extra items like what I have listed you will need to supply them yourself. Also if you’re wishing to have your Flick custom fit you then you need to take it to a local seamstress. We cannot do that here. Thank you for reading, and as always please shop at Tackleberry Solutions.
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