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Standard equipment of an average Pakistani Soldier ...

I agree, our men need more training. But the type of training they need is much different from what people expect. You can’t teach a man to shoot twice. Our men can shoot and have pretty solid aim. They’re also brave. As much as I hate to bring it into a rational conversation about fighting. That “jazba” does matter. And we have enough of that.
The thing our soldiers lack is education. Simply; a US soldier is much better educated. It’s not that ours are illiterate, but theirs can be taught so much more than ours can just because of being better educated. In the past that has kept our soldiers looking like a militia in the face of proper armies. Though I have to say with the new generation I’ve seen improvements. Our soldiers are generally better understanding and more aware now due to the world we live in, and it’s helping us for the better. And slowly this generation will make it to the higher ranks as well. So we do have some hope there.
That being said. The enemies we fight or have fought till now have been better suited to this type of soldier. I.e: terrorists, which we’ve effectively fought. Plus India and Afghanistan. Which do even worst than us in this regard. At least our soldiers and disciplined and from a professional army. Plus they’re battle hardened.
Our whole country faces an issue of illiteracy and that’s been reflected in the armed forces in the past. I’ve grown up in and around the military and personally I think it’s gotten a lot better. Let’s see what the future holds.


Edit: one more thing that comes with that education is self reliance in the field. Pakistani soldiers rely on by the book training and actions and commands from officers. US soldiers due to better common sense and understanding would pick a path for themselves.
Hence we use so many officers in the field and the US deploys one LT and he’s like a great thing. Our LTs are like college freshmen.
In the field I’d expect a Pakistani soldier to do everything he’s been taught by the book. He’d do it perfectly. Even if it lead to failure.
A US soldier would follow orders the same as a Pakistani one. But he’d change what he needs to do depending upon the situation because he understands it better.
Again; I’ve seen improvement in this regard in our men. Hopefully more will come.



That physical health point is another overlooked thing. Any person from a developed country would be healthier and more fit regardless of equal diet and training. A major advantage.
I totally agree with you. Training doesn't mean just shooting or doing complex assault courses or drills. Training also includes education. specifically comprehension level, focus on self improvement. like American special forces are encourages to keep improving in every thing they do. From learning new languages to learning new cultures and learning new trades all the way to learning new combat trades. They are trained initially to look at everything inquisitively and comprehensively. they are trained to keep themselves motivated and focused on short term goals mapping out to long term goals. they are taught how self-discipline will lead them to a stress-free career + life. all of this is motivational stuff and basically stems from the mind-set that needs to be developed. we have a lot of this at officer level but we need to extend it below that to ORs also
 
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What are those camera type things on the helmets of Pakistani soldiers?

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  • The standard equipment of the average Pakistani soldier has been changed and improved quite a lot since 2005 after the modernization campaign started. This however did not happen over night, (took 12 years and is still in effect )




    The process slowly first phased out the old standard uniform , then focused protective gear, then weapons package upgrade (Optics, laser pointers etc) , communication equipment, and lastly other small touches like combat gloves.



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    2005 Equipment


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    2018 Equipment


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    Uniform Camo



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    Semi-pixelated arid/desert pattern


    First appearing in late 2012, the Army has standardized a newer semi-pixelated arid/desert pattern camouflage for the army. This new camo has proven to offer good concealment and camouflage in many environments. Standardization started in 2013 and completely replaced the older camo by 2017.



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    Oakley SI Assault Gloves



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    Oakley SI Assault Gloves


    The army had started issuing soldiers the Oakley SI Assault Gloves since 2014 and now has become standard .These have hard carbon fiber knuckle plating for hard-hitting protection. Made with a durable micro-venting leather fingers and a premium leather palm to last the duration of your mission. They are light enough to give you feeling in your finger when shooting a weapon and or working with tools. In addition they added rubber texture on the fingers for extra grip. ( They come in black as well)



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    Tactical Combat boots



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    Delta series combat boots


    Pakistan army now issues the Delta series combat boots to it's infantry. These are reliable and durable boots according to soldiers reviews. The army first started issuing these in 2009 which gradually started replacing the older army leather boots. These have been proven to be comfortable and durable on various terrain as stated by the army.



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    GIDs Ballistic helmet



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    GIDs Ballistic helmet


    The Pakistan army issues GIDS's Ballistic Helmet which has level NIJ Level IIIIA .Orignally the army ordered more than 30000 LWH helmets from USA but soon the local company Gids started making very a very similar helmet. This was chosen to be issued as standard. The helmet protects the user from bullets, fragments and provides wearing comfort due to balanced weight distribution which does not impede the performance of the user. The construction of inner suspension system ensures that a gap is always present between the head and shell which minimizes the effect of blunt trauma experienced by the user. It includes an adjustable headband and a comfortable chinstrap assembly. The helmet is relatively lightweight and provides maximum comfort, mobility & protection in its class.



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    GIDs Muhafiz bulletproof jacket



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    Note their jackets


    The Pakistan army issues GIDS Ballistic jackets to all it's troops as standard . These jackets are suitable for both military as well as non-military applications as these jackets can be used as a stand alone providing NIJ Level IIIA protection (Can stop pistol rounds) or with Ballistic plates to further enhance protection level to NIJ Level III plus (Can stop 5.56 and 7.62 standard rifle rounds). In the army these are commonly used with the ballistic plates (Obviously) protecting the sides and collar as well aside from front and back.



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    Tactical vests



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    Note their different Vests


    Pakistani soldiers are mainly issued two types of equipment vests as presented above. These are standard for carrying on field ammunition and other essential supplies. The vests themselves offer level 3 protection from bullets . Their are smaller versions which can easily be worn over bullet proof jackets while keeping the BP jackets pockets open.



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    Tactical Elbow/knee guards



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    Note the Elbow/knee guards


    It seems Pakistan army had started issuing these to soldiers since 2009. Today the army has multiple types of these protective guards (It's varies according to the regiment). These are one very important piece of gear that offer good protection of the knees and elbows. Military purpose built guards officer good cushioning on the inside while being very tough on the out side.



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    Polarized protection glasses



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    Note both their glasses


    While these have not been made standard yet, they are being issued to more and more front line soldiers recently. Their main use is eye protection from damage by stray small pieces of shrapnel and of course to protect the eye sight.



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    Multipurpose tool kit




    The multipurpose Knife


    Just like rest of the world the average Pakistani troops is also issued a multipurpose took kit which includes knife for fighting as well as cutting things, common weapon maintainance tools as well as some other accessories.



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    Aimpoint CompM3 / CompM4S



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    Aimpoint CompM3


    Since 2009 Pakistan army has actually begun issuing optics to regular soldiers which were previously only issued to special forces and a few other units. The army choose the Aimpoint CompM3 / CompM4S as standard because these were already in use in the army and their good reliability. Today almost every army soldier is issued these optics to be used on the primary weapon. Their are other optics also in use how ever the Aimpoint CompM3 / CompM4S are considered standard. Both of these are very popular sights which are in use with many police and armed forces personnel.



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    Sheba night vision goggles



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    Sheba night vision goggles ( Mounted on helmet)


    Standard issued to infantry for night time operations. The goggles are Sheba a high performance night vision product of ( Institute of optonics ) which fall under the minister of defence. It is a list weight system designed for long wearing comfort. These can be hand held as well as mounted on a helmet. It is said to be based of STG principal of design.



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    Shibli thermal binoculars



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    Shibli thermal binocular/Scope


    Previously and still currently to some extent regular binoculars are issued to soldiers however since 2015 the army has begun issuing the Shibli thermal binocular and optics to soldiers for their enhanced magnification and thermal imaging capably. Currently they can not be considered standard issue how ever the military is increasingly purchasing more and equipping more infantry with them.

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    P-25 Personal Role Radio




    P-25 Personal Role Radio


    The Personal reply radio issued to soldiers is the P-25 , the P-25 is Very/Ultra High Frequency (V/UHF: 300 megahertz to three gigahertz). Produced in Pakistan the P-25 tactical radios are in use by Pakistan Army and the country’s paramilitary organisations.



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    Military Digital watches



    These are quite a new addition to the soldiers inventory, Military Digital watches are reliable and durable can give accurate time measure temperature and other readings. Not exactly issued to each soldier yet however they are slowly being distributed more and more



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    Field long-term engagements gear



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    Hydration System (On his back)


    Now I'm going to introduce the standard long term engagements gear issued to Pakistani soldiers to be used in times of war. This equipped is primarily produced by POF



    Note : The gear below is now available in newer army camo



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    POF Webbing



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    Chest rig


    Pakistani soldiers are issued the POF standard chest rig which facilitates the soldier in patrolling and operation of short duration while carrying his essential combat loads with Moll System for attachments/ detachments. It is made of Cordura Cloth 1000 Den Polypropylene Webbing



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    POF Ruck Sack



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    Ruck-Sack


    Pakistani soldiers are issued the POF standard Ruck Sack which is compatible for Operational and Logistic requirements of an individual soldier to providing him the flexibility for operating more than 48 hours.



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    Detachable Small Field Pack



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    Detachable Small Field Pack


    Pakistani soldiers are issued the POF standard detachable Small Field Pack used to enable a soldier to carry his personal kit items during operational environments



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    Military Hydration System



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    Military Hydration System


    Pakistani soldiers are issued the POF standard used to facilitate the troops to meet their drinking water needs during combat movements / training. Troops can just drink the water from the pipe when ever the wish.



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    POF Pistol holster



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I suppose most of the pictures were of LCBs. I highly doubt that optics have become a standard issue especially Aimpoint. I have only seen LCBs and commando platoons equipped with them and not a regular infantryman of SIB. Same goes for NVDs and thermal binoculars. I think that section leader has a NVD and the thermal binoculars might be platoon asset.
Any correction would be good news.
@PanzerKiel sir
 
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I suppose most of the pictures were of LCBs. I highly doubt that optics have become a standard issue especially Aimpoint. I have only seen LCBs and commando platoons equipped with them and not a regular infantryman of SIB. Same goes for NVDs and thermal binoculars. I think that section leader has a NVD and the thermal binoculars might be platoon asset.
Any correction would be good news.
@PanzerKiel sir
... Some of even GCs as well....

Aimpoints are being used only for operational deployments... Our even for specific units in peace areas detailed for some important duty... Less LCB and SSG units who have them at all times

NVDs and TI sights are for All units... Irrespective of their deployment areas...
 
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Optics are common, as stated above standard issue in forward deployments both on border and otherwise and also seen at other places. For example here in Rawalpindi and also in Jhelum I see normal troops on sentry duties having them too.
another thing is individual ear and mouth pieces plus radios. Also basically standard issue now, that’s a bigger thing to me than optics since communication is so important. Such things are very rare in other similar armies but common for us.
Same for NVDs and TIs , you just don’t see them as often because the photos we usually see are daytime ops where they have no use.
PA has come a long way in the last 10-15 years due to all of its deployments and operations, the individual we have is far better equipped and experienced than the threats we face or really most forces from similar countries.
 
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I was hoping by now they would get a laser designator and ballistic computer addition to their RPGs along with the long range RPG ammo (with all the advancement made these days in propellant technology), so they out range the enemy and fire the most accurate shots out to very far distances, at a relatively modest cost.

A ballistic computer and laser designator similar to what the PAF special forces have on their FS2000 rifles


 
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... Some of even GCs as well....

Aimpoints are being used only for operational deployments... Our even for specific units in peace areas detailed for some important duty... Less LCB and SSG units who have them at all times

NVDs and TI sights are for All units... Irrespective of their deployment areas...
NVDs and TI sights are for every soldier or section leader/platoon commander?
 
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I was hoping by now they would get a laser designator and ballistic computer addition to their RPGs along with the long range RPG ammo (with all the advancement made these days in propellant technology), so they out range the enemy and fire the most accurate shots out to very far distances, at a relatively modest cost.

A ballistic computer and laser designator similar to what the PAF special forces have on their FS2000 rifles


We got these in 2013 of i remember correctly.
NVDs and TI sights are for every soldier or section leader/platoon commander?
NVD are for almost half the section... Sometimes everyone...... TI sights are generally at section level.
 
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We got these in 2013 of i remember correctly.

NVD are for almost half the section... Sometimes everyone...... TI sights are generally at section level.

Do you mean the FS2000 or Ballistic computers attached to RPGs? I think you meant the former, do you have any indication we may have the latter. Also some American companies state they have RPG ammo that goes out a further 200 meters then standard ammo. Would it be significantly advantageous if Pakistan started producing such ammo and giving ballistic computer equipped RPG to the troops on the Western border, allowing them to out range potential threats with accurate fire at extended range?
 
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