Question on Army donating gear to a school.....

[Ruskiegunlover]

Don't know if anyone here would know anything about this. I am, as many know, starting an outdoors club at my high school next year. I have a large number of kids wanting to get into it. I also have a large number wanting to take a real backpacking/hiking trip with me next summer. I am, again, thinking of the Death Hollow hike in south central Utah.....But, many of these kids would not be able to afford the gear. I have always used military surplus for a number of reasons, not the least of which is I am a complete military gear dork. Its also a lot cheaper, very hardy, generally well thought out, and works. This last May I did the death hollow hike, used an ACU MOLLE II, and was the ONLY MEMBER of our trip (6 guys) with no muscle soreness, or any back pain. They all used Chinese civilian backpacks, and a couple of other $150-200 packs. My $50 ACU Molle worked great.....Which is one of the reasons why I am considering trying to get about 15-20 for this club.

Do any of you vets know if the army would donate gear towards this kind of thing? I talked to a recruiter this morning, and he loved the idea, and is currently trying to get ahold of the Fort Riley Ks Central Issue Facility (?) to try and see if they would do it. Have not heard back from him yet.....I told him all I'd need is maybe 20 packs, all serviceable. He said that they usually have a large number of damaged packs and gear, to which I said I would happily sort some and piece together some that would work if allowed to. Second to the packs would be some hydration systems, if they had any. They COULD be thoroughly cleaned and used again.....

Is this possible? Anyone ever heard of the army donating gear like this? Or am I barking up the wrong tree? I was just at a retreat for the leadership team for my high school, with 56 kids and 8 staff, and my FILBE attracted a lot of attention from the kids wanting to be involved with the club. They got a kick out of trying it on, seeing how it carries, and talking about it. So I think the idea is valid.....

[Ruskiegunlover]

Pics of me last summer......Remember, I am an insulin dependent diabetic (23 years). The ACU shirt was PERFECT for stowing food, my camera, and my phone on my arms and high on my chest. Was seriously dorky, but damn it worked well.

[Ruskiegunlover]

Oh, and at the start of the 24 miles, I had my hdration system hung from my chest as it didn't seem like it would be good on the pack. About 1/3rd through, I started hanging it on the pack, and it was great.

[LAGC]

Don't you have any local Army/Navy Surplus stores anywhere close by? Not only can you find camping-related gear for real cheap, they often have hella deals on multi-unit purchases (especially by the dozen or more) -- even if they don't have enough in stock, they can often work their supplier network and quickly deliver as many as you need.

[Ruskiegunlover]

All the local places want $150+ for MOLLE bags. Want $75+ for Alice packs....Rediculous prices. They never move the stuff.....And again, if the army would donate some, it would be awesome. I am expecting to have to buy a few things for these kids anyway. Just hoping to get a little help from the army if possible.

[mrkalashnikov]

Damn, that is a cool thing you're trying to organize for your kids, Ruskie. Definitely going above & beyond as a teacher & good role model to your students & school.

Maybe some guys here would kick in some $$$ to aid you in the cause. I would be willing to, I can say that.

Nice Russian grunt hat, btw.

[Ruskiegunlover]

Yeah, I love the hat. I love Death Hollow, highly recommend it for anyone here who is into hiking, backpacking. Really want to take some kids through it. Still have not heard from the recruiter, thinking about calling him.

[Ruskiegunlover]

Just talked to a guy at Fort Riley. He seemed positive, told me to shoot him an email which he said he would forward to his superior to see what they could provide. I just shot an email off, requested 15-20 MOLLE II's, and 15-20 3l Hydration packs. Also mentioned if they have any MRE's to dispose of, they too would be helpful. HOPEFULLY, I can at least get the MOLLE II's.....We'll see.

[Ruskiegunlover]

Mrkalashnikov, I appreciate that. I do not intend to ask for donations for this....Just excited. I VERY much appreciated the financial help for my student who went to china. I am just going to have to play this out.....See where it goes.

[Ruskiegunlover]

Called the guy I spoke to the other day, he said he had sent the email up the chain, and was waiting for a reply. Keeping fingers crossed.