What Does a 160th SOAR Black Hawk Pilot Carry Every Day?

Published on December 4, 2025
Duration: 8:38

Former 160th SOAR pilot Mike Durant details his combat EDC, including the MP5 submachine gun and M9 pistol. The discussion highlights the evolution of aircraft weaponry, such as the transition to Miniguns on Black Hawks, and introduces the Sig Sauer MCX Spear as the new 6.8mm military standard. Durant also emphasizes the critical importance of survival gear, like his custom vest with extraction harness, and reflects on lessons learned from gear failures in combat.

Quick Summary

Former 160th SOAR pilot Mike Durant reveals his combat EDC included an MP5 9mm submachine gun and an M9 pistol. He also discusses Black Hawk weapon upgrades to Miniguns and the introduction of the Sig Sauer MCX Spear 6.8mm as the new military standard.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Mike Durant's SOAR Background
  2. 00:44Black Hawk Weaponry: M60s to Miniguns
  3. 02:34Pilot's Personal Firearms: MP5 & M9
  4. 03:40Introducing the Sig Sauer MCX Spear 6.8mm
  5. 05:29Essential Survival Gear and Vests
  6. 06:52Combat Lessons: Gear Failure Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What firearms did 160th SOAR pilots carry during the Somalia mission?

According to former 160th SOAR pilot Mike Durant, pilots carried the MP5 9mm submachine gun with a collapsible stock and 30-round magazines, alongside their standard M9 9mm pistol for personal defense.

What are the key features of the Sig Sauer MCX Spear?

The Sig Sauer MCX Spear is chambered in 6.8mm and is presented as the new military standard intended to replace 5.56mm and 7.62mm platforms, often seen with suppressors and optics.

What survival gear did Mike Durant carry as a 160th SOAR pilot?

Durant's survival vest included essential items such as a first aid kit, whistle, signaling devices, water, and a built-in harness specifically designed for emergency rope extractions.

What lesson did Mike Durant learn about aircraft-dependent weapon systems?

Durant learned that electrically driven weapon systems, like Miniguns on Black Hawks, become useless if the aircraft loses power, rendering thousands of rounds of ammunition inoperable.

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