On the modern battlefield, soldiers rely more and more on tablets and smartphones for targetting and Blue Force tracking.
In the civilian and Airsoft world, people can find navigation and “tactical” Apps that can help them. Some examples are TacticalNav, Geo Tracker and Personal Eye System.
With the increase in use of these tablets, there has been a growth in demand for dedicated pouches to accommodate these devices. Not only for the protection of the electronics, but also for the ease of use and access.
In comes the Gadsden Dynamics Commander’s Case. It is a pouch developed with USMC JTACs for their Kilswitch tablets. But, being available in several sizes, the pouch is suitable for a multitude of devices.
Who is Gadsden Dynamics? From their website:
“Gadsden Dynamics manufactures 100% MADE IN THE USA tactical and survival gear.
We are a family owned and operated, cottage industry business focused on providing high-quality, handmade gear for the prepared civilian.
We also teach Concealed Handgun License courses in Northeast Ohio (Geauga and surrounding counties).”
I found out about them through Instagram and had my eyes on one of their cases for a while. When they were searching for reviewers, I saw my chance to test it out.
The case is designed to hold a tablet and comes in several versions. The first two versions are the Commanders Case and the Commanders Case – Lite.
The first has the following features:
• Clear, flip-down map case for notes and coordinates. This case is fixed inside of the pouch.
• Pen holder. Four elastic loops to hold pens or pencils.
• Flip-down “table” like functionality. The pouch is held open with a piece of paracord on both sides.
• Zippered for protection against sand, dust, etc.
• Industrial grade, high-strength velcro for securing tablet inside the pouch. The back “plate” has a full velcro lining, aiding in keeping the tablet secured in the pouch.
• Hard case for tablet protection.
The Lite version
• Does NOT include the clear map case.
• Does NOT include pen holder.
After choosing one version or the other, you can choose one of the six sizes:
Picture courtesy of Gadsden Dynamics
5″X7″ or 12.7 cm x 17.78 cm
6″X8″ or 15.24 cm x 20.32 cm
6.5″X8.5″ or 16.51 cm x 21.59 cm
7″X10″ or 17.78 cm x 25.4 cm
7.5″X9.5″ or 19.05 cm x 24.13 cm
8″X10″ or 20.32 cm x 25.4 cm
So for every tablet or smartphone you will find a pouch. I received the Commanders Case 6”x8” for a 7” tablet. It included all the options and the malice clips to attach it to my plate carrier, as well as a patch.
Overview of the pouch
Front
On the front there is a 5 x 5 Molle segment with Velcro on top. So you can attach IFF/Flag patches and/or Molle pouches.
The case is closed using a heavy-duty zipper, with the standard metal zipper pulls. This is something I will change for paracord zipper pulls. I have never liked the metal ones because they are noisy, can’t be grabbed quickly and they are slippery. Hopefully this can be changed in an update for future pouches.
A second way of closing the case is via a strap on the top with velcro. This is a quick way to close it under stress and keeps the pouch secured with a tablet inside.
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Back
On the back there are two Molle columns of three high. These might be enough for the USMC issued carriers, but on my Warrior Assault Systems DCS carrier they made the pouch sit either too high or too low.
Using zip ties I was able to attach the pouch the way I wanted on my PC. Maybe in the future they will add more options or you could just ask, because they are really open for custom work.
Interior
Inside of the pouch there are several “levels”. Starting from the front:
The first “level” is for the tablet. On a rigid surface they attached a full velcro panel. If you attach hook velcro on your tablet you can secure it inside the pouch without fearing it will fall out.
The next “level” is a clear map case. It is however too small for a map, but to be honest, nobody has ever carried a map inside a command pouch.
It might be used for a GRG, but I use it to hold Freq tables, codewords and general notes. This panel can also be secured using the velcro tab, making you able to use the tablet, without the map case falling on it all the time.
The last “level” is the back panel and includes some “admin stuff”.
More specifically, a larger pocket for a notebook, a smaller pocket for a compass or ruler and four elastic loops to hold pens, pencils or permanent markers.
The pockets are a bit tight making it sometimes difficult to quickly get your notebook out or trying to put a bigger item into it.
To be honest the whole pouch is a tight fit if desire to fit everything inside together with the tablet in a rugged case. But it was developed to hold a tablet WITHOUT a rugged case. So this explains the fit.
A small addition I suggest is an anchor point for dummy cord. As you can see on the pictures I attached my compass on the paracord at the sides.
Positive points
Dedicated tablet pouch
Heavy duty rigid construction
Fully adjustable when ordering
Keeps you in the fight, while being able to use your tablet for targetting/ troop tracking
Great customer service
Negative points
Tight fit for a tablet with rugged case – in all fairness it was designed for a tablet without case
Metal zipper pulls
Mounting options are somewhat limited
Conclusion
I really like this pouch and it is one to look at when you use a tablet.
It does have some limitations but they are customizable when ordering.
I found that I regularly use it as a stand alone pouch for the tablet, without it mounted on my plate carrier. But I will be using it more, mounted on there.
Go check out this case and other great products by Gadsden Dynamics on their IG and their website.
FMB
Material Disclosure
I received this product from my own funds so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.
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