EUDs

EUDs (End User Devices) are the latest iteration of injecting technology into the shoot, move, communicate protocol. They are basically mobile devices with rugged cases and armor mounts running ATAK (Android Tactical Assault Kit). ATAK provides mapping, data sharing, communications, and asset coordination for a group. However, while ATAK is very much a mature product for the military, it is difficult for the average person to fully grasp and implement all the features of ATAK. This stunted use on the civilian side of the house comes from the lack of resources ATAK was originally released with and the lack of easy implementation documentation. Both resources for both individual and server-based implementation of ATAK have definitely improved, but are still time intensive to setup and fully grasp. Large events, such as Milsim West, are now using ATAK to monitor health and status of players and teams for unit level organization.

Chest Mount

EUD Chest Mount 1 EUD Chest Mount 2

Currently, to put together a functional EUD that will withstand hard use, is rather difficult and expensive. The trick is to find an older series phone that is affordable along with a case and mount. Your plate carrier also needs to have a MOLLE field at the top of the chest or acceptable connectors for an adapter.

Magazine Mount

EUD Magazine Mount

An alternative to chest mounted systems above the magazines is to mount it in front of the magazines. The common above-the-magazine mounting style may get in the way of getting magazines in and out quickly. However, mounting it in front of the magazines contributes to "tactical pregnancy" and not going prone as easily.

Case Manufacturers

There are only a few case manufacturers aside from the Chinesium copies. Here is the general breakdown.

  • Juggernaut - Most protective cases with moderate device flexibility for newer devices.
  • Kagwerks - Most expensive with least amount of device options.
  • S&S Precision - Most device flexibility with the most accessories and lest protection.
  • Thyrm - Very protective but very bulky with moderate device flexibility.

Plate Carrier Adapters

If your plate carrier or rig does not have molle in the correct areas to mount your device, there are adapters.

S&S Precision also makes a stand-alone harness for the NavBoard FlipLite. https://www.sandsprecision.com/nav-gear/navboard-fliplite-1.html

The Magic Combination

The magic combination is an older device with a Juggernaut mount that is still available. The best older device is a Samsung Galaxy S20 SM-G981U1. The Juggernaut mount will provide the least bulky and most protective mount. The S20 is also small enough to be used with both a regular or inductive charging mount. The S20 is also the most common issued device in the military.

Alternative

There is also another device out there that has a removable battery.