Very cool. ALSE gear is set up IAW regs, but units and individuals will often make small mods. Example, some people, myself included, don't like the knife up high near the shoulder. It can and HAS come down with enough force on a crash landing to go through the sheath and cut the femoral artery. Some pilots like to fly with extra ammo, some fly with the minimum required.
You are correct with the M-4 positioning.
All 64 pilots carry a map book that can be used if needed. There are other options, but that's a grey area.
The first aid kit is like any other in most respects.
Codewords are just that, SPINS and the format are classified. Leave it at that.
Survival, evasion, and extraction techniques are all highly classified, for obvious reasons. The aviator can either self extract ("borrow" a car, or hoof it), or be assisted (ground/air assets).
If anybody wants to learn more, sign up for the SERE-C+ course. It's full contact, unlike SERE-B for Air Force/Navy aviators. I lost 25 lbs.
If you guys are going all out, this is essential to the experience:
Fill a few bottles of Gatorade (aiming mini game?) after 5 hours on-mission that roll around on the dash. God help you if they leak.
