Ep. 462 | TUSC Loadout: Tactical Urban Sustainment Course Gear & Kit

What gear do you actually need for a Tactical Urban Sustainment Course (TUSC)? Vortex Edge® instructor, in-house prepper, and survival hobbyist Mike Griffin joins Mark Boardman to break down the TUSC loadout he selected for his recent course with the Direct Action Resource Center (DARC) in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mike walks through the Tactical Urban Sustainment Course gear he brought, explaining the “why” behind each selection—including what worked, what didn’t, and what he would change next time. TUSC is a serious training challenge, both mentally and physically. The program teaches small, cohesive groups how to secure, sustain, and operate effectively in urban environments. The right gear can make a demanding course more manageable, but preparation, grit, and mental toughness ultimately make the difference. If you’re interested in TUSC training, urban survival, preparedness, tactical gear, survival gear, or building a practical course loadout, Mike’s experience can help you understand what gear matters—and what may not be worth carrying. Watch the full TUSC gear breakdown to see what made Mike’s kit—and what didn’t. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast