Covert Operative’s Civilian Attire + Loadout [c.2004]

This was a specialized wardrobe and equipment loadout for one of my earlier OPS. The identity directive was to be a social elite into “streetwear couture”.

John Cain is an American patriot, former covert operative and current operations consultant. A New York native living globally as a vagabond.

I recently reaquired one of my (non-giveaway) go-bags from Hong Kong and was looking through the photos of the relic digital camera in it and found this:

THE ATTIRE // In order to match the target group’s look, each garment was custom made at a flagship Prada store with the coat further modified with Kevlar reinforcements by our own “tailor”. The shoes were purchased stock at Gucci.

THE LOADOUT // Task specific SIG Sauer firearm and dual Microtech Halos, all modified by our technicians. Secure Vaio laptop, basic digital camera, encrypted mobile phone, radio frequency jammer, and a custom Kevlar vest.

THE CARRY // A classic Zero Halliburton attaché with modifications from our technicians. Not used actively for OPS but strictly for transport.

Looking back to more than a decade ago when this photo was taken, I remember how green I was. Yet I was obnoxiously cocky and a complete ass.

During the span of this OP, I needlessly and aggressively berated a homeless man. The same man saved my life days later. I thanked him like no tomorrow but I didn’t learn anything (yet), not even humility.

The irony is that I had back-to-back extended assignments as a homeless person afterwards.