The BCM rig is nice, but you don't need it to get through one of Pat's classes. I have not heard anything about them coming apart, and know a few LEO's and other guys that use them and have seen them at Pat's classes. If they're out of stock, they're out of stock. You could go to one of the site sponsors on here, skdtactical.com, or some other well respected vendors I have dealt with, optactical.com and ATS, and get a minimalist chest rig. One such example is the Eagle Universal that runs about $85. Basically, you need to figure out how to carry four magazines on your body and one in the gun. There are a few ways to do this, and they can still be done inexpensively. It also gives you a chance to find out what works for you and what you'd prefer to have.

While Pat likes the Brokos belt, you don't NEED to have it. You can make it through with a good stiff 1 3/4 inch nylon riggers belt or similar. Have a belt holster for your sidearm and maybe a rifle pouch and 1-2 pistol pouches if you have a chest rig, and you're mostly set. A dump pouch is handy as it makes you dispose of loose mags and other items quickly without slowing the line down during class. Now, if you want to have something that you don't have threaded through your pants and or some padding, the same type riggers belt or even inexpensive nylon LEO-style duty belt can work, and works very well with something like the ATS sleeve. That's what I use. Feels like a glove when I train, but your needs and preferences may vary later.

None of these belts come with pouches. Many chest rigs may only come with the empty PALS channels, or rifle mag options and empty PALS channels on the MOLLE, or in the case of the Eagle Universal have some pouches sewn in place for rifle, pistol, and a little utility. You really don't need much. Even USGI surplus mag pouches on your belt will work, and even though not ideal, will get you through the class so you can figure out what works better for you.

Now, with those things said, hopefully you have time to develop a setup that works better for you ahead of time so that you can maximize your training time and not end up fighting your gear. When you're at class, look at the setups that others have, ask them about what they wear and why. Ask to look and try on stuff. Everyone I've ever known at a EAG class would be more than willing to talk gear with you. Another option is to register and read the AAR's for his courses posted on Lightfighter.net. Gear problems that come up during various classes are discussed, and you can look at pictures of many many different setups that various students are wearing.

I know this is a lot thrown at you, and I hope it helps. You don't need to go overboard, but do make sure that whatever you choose, you get something quality constructed that will handle the rigors of use at least.

haver fun at class, and breing a notebook while you drink from the firehose.

First...

Is this specifically an EAG course? If so, you will need to carry a total of four mags on your person for the class.

If it is a generic 'basic' carbine class that teaches the fundamentals, then all you need is one or two spare magazines
on your person.

Having said all of that, if it is a basic course, a belt w/ one or two AR mag carriers (blade tech makes an excellent one) will be sufficient.

If it is something a little more advanced, a chest rig that will carry 4 (or more) magazines is fine.

There are many great gear manf. out there, so get whatever strikes your fancy. I personally run an Original SOE Micro Rig and have no complaints.

Bottom line:

Do not feel that you need to go out and purchase a full-blown 'Hyperalloy Combat Chassis' (aka a plate carrier w/ all the goodies)
to participate in a carbine class. Very few courses require 'joe civilian' to have that kind of stuff.

Not specifically an EAG class. I think that with time and money permitting I will be stuffing just one or two mags into my pockets for the class. It is a basic class, not an advanced. I like the HSGI war belt and I will order it when money and time permits me to do so.

5.11 pants hold shit tons of magazines.