Guys, thanks for all replies for starters.
I would HIGHLY recommend against using/purchasing any kit you have not been trained on. Come to think of it, I'm amazed that any SAR organization would have you purchase/use your own kit. Things like liability, commonality of use, training, all come to mind. Also, again, I would HIGHLY recommend against traipsing around in your climb harness, as it WILL get fucked up and fail when you need it. Modern harnesses take only a few minutes to don; keeping it in your pack will keep it safe and ready for use.
Thanks for warning, of course I will not use any piece of kit that I'm not trained on. I'm asking, so that I can purchase, train, experiment and decide for myself.
About usage, we're already issued and using Petzl climbing equipment almost exclusively, save a few specific items, so no worries there. Why I'm allowed to go ahead and try something new, is because of this transition period, and when things finally get moving, we want to have our own opinions in addition to logistics guys.
For the most time, I'm advocating keeping gear to a minimum, and storing them in a protective and accessible fashion. But, this air unit thing is bugging me for a while, because our higher ups are planning to use them for rapid extractions, I'm looking ways to integrate a full body harness that can be equipped during entire mission, if the need arises.
I do two day hikes in nearby canyons, where there are lots of caves, small, rapid waterfalls, some rock climbing and regular hiking. I tend to keep my harness on all the time, and they seem to held up really well. I reckon a regular harness can survive a year being used in a helicopter. Does anybody know any CSAR guys? They usually use hoist capable helos, do they work with their harness all the time, or don when needed? What d'ya think?
About my team; regular civil defence unit, nothing fancy; seperate departments focused on heavy rescue, technical/mountain rescue, dog/equipment search, CBRN, also education, public relations, logistics and tech support departments, several independent units within each department.
In a reorganisation effort, we, technical/mountain rescue unit are getting some light rescue equipment, jaws of life, etc. some EMTs and paramedics are joining us, and four helos will be positioned on our base. I'm not sure about details, but from what I'm heard, they are planned to be bad weather capable, FLIR and winch equipped, twin engine, medium utility helicopters. Ministry of Health have been operating EC-145 and AW109's for some time, but we have some of ex-army aviation pilots and techs, and I heard they are pushing for "Sikorsky Aircraft", to my knowledge, it can be either S-70 or S-76, but I'm not sure.
Less bitching will occur because it's civvies being civvies, and I'll most likely be an asset that is airborne or otherwise on wheeled transpo. Less walking = more morale 
