gives you a whole new perspective on our troops. these are britts from the allied forces..

 

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=121_1246978752

Thank you troops! Mow those POS' down.

That's some high tension right there.

I'm sure the cam will have some kind of use. But it makes you wonder about how much gear they load these poor bastards up with.

God bless'em.

I'm sure the cam will have some kind of use. But it makes you wonder about how much gear they load these poor bastards up with.

 

I've seen some pictures that made my eyes bug out. Some of those guys look like Transformers.

You got that right, Richie. I was reading something awhile back about the decrease in effectiveness. Due to the weight the average groundpounder had too carry. And how it's screwing up their mobility and speed.

The combat load varies depending on the service, mission, and role of the specific person. I can't speak for my brothers in the Corps, but in the green machine, the loads are pretty similar across the board. First thing to note is if it is a light inf/cav/recon/etc unit. Then it differentiates between a squad leader, communications, SAW specialist, designated marksman, etc. But for the average ground pounder:

- a battle rifle: ~8 lbs loaded. Another 270 rounds on the individual (these days guys are making the transition from the classic LBVs to chest rigs which are far more effective in weight distribution and maneuverability: http://www.bdstacticalgear.com/pd-bds-tactical-patrol-chest-rig.cfm)

- The Army made the change from the IBV (Interceptor) to the IOTV (Improved Outer Tac Vest). The weight distribution is similar, though the IOTV can weigh more or less depending on what modulation is used. With that said, the flexibility with the IOTV is FAR better then the IBV. I could actually turn my head to check my sector without struggling. The IOTV also vents a lot better.

- Generally, the last part is the pack. The pack can weigh anywhere from 70 lbs upwards to 200 easy. I don't know much about mech inf or even light inf units, as I was usually in the field for specific odd ends... so, the heaviest my pack got was 100 lbs. Aside from the essentials, I would usually stock up on extra ammo. The packs haven't changed much.

 

There are other things like the transition into the MICH helmet vs the PASGT, which improved the comfort level. There also have been improvements in foot rigs (combat boots).

The combat load varies depending on the service, mission, and role of the specific person.

 

 

The main focus of what I was reading was safety gear. Body armor specifically. The brass was/is concerned how it (with everything else on top of it) reduced mobility. Thus also causing casualties. A means to the end sort of thing.

 

This may sound silly but the one thing I'm glad to see them all wearing is eye protection.

Ahh ok, yea, most services are transitioning to better body armor. As stated, the Army has switched over to the IOTV, and the Corps has switched as well to the MTV. These systems are leap years better then the old plate carriers. Whether or not they prove to be a force multiplier cannot really be judged until another few years down the road (I think). As for the eye protection, yea, agreed. It became a required piece of equipment in my unit. Some civies think its just the troops trying to look cool or keep the sun out of their eyes, but all of shades seen down range are issued (for the most part). Since I wear glasses, I was issued transitioning goggles... haha, pretty awesome. Should have 'combat-loss'ed' them

100lbs of gear? sheesh.... that seems fuggin heavy, and 2/3 of my body weight... how the heck can you carry that? and how long would you be carrying it usually?

There's a reason why a good portion of people get VA disabilities, even if they never got a heart. The common injuries I hear about are feet/shins (stress from wearing combat boots day in and day out for years on end), and back injuries. During BCT, I spent at least a day of training just learning how to pack a rig to maximize it, and then learned how to put it on correctly, and also how to adjust it. Yes, there is a certain way troops are suppose to put on their rucksacks; otherwise it will be a real pain to get on, and won't sit correctly. If the pack is sitting where it should be, it isn't too bad. I'm sure every other service does it, but during BCT, and with the actual unit, troops do numerous FMs (foot marches). So, the first couple suck real bad because you're trying to adjust to carrying a heavy load, wearing combat boots, a kevlar, and holding a rifle (and at night for that matter)-- and you're only going like 1-5KMs! By the time you're done with BCT, and sometimes with the unit you're sent too, you're doing 20-25KMs easy without moaning about it too much (it just gets awfully lonely).

 

Downrange, it does get a bit uncomfortable. Mostly because of the heat, and its constant stop and go (get into a vehicle, get out, get in, get out, etc). But I'm a short guy, low center of gravity, and have legs of a fullback, with pretty broad shoulders (I swam for years)... so, the weight would distribute out pretty well.

1-5kms? 20-25kms? kilometers?

Can't speak for the other services, but the Army I knew was all about the metric system.