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From the sandals and beret for example there are a number of items which would surely not be taken on four hour foot patrol?

Does anyone have a list of items with individual weights?

Sydney Jary MC, is unique because he brings perspective to his narratives. A proven battlefield commander able to translate his experiences into a tool for the enlightenment and education of...

Try this place, cheapest I know of:

http://www.riflesdirect.com/18-platoon-1053-p.asp

Carl,

This weight issue will not easlily be solved. The rotations are getting shorter and as a result commanders only start to get the idea when they are on the way home.

From a book currently...

Carl, I suggest Lind's comments on the weakness of officer leadership are germane to this discussion.

This psychological need for all this equipment "just in case" would normally be levelled at...

Importantly - for the Brits in Afghanistan - the vast majority of their movement has been within spitting distance of their FOBs where they have (mostly) medium mortars, artillery and a vehicle...

I would have thought comment on this document would have opened up a new line in this thread. Alas not. Where are the enquiring minds.

TE Lawrence lamented way back then of the British officer...

As does this:

Donkeys led by Lions

... but is anybody listening?

I agree it seems that a sane and unemotional discussion on this matter is not possible. I do wonder though whether any studies have been carried out as to the wounds that have been prevented by body...

The mind boggles...

The Bowman system continues to be a cock-up it seems. It is tempting to write off the British procurement cock-ups as due to idiots - both soldiers and civilians - in MoD but...

Not only the British army... you touch a nerve here and the yanks get all agressive and defensive as well ;)

Why you carry an HF radio? You speaking back to the UK? ;)

Please show me the breakdown of weight that comes out at 32kgs (or 70.5lbs)

Fair enough. I wonder under today's circumstances what would be the outcome if a soldier were wounded through not having plates in? I guess it is not discreationary so his commanders would be in...

Carl, there are units and there are units.

On my patch little discretion was allowed in what kit to take on patrols. I listed it and together with my sergeant all kit was inspected before moving...

As there are some new faces around here this is worthy of a repost:

Donkeys led by Lions

Was this laid down or was it discretionary? Also were there any policies relating to water discipline?



Then what is the point of the patrol? (if you can't get amongst the enemy if contact is...

Bearing in mind the "coroner test" to what extent are the use of plates a matter of individual disgression?

The public? Or are you talking about congress?

Fear not the Marines still train to use them:

The Virtues of Stubbornness: Mules at War

I suggest the key remains looking at what is being carried by the troops on operations. 70-100lbs load...

OK thanks, David.

I guess we get to the question as to whether the British Army actually believe that a soldier can engage in any reasonably intense combat carrying the sort of loads you mention?...

Hi David,

Did your original figures include the 7kg for the Osprey? Also meaning do they train with that additional load?

Also what would be considered 'specialist equipment' and how would this...

Interesting how there seems to be no major breakthrough in this regard. I guess this leads to the need to change the role of the infantry fundamentally.

If these basic weights are really essential...

Yes that is very much like the Brit system I grew up with. The "big pack" had spare clothing etc and was always in a vehicle in B Echelon for access when out of "the line". Then we had a '44 Pattern...

Without the plates is the other stuff still necessary?

If you need to carry weight then (from my experience) you carry the combat essentials in your chest and hip webbing and all the other stuff mainly food and water and additional ammo etc in your...