Weight of Combat Gear Is Taking Toll

[JMA]

Ken, Thanks for correcting me.

JMA : Networking is the ability given to coys, team & platoon leaders to "see" where there subordinates are, (gps related), to send/receive small messages (like sms), to report ammunition consumption and so one : all functions given by new features of FFW (called IdZ, Felin, ... in Europe). These gears have their own weight, and needs batteries...

My question is relative to your advices/thinks regarding the balance between natural trend to bring the whole package and minimizing weight for better maneuver especially in high intensity conflicts and for light infantry, when nobody will knows when refilling/complement will be possible.
(For armor infantry, the problem is quite different as they are not supposed to fight without/far from their armored carrier.)

We have to think to future conditions and not focus on currents operations, when refilling/complement can be done within the 12h at worst, using our capabilities to operate by night. That ability will not be more effective against opponents with manpad and night vision devices.

What weight are we talking about here?

Is it progress or is it technology for the sake of technology?

First versions of radios etc were too heavy and not very good. They got better with time. If this stuff is really needed then one must persevere with it until the nano-tech get interested then it will be a breeze from there.

I don't really have a problem with every soldier getting to be a hi-tech warrior but have serious concerns as to what happens to all this stuff when the first enemy armoured division starts over running your front lines?