As I suspected, it all makes sense; I just had some difficulties adapting to today (my wife and kids say that is a constant... ).

Say no more:
"We didn't have them. I explained to the old lady (yes, a little old lady wearing a helmet and a plate carrier that I doubt could have stopped a BB), that I was not going to drive 45 minutes back to my patrol base to round up ID cards...[plus]it was a big deal for a Soldier to lose it..."


The Ammo makes sense in your sitchyation and I do agree -- not that it matters; y'all were there and I as not. I don't second guess under that circumstance; get curious, yeah -- but no "You should have..." from me.

Same deal on the cleaning kit (except I'd have carried mine anyway old habits die hard). Like the man said "Whatever works..."

Thanks again for the effort and detail. Gives me a far better picture.