So, how many Americans have died because of an officer able to carry a 124 pound backpack but too stupid to be in the role? I’d rather have brains entered into the equation, not just brawn.
Anyway, is 124 pounds a relevant and meaningful measure today? And back to the article, was the pace consistent? The article suggests there might be more to this story than the initial headline that they failed.
Anyway, is 124 pounds a relevant and meaningful measure today? And back to the article, was the pace consistent? The article suggests there might be more to this story than the initial headline that they failed.-————————
Any one who has ever humped ammunition instead of a ream of copy paper has a clue about the weight of ammunition, water and rations. An M16/M4 with 10 ea. 30 round magazines is a noticeable burden by its self but add grenades, flares, support items, kevlar, protective vest, your share of ammo for the squad weapon, etc., it begins to add up and if a serioous firefight is anticipated your ammo does not stop at 10 magazines (280 to 290 rounds) ‘cause it ain’t enough. Those automatic weapons have a real appetite.
Ahhhhh....the 124 pounds is one of many factors. Kick them out...they were failures.
Ahhhhh....the 124 pounds is one of many factors. Kick them out...they were failures.
What do you imagine will be the effect on unit cohesion, morale, and the capacity of officers of the female persuasion to lead if, for reasons of political correctness, we create an easily distinguishable class of officers who are systematically incapable of meeting the same standards to which their troops are held?
The inevitable result will be to gut the standards.
“I’d rather have brains entered into the equation, not just brawn.”
The entire idea of women in combat is stupid, so I guess these women didn’t bring the brains, either.
As a former infantry officer (Army, not Marines) yes, it’s relevant.
You’re leading a patrol of 30 soldiers. Due to terrain, vehicles aren’t an option and you can’t fly in due to weather. You’re going to be out for, say, four days.
50 pounds worth of weapon and ammo is normal. Add another 30 pounds in radios and batteries and 10 more pounds in night vision and assorted extra stuff that leaders carry. Your body armor is 10 pounds. Top it off with 8 pounds of water, and 10 pounds of helmet, boots, and uniform. You’re pushing 120 pounds of gear.
It’s 9 miles to your objective. You have to leave at sunset at 7:00pm but must be in position before moonrise at 10:00pm to avoid detection.
This is a VERY typical infantry mission. Yeah, it’s relevant.
Have you served?
The course is designed to weed out the weakest. Not to help everyone pass.