[PAR35]

I understand that hernia repair is becoming a more common procedure at some military hospitals because of the weight of the body armor and equipment.

[stm]

I am living proof of that. I got back from Iraq in February and had to have mine repaired in April. Two others roughly my age had to have the same thing. Between my Kevlar, IBV, weapon, CamelBak filled with water (I carried two 100 oz bladders instead of just the one), ammo, PRC-126 (radio) and whatever else I was carrying I was looking at around 65-70 lbs on my back for an 8+ hour patrol. The guys carrying the SAWS were toting even more weight.

[SuziQ]

You can fix a hernia, you can't fix dead.

Good to hear the body armor is working, even if it is a pain in the gut to carry around.