When I when back in later 1967 if you couldn't eat it or shoot it or use it to keep the rain off you didn't carry it, I was in an Air Scout Unit so the loads varied, we had discretion a lot of the grunts did not.
By the way I was 6’2 in 1963 and I am still 6’2 in 2007.
Agree ........I was of same mindset. Still am. If an item hasn’t multiple uses then it is left behind.
IMHO Troops today have it down to a fine art for the most part, common carry position of key items , team gear is shared, fighting loads vs need for existence loads for the most parts. Only what ya need to fight, communicate and drink/eat and repair the holes in yer body with.
Blow Out kits are IMO the best never leave home without it for EVERY troop to have on em.
I really like the Platybag or Camelbak water bladders, quiet, conforms to body, easy to snag a sip on the run etc etc . Like the old VN era water bladder efforts only better.
Nutrition is better than my old diet of peaches and pound cake.....with coffee creamer and sugar icing of course. we could fill up entire threads with what is or isn’t better......
As always a US GI will always adapt to their own requirements and get the job done .......
There were several things wrong with the M14,
- Too long to move or swing through the bush,grass or jungle.
- Too heavy to carry all year.
- Ammo was too bulky and heavy, and it seemed like we ALWAYS carried enough with us to take on the whole damned NVA.
- Flash suppressor subject to damage, thus deflecting rounds.
BUT -— If you could see charlie, you could kill charlie with ONE ROUND from great distances....
Another big plus — we shared the same ammo as our beloved M60, and NO ONE seriously objected to carrying a belt for THAT weapon........it was THAT effective.
Welcome home Bill.