[Sandy]

Great photos. I'm wondering how much weight these guys have to carry around. Man, I thought my purse was heavy. I can't imagine having to wear all that stuff and somehow still be able to move around and function.

Do you think these guys enjoy having a photographer following them around? I think I'd probably want to smash the guy's camera (at least).

[COL. FLAGG]

I'm wondering how much weight these guys have to carry around

Hmmm, about 100 lbs to 120 lbs in most cases, probably a little a more in somes cases. Now, that includes their rucksacks (backpacks), which you can clearly see in the photo that shows them being dropped off by a Chinook. Each of those rucks probably weighs 60 lbs to 80 lbs.

The guy to the right of the Chinook leaning over a little is carrying a radio, you can see the antenna sticking out of his ruck. Now, that's a heavy ruck.

I know from experience, (7th ID Light).

[AFreeBird]

Do you think these guys enjoy having a photographer following them around?

Well, the Army does have a Combat photography unit to document battle. They could be from one of them and selected pics given out to the press.

I don't know if that's the case here, but it could happen in such a way.