[cibco]

"Basic load for a infantryman is 120 rnds in mags (plus 30) in the weapon (if he has any brains at all!!) and 100 to 200 in bandoliers in his ruck."

Gee, our basic load in VN was 20 mags loaded and any extra you chose. Bandoliers weren't considered. You wouldn't have time to reload during combat. The M-16 was a piece of $hit in combat then. It couldn't handle the dirt in combat.

The improved version in the 80's still didn't hold up in prolonged firing. Accurate rifle when it did fire. In the dirt and dust of combat a reliable weapon is much more desired than a temperate jamable one. The Ak47 just needs better sights. It is good for combat but not a good prairie dog rifle. ;0)

[cavtrooper21]

Bad math on my part. TOE calls for at least 180 (6 - 30 rnd mags) plus ammo carried in ruck.
As a scout I carried 9 mags (plus some extras) and screw the bandoliers for the same reasons you mentioned.
Don't care much for the M16 either, but when all you got to drive is a clunker it's what you drive....
Till you can snag something better from someone who really has no more use for it.