A reader asked me what my combat load was in Iraq. Above is one of the only pictures I have of me wearing a full load out. At the beginning of the invasion I always had my gear on. In fact I got in trouble for taking my helmet off to sleep during the second day of the invasion. As the days marched on we had to take off our gear to change clothes and wash. So more and more we dropped our gear when we weren’t fighting. So most of the pictures I have I’m not wearing my vest and ammo. Anyways, here was my basic load that I carried on me all the time.
| Interceptor Vest, L |
8 |
| Plates x2 L |
9 |
| Chest Harness |
1.5 |
| Pouches |
4 |
| 12 Magazines |
12 |
| Rifle w 2 mags |
12 |
| 3 Grenades |
3 |
| 1 Smoke |
1 |
| NVGs |
2 |
| Camelbak filled |
8 |
| Compass |
0.5 |
| Range Finder |
1 |
| Note-taking Gear |
1 |
| Radio ISR |
1 |
| GPS |
1 |
| Maps |
1 |
| Plotting Board |
4 |
| Helmet |
3 |
| NVG Mounts |
1 |
| Flashlights x2 |
2 |
| Batteries for everything |
4 |
| Gloves, work |
0.5 |
| Gas Mask |
5 |
| Extra Filters |
1 |
| Gloves, Chemical |
0.5 |
| Tape |
1 |
| 550 Cord |
1 |
|
Total: |
89 lbs |
Carrying around that much weight all day everyday just sucked. I’m all for the newer gear that is coming out that makes this stuff lighter and lighter.
Stay Safe,
Ben