The Canadian JTF 2 members photographed taking prisoners from a U.S. Air Force Chinook helicopter at Kandahar airport appear to be burdened with clothing and equipment.

Working mainly on foot in isolated areas, they must carry everything they'll need for several days. Soldiers can carry more than 45 kilograms in backpacks, but the combat limit is about 32 kilograms. What's included is a compromise between safety and weight. Here's an equipment list for the elite soldier. The Department of National Defence considers information about JTF 2 to be classified. Much of this material is from sources with knowledge of the unit and other special forces:

1. Helmet: Nylon and bullet-proof Kevlar, often covered for camouflage. Soldier in photo has American-issue helmet, with brackets on front that hold night-vision binoculars. They might also have equipment to relay images back behind the lines. Bulges over ears are devices to protect against aircraft noise and concussion from gunfire or explosives. Also have headphones, hands-free microphone and "talk" button on vest, for communication among immediate group.

<>Made of Nomex, to protect against fire. Also provides camouflage and warmth, and obscures the face to prevent identification „ special forces members never want to be identified.

3. Eyewear: Latest version protects from sunlight and shrapnel, and can accommodate a laser-blocking lens.

4. Gloves: Possibly a thin layer of Kevlar between leather, to protect against knives and other cutting weapons. Canadian standard issue, for combat in temperatures from 10 to 35 Celsius, is one-piece leather gloves. Also, lightweight thermal handwear, for -30 to -10 C.

5,6,7. Knee pads, elbow pads, shinguards: Hard plastic, protect against "blunt trauma" or damage from sharp objects when crawling, jumping around rocks or rappelling down walls or cliffs. Also ward off blows in combat. Bullet-proof versions available, but not a priority.

8. Shinguard holsters: One per leg; carry handguns. Standard issue are Browning or Steyr 9 mm. automatic pistols; some members opt for slower but more powerful .45 calibre gun.

9. Flack vest: Protects from small arms and shrapnel. Standard Kevlar version slows down a pistol bullet, shotgun pellet or grenade fragment. Heavy ballistic plates can be inserted in front and back pockets. Metal plate will stop armour-piercing assault rifle bullet at point-blank range „ although target will be knocked off his feet. Lighter ceramic model is a compromise.

10. Packs: Load-bearing vest carries ammunition and other combat stores. The system also includes 24-litre small pack, 85-litre backpack, waterproof compression sack for sleeping bag. Apart from what's in large backpack, special operations troops carry ammunition, global positioning devices, food, medical supplies, and tools such as wedges for holding doors open. Each member is specialist in area like explosives, sharpshooting or communications, and carries extra gear for that.

11. Pouches: Attached to belt, carry items such as a radio, spare ammunition, grenades.

12. Boots: Heavy leather boots, or leather-nylon combination more like running shoes. May have steel toe caps or instep guards. Latest version has water-resistent lining, shock-absorbing sole, and limited infrared reduction.

Clothing: Improved Environmental Clothing system, made with plenty of Rip-Stop nylon and Gore-Tex waterproof material; good in temperatures from -57 to 10 C. Camouflaged with "forest-green" Canadian Disruptive Pattern, or CADPAT. Similar to clothing at outdoor stores, but more and bigger pockets; more reinforcement, and easier to wash. Also, secret technique to reduce infrared visibility „ important in Afghanistan where Taliban and Al Qaeda use Soviet-era infrared sights that rely on picking up body heat.

Underwear: Unisex drawers made from Coolmax fabric that's warm and wicks off moisture. Coolmax thermal underwear, two-piece unisex design, worn in temperatures from -57 to 10 C.

Jockstrap: Extra-strong, even bullet-proof versions are available. Not issued since groin area is rarely injured. Members buy them personally, mainly as confidence booster.