This page lists the "normal" basic loads for various countries
I stress the word BASIC
American
LBE (Load Bearing Equipment) consisting of:
- Suspenders
- Pistol Belt
- 2 Ammo Pouches (each holds 3 30 round M16 Magazines and 2 frag grenades)
- 2 Canteens with covers
- 1 Canteen cup
- 1 lensatic compass with case
- 1 field dressing (large bandage) with case
- 1 crook neck D cell flashlight
- 1 buttpack
Rucksack (large) with Frame
Protective mask with carrier (M40 or M42 series)
Personal Weapon (M16A2, M4, M16A2 with M203 GL) and Bayonet
2 pair Combat Boots (all leather)
2 sets BDU's (complete - socks, underwear, t-shirts)
1 Kevlar Ballistic Helmet
1 pair black leather gloves with wool inserts
Wet Weather Gear (pants and jacket)
Poncho and liner
2 quart Canteen with cover
Entrenching Tool
Ammunition:
7 Magazines for weapon
4 Frag grenades
2 smoke grenades
1 days rations
Australian (from ReHerakhte's
post on the Webrpg
Townhall Forum)
Basic load:
3 sets camouflage fatigues (most guys only take 2 sets), one worn, the others in the pack
1 field hat (boonie hat), worn if helmet not worn
1 helmet (really not used that much, bush hats reign supreme !)
2 pairs of bush boots (most guys only took one pair but we were supposed to take both)
1 wet weather coat/parka (only taken if weather required it but supposed to be carried)
1 jumper (same comment as above)
2 to 3 pairs socks (personal preference, some guys took more for extended stays)
spare bootlaces
Backpack
- Most of this gear would be carried in the pack along with any personal toiletries and cleaning/repair gear (ie sewing kits, boot polish etc.) and usually a small towel. Also, any extra stores would be carried in the pack such as extra rations, ammo and specialist gear/weapons (eg Claymore mines or radios, spare batteries).
If the situation demands, extra water bottles would be attached to the pack (we normally get issued 4 bottles and carriers and at least 2 are required on the webbing).
1 entrenching tool (rarely carried if at all possible) attached to pack or webbing as required
1 KFS set (knife, fork, spoon)
1 set of "Dixies" (Aust slang for mess kit) these are generally not
carried either as the water bottles have one metal cup per two bottles issued and these are used for cooking in,
personal choice dictates this though.
Recently Kevlar vests are on the issue list if troops are in more dangerous situations
than conventional combat
1 sleeping bag (we also used to get a lightweight "summer" bedroll,
now they have a blanket like the US poncho liner)
Basic Webbing consisting of
2 Austeyr ammo pouches
2 Minimi ammo pouches
1 bumpack
2 water bottles at least (as mentioned above)
bayonet and scabbard
pocket utility knife (or carried in fatigues)
First Field Dressing (or FFD, everyone is expected to carry at least
one in a readily
accessible spot, a lot of guys carry 2 or 3)
7 magazines are carried and the actual issue could be as many as 11
Rations (at least 1 days worth)
Weapon cleaning kit
Camo kit (if not carried in fatigues)
Any personal gear such as insect repellent, extra first aid gear, balaclava, gloves, etc.
also carried on the webbing if desired is the hoochie (shelter half) and the issued collapsible water carrier (holds about 2 litres from memory) although some carry them in their packs or not at all
I'll refine this list and add weights at a later date
Comments, suggestions, other submissions appreciated Email me at:[email protected]