Don't you modern soldiers feel over loaded with all the gear you have on?

Question

Doesn't the amount of gear you wear affect your reaction time, cause 'aches and pains' daily, wear you down hour by hour, slow you down on every step, limit how much ammo and extra weapons a group can carry without backup assistance, and limit your ability to take cover? I am an old timer and did not really like our flak jackets or even those old metal helmets. Although I towed the line when on an operation guiding a major infantry force (because the Gen, Col, Lt Col said it was a direct order and as a lowly 1st LT, Cpt I had to comply), when my guys and I, 6-10 'strong', did our recon patrols we traveled as light as possible. We carried more ammo, usually a LAWs and as many radio bats as a company would have, but not the gas mask, the flak jacket or helmet. They were too heavy and bulky and did not fit well. I hope all that gear saves a few of you and keeps someone from being hurt as badly but I question whether the one prospect of gain offsets the other detracting factors. Good luck!

Answer 1

Nope, the only issue i had was with the daps, other than that, i had no issues, maybe on long convoys, but it wasn't that bad, just the heat sucked.

Answer 2

We need every bit of protection we can muster. The Knights of old had to wear much worse and they conquered the Holy Lands.
The
Spaniards won an empire with their suit of armor they wore when they conquered the tribal americas.
I wish I could wear an tank!

Answer 3

I have felt that way on occasion.

However the weight of the the 'fighting load' of a soldier (roughly 80 pounds) has remained constant since the time of the Roman legions.

Answer 4

Now if you took away some of that junk how would the fat boys with the factories like it.How would they holliday all year around,own everything they see with their eyes they like.