[Lurker]

I know I routinely left stuff in camp in order to hump extra water and extra ammo.

You can go a couple of days without food, but only a few hours without water, and running out of ammo in a firefight can lead to a very bad day, very quickly.

:

[river rat]

If we hadn't abandoned the Montagnards to the gently care of the Communists.... We could assign each Grunt his own 'yard to act as rear guard and to pack up resupply from a couple of clicks to the rear.

There are days when 200 rds seem too few....
One can NOT move quickly or quietly - or react with body movements fast enough, while packing heavy and bulky gear...

We did not train these kids to be burros --
They need to be given the BEST and LIGHTEST gear NECESSARY for his survival and success...

Weapon, Ammo, Water, Maps, Compass, Communications and Food -- in that order were packed for any walk in Indian Country.
Yes damnit -- I said COMPASS... I'm an OLD fart

Semper Fi

[Natural Law]

Ditto that. SOP was to strip your gear including C-rations & MRE's to the bare minimum and bring some aspirin and Baby Ruth candy bars. The sugar & carbos were a God send!