[SGTGunn]

I can speak from experience that they typical US soldier tends to carry far more ammo than his basic load. Basic load for the M-4/M16 is 210 rounds - 7 30 round magaizines. It is not unusual to see a rifleman carrying nearly double that amount. When the US Army changed it's load bearing equipment from the old LCE pistol belt & harness to the the newer load bearing vest, many soldiers kept the pistol belt mounted ammo pouches allowing them to carry a total of 13 30 round magazines (normally only loaded with 28 rounds each). More ammo is carried "loose" in rucksacks/buttpacks or assault packs. A SAW gunner might carry between 500-800 rounds of ammo (a 100-200 round belt in the gun, and 2-3 additional 200 round belts) with additional 200 round belts doled out among his squad mates. Additional 100 belts of 7.62 for the M60/M240, 60mm mortar rounds, Dragon/Javilen rounds, and 40mm grenades are also frequently spread out among the platoon. On top of that add M-72/AT-4's, Frags, Smoke Grenades, Claymores, C-4 and other demo and you've got a veritbale walking arsenal. =) Typical combat loads can approach 100lbs - even more for the poor bastards carrying crew served weapons (MMGs, mortars, AT weapons). Ideally such heavy loads are for the "approach" march, and will be dropped at an objective rally point, and necessities (ammo, water, specific mission essential gear) will be transfered to assault packs/buttpacks/LBVs for the attack/raid/patrol etc. Mechie types just leave the excess ammo & snivel gear in the track.

Adrian