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What to Pack for the "BIG GAME"
By
Joseph D. Smith
Here is a quick list of what you should have on hand. It is not a perfect list but something for you "new guys" to follow. Feel free to supplement the list according to your needs. Don't forget to water proof all your gear by putting it in zip lock bags, then covered by trash bags. In case you have to cross a river, your gear will act as a flotation device.
(1) Weapons and Ammo
(A)Weapons Case
Rifle
Pistol
(B) Ammo Bag
Magazine, rifle, 7 ea., fully charged
Magazine, pistol, 3 ea., fully charged
TOTAL 23 lbs.
(2) Duffel Bag
(A) (Clothing)
Jacket, field, woodland camo, M65
Glove Liners, wool, 1 pr.
Extender, pistol belt
Sweater, wool, OD
Shirt, T, cotton, brown (or camo)
Under shorts, cotton, brown
Socks, wool blend, OD, 2 pr.
Cap, watch, OD
(B) (Personal items)
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Razor Blades, 2
Facial Tissues, 10 pack
Boot Laces, pr.
Comb
(C) (Accessories)
Bandana, woodland camo
Gloves, black leather, D3A
Insect Repellent (2)
Mirror, stainless steel
Notebook/Pen
Paint, face, camo
(D) Butt Pack
Poncho, woodland camo
Kit, weapon cleaning
Flashlight, mini, w/ red lens
MRE (2)
Socks, wool blend, OD, 1 pr.
Sunglasses
Ace bandage
MRE heater
Paracord, 30 ft.
(E) Belt, pistol
Suspenders
Compass, lensatic, tritium, w/pouch
Pocket knife w/pouch
Pouch, rifle ammo, 2
Holster, pistol, with tactical extender
Canteen, 1 qt. w/cover, cup, canteen stove, and iodine tablets
Bayonet w/sheath
Pouch, pistol ammo
Pouch, first aid w/field dressing, Band-Aids, alcohol wipes, and antibiotic cream
(F) (Cammies)
Coat, BDU, woodland camo, seasonal
Trousers, BDU, woodland camo, seasonal
Hat or Cap, woodland camo, seasonal
(G)Mess kit, complete
(H)Combat boots
TOTAL 37 lbs.
(3) Medium ALICE pack
(A)Kit, first aid, individual w/pouch
Canteen, 1 qt., w/cover, cup, canteen stove, and iodine tablets
Entrenching tool w/case
(B)Socks, wool blend, 3 pr.
(C)Shirt, T, cotton, brown
Under shorts, cotton, brown
Matches, waterproof
Fuel, compressed, trioxane, 3 bars
Poncho Liner
MRE Heater, 3
Hat or Cap, woodland camo, off season
(D) Towel, cotton, brown
Casualty blanket, aluminized, OD
Liner, field jacket, M65
Sleeping hood
MRE, 3
Coat, BDU, woodland camo, off-season
Trousers, BDU, woodland camo, off season
(E) Poncho, woodland camo
Chemical light stick, red
Paracord, 30 ft.
Saw, wire
(F) Headnet, insect
Insect repellent
Foot powder
Washbasin, canvas
Sunburn Preventive preparation
Spare parts kit for rifle
Bible
(G) Wash cloth, brown
Ace bandage
Multivitamins
Toothbrush
Bar soap
Tape, OD
Kit, sewing
Razor w/ blade
Styptic pencil
Nail clippers
Nail file
(H) Sleeping Mat
Tent, dome, camo
TOTAL 34 lbs.
(4) Intermediate Sleeping Bag w/carrier, waterproof bag, casualty blanket, aluminized, OD
TOTAL 9 lbs.
(5) Extra food, water, and ammo
(A) 420 rds ammo
MRE, case of 12
Water, 6 gal. can
TOTAL 61 lbs.
(6) Protective Clothing Bag
(A) Kevlar helmet
Gas Mask, w/bag and filter
Filter, protective mask, spare
Over boot, vinyl, OD, pr.
Goggles, protective
(B) Boots, black vapor barrier ("Mickey")
Cap, cold weather, helmet liner
Gloves, trigger finger
Liner, gloves, trigger finger, 2 pr.
Parka, M-51 extreme cold weather, w/hood and liner Parka, over white, snow camo (as needed) Shirt, polypropylene, underwear
Trousers, M-51 extreme cold weather w/liner Trousers, polypropylene, underwear
TOTAL 22 lbs.
COMBAT LOAD
A combat load is the clothing and individual equipment necessary to sustain an individual for 24 to 48 hours. Items from the table of equipment that comprise a typical combat load are as follows: Weapons and ammo
1. (A), (C), (F), (H) Clothing, pocket items, and combat boots
2. (D), (E) Load bearing equipment (LBE)
The combat load weighs 42 to 46 lbs., depending on the season.
EXISTENCE LOAD
An existence load comprises equipment additional to the bare necessities of the combat load and sufficient supplies to sustain an individual for at least an additional 72 hours.
With resupply of food, ammo, and water, the existence load comprises equipment to sustain an individual for months if not years in the field under combat conditions in the Midwestern United States except in the most severe cold weather.
Items from the table of equipment that comprise the additional equipment of the existence load are as follows: 3. Complete medium ALICE pack, with sleeping mat, tent, and intermediate sleeping bag. The existence load adds an additional 34 to 43 lbs. to the combat load, depending on the weather.
Based on the foregoing, an individual with an existence load might carry from 76 to 89 lbs., depending on the weather. This includes all clothing worn by the individual, combat boots, rifle, the complete LBE and the complete medium ALICE pack with sleeping mat, tent, and, in cold weather, the intermediate sleeping bag.
This compares to the table in FM 21-15 (1977 edition) showing 42 lbs. for a temperate (hot weather) combat load and 44.9 lbs., as a typical existence load (factoring out the addition of a second sleeping bag, which probably was in error), for a total of 86.9 lbs.