THE WELL DRESSED SOLDIER

What the well-dressed American soldier is wearing these days



According to my grandkids, back when I was in the Army our equipment and uniforms were very simple affairs; a bearskin and club made from a tree limb.

The modern American warrior has evolved into a well-dressed, well-equipped and well-trained fighting machine. Here is how the average Special Operations soldier is outfitted on today’s rapidly changing battlefield.

We start with the basic BDU’s or Battle Dress Uniform, which comes in different patterns off camouflage depending on what type of terrain the soldier is scheduled to fight in. BDU’s are also impregnated to withstand certain aspects of chemical warfare. Beneath is worn a fleece bib and moisture wicking T-shirt, silk weight underwear, and fleece cap.

Combat boots made in tan for basic desert camouflage and with harder soles to prevent wear and tear from rough terrain (a lesson learned in Afghanistan), along with nylon boot socks coated with pure silver to prevent fungus. No soldier would leave home without joint pads for protection when crawling and flyer’s gloves with flame protection to help withstand rope burns.

The new combat helmet with goggles is designed so that when a soldier lies flat it won’t tip over the eyes. The goggles fit over glasses and provide laser and ballistic protection. We also have the Wiley-X goggles, which are standard issue for non-eyeglass wearers.

This is topped off with the combat belt, indispensable for when soldiers lose weight in the filed from a steady diet of MRE’s or Meals-Ready-to-Eat. The new hydration system is a new hands-free drinking system that takes the place of the ancient canteen.

The final addition to the basics is the bullet or shrapnel-proof vest over which so much controversy has arisen. No well-dressed soldier would leave home without it.

As for basic combat equipment, the modern American warrior may be expected to carry the M-16 rifle, the M203 rifle/grenade launcher combination, or the SAW, the Squad Automatic Weapon along with at least three or four 30 round magazines as a basic load. (Much more for the Special Operations warrior who has less re-supply capabilities.)

Other equipment will include: A quickie saw, used to cut through barricades and chains. The MK-VII Target Locator, which gives enemy locations to air-support units. The VIPER (Vector 21), a laser-range finder connected to a GPS unit which determines the distance to and angle of a target.

The assault ladder made for urban combat and assembles in minutes is standard for urban warfare. Entry tools including the battle-ax, bolt cutters, and Haligan tool for prying and hammering. A tomahawk, the hollow handle stores matches or knives or pogie-bait (food). A grappling hook which weighs less than two pounds and can hold 1,800 pounds, indispensable if mountainous terrain. M24 binoculars which fit in the chest pocket. A radio, dun finished so it won’t reflect the desert sun. A Molle Vest which carries ammo, first aid kit, Protective Mask against chemical weapons, grenades, and other items depending on the mission.

A door ram for urban combat the handle absorbs 97 percent of the impact. The weapon light & gun optics, which gives, soldiers greater accuracy when aiming. Standard issue key cuffs, modern day handcuffs made from nylon. A multi purpose tool like a Leatherman includes a screwdriver, pliers, knifes, wire cutter, bottle opener, ruler. A poncho with liner and sleeping bag are optional but nice to have in places like the Afghan Mountains.

In addition, the Special Operations warrior may carry a demolition kit containing C-4 explosives, det-cord, and electronic timers, an essential first aid kit, long-range communications radio, a LAW (Light Anti Tank Rocket), Claymore anti personnel mines, rappelling rope, grappling hooks and D-Rings, high energy food bars, and an endless list of operational or mission related necessities.

Some of this gear may weigh as much as 200 pounds. Not like the good old days when a soldier was expected to carry a mere eighty-pound pack.