I had to come back, the invective well was running dry and we can't have that now can we?
Firstly, I love lemonade. Almost as much as Gin and Tonic with double lime.
Secondly, I never suggested that we have to fight like the ANA, that would be impossible. We already live in a country that is free and relatively clear of any real or perceived threats for that matter. We're not motivated enough to fight like the ANA. In theatre, the average troop sees the ANA when they're on their down time. They tend to laze about the FOBs pretty much like we do in similar circumstances, we just go to a better gym. They've had good role models to follow when it comes to their leisurely persuits. If anyone tries to suggest they lack in the art of killing the TB, check their record. They've been doing it for a very long time now and they're pretty good at it. We can't fight like them but we do have to keep up, however, and that means staying as light as possible. If it's not mission essential, it's staying under the cot and that was true in the BG as well.
Was I less effective with "1 less mag"? Perhaps, but I don't recall ever needing mag #10. The 200 odd ANA in the vicinity seemed to be prepared to take up the slack quite nicely. Perhaps carrying no ammo would inspire me to call in the Guns, FA or CCA just a tad quicker.
Finally, it's a pretty ruck, no doubt about it. Probably comparable to the best civy ruck you might be able to find. I don't know any campers that would be inspired to use it but...The nicest thing is you barely have to put anything in it to make weight for the BFT. The lessons on how to wear it isn't a problem, what else are you going to do with those four hours? SISIP briefings stop being fun the third time through. If you can endure the name "CTS Rucksack" then you should be able to sit through the lessons on how to wear it to it's full effect to make your next hump through the wastelands known as Wainwright an enjoyable experience.
Next we'll be calling the 521 the "DLCSPM Radio" and the LAV III the "DAVPM Light Armoured Vehicle". I cringe everytime I hear the acronym. As soon as the teams have finished spreading their bountiful knowledge upon their target audience it will quickly become known as the "'07 pattern ruck" or more likely the "GBFB" (I'm sure you can figure that one out)
According to a fairly reliable source, the UCR file on the Tac Vest is quite light. I'm not sure if they're using some creative accounting methods but if you don't like a piece of kit, any kit, that includes trucks, rifle sights or down-hill skies the only recourse is the UCR, completed in it's entirety, naturally. There's no co-incidence that the form is a monster and you need to be a supply tech to get all the info required to fill it in to the Life Cycle Managers satisfaction. An incomplete UCR quickly finds it's way to the blue bin.
The UCRs should start flying on the issue maglight, with the new LED one on the market and only at the rediculously low price of $40, the army has to start getting those to replace our low-tech, outdated and totally ineffective 200 year old tungsten filament technology based maglights at 1/4 the price. How did we ever survive without LEDs? Wake up you slaggards in the supply system, can't you see we're falling behing here! (I'm hoping you think the preceding arguement is without merit and borders on lunacy, that's how I view the entire TV issue)
I brought my helmet today so let er rip. Like a bunch on this site I've endured much, much worse. So let the "friendly banter" begin, I've got my QC and CAT handy.