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Originally Posted by Oborous
So doctrine is to lay down heavy suppresive fire while bounding backwards; this burns a huge amount of ammo... that you have to carry on you. This is why you see guys with 20+ mags, that's all they'll have until they get back to base. Army saw this and then started dictating increased ammo load outs to prevent running empty and to 'keep up with the jone's' (aka PMC's)
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I can't speak on the US Military(although I'm sure it's similar to what we did) but Canadians increased their mag loads in 2001/02 when we went into Afghanistan. As it was essentially a tour for Light Infantry/Air Assualt. So humping with everything you need to live an fight with in your LBE an Ruck. An the 10+ mags kept with the Rotos after that.
Also to reinforce what you've said an add on, PMCs aren't generally fighters their job is security. Yes in 2003/04 Iraq they were involved in firefights, but not so much now in 2009 Iraq, etc. As for them carrying 20+ mags, I don't see that as realistic. Maybe 7-10 mags on them and than have a stash of loaded mags in their vehicle(similar to what we do). Their job is to protect pers/buildings, etc so generally if they are travelling in a convoy or whatever their job is to lay down fire an break contact to get whoever they are protecting out of the area. As I only know a limited amount of info on PMCs from reading articles or from forum posters who are PMCs, etc I'll back out of this.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oborous
Special Forces Model
You're highly trained light infantry. You operate behind lines, doing things that the other models don't do. You're light, you're slick, you rely on mobility, team work, training, and the best (and lightest) gear you can get your hands on. Your restrictions on customization of gear are almost nil; results matter, not how good you look. Guntape, paracord, shockcord are all heavily used; modified gear is prevalent.
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The 75th Ranger Regiment is more or less highly trained/Special Operations Light Infantry. SOFCOM guys generally aren't what would normally be classified as "Light Infantry"
Also, as for them being light/slick it all depends on the mission/AO. Guys doing mounted Raids in Iraq would probably be more slick as they may need to chase after Insurgents, climb over walls, etc But for SOF guys operating in the mountains in Afghanistan they would carry more as they have to be self sufficent untill a resup, etc
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oborous
Recce/sniper model
This is the lightest gear load out, with the highest ratio of gear being the 3rd line. You're out in the cold for extended period of time with a very specific mission; you're not trying to stack up enemy private/corporal kills like cordwood. You're using mobility and stealth to your maximum advantage; F3 factor kills here. You have the most unconventional gear out of all; pruning shears are often useful.
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Recce an Snipers tend have have the heaviest gear, especially if they are going out on a long dismounted patrol/op.
Also Recce can be used as an offensive unit/QRF aswell as the traditional Recce mission.
An when it comes to operation in an urban enviroment Snipers may very well stack up an clear a building so they can use it as an OP/hide. Also "Sniper Teams/Groups" are getting bigger(mission dependent I would assume) an include a 3rd person who could be armed with a supppressed C9/M249.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oborous
BTW, I personally disagree with a rifle drag bag. Drag your backpack. A backpack is a high F3 factor on your back; if you're skulking towards an OP in a ghillie suit, adding 16" of backpack makes you that much more un-natural; and you don't have your weapon at hand.
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I personally don't know to much/nothing about this, but I would believe this to be more of a personal preference. Also, just because the shooter may be using a drag bag for a sniper rifle he still may have his C8/M4 an pistol on him.