
Originally Posted by
U.S.Marine2111
I'm not a high speed low drag recon Marine, so I haven't had to do any real survival type stuff. The closest I have come is the cruciable which is something like a 72 hour *** beating on 8 hours of sleep and one and half MRE's.
I will attempt to answer a few of your questions.
1), Ammo: We carry as much as possible. Right now the combat load is seven full 30 round magazines. (Knowledgable Marines only carry 27 - 28 rounds as a full 30 weakens the spring quickly and causes jams) This is a substantial amount of weight. I have never weighed a full Magazine but it is easily a pound or more.
2) Clothing: If you're moving around bundled up at a decent clip you're going to get hot fast, no matter how cold it is. Don't bundle up if your closing with the enemy as you will sweat, then when you stop you're going to freeze your *** off. Extra clothes, gortex top, bottom and intermediate layers that can be added or removed as the climate dictates. We are issued polypros, longjohns, fleece jackets, gloves and a fleece watch cap. I chill easily so I rock a sweatshirt as well, in addition to a Snugpak brand shirt (very light and warm) For three days, I would only take the uniform your wearing, one extra T-Shirt, 4 pairs of socks and one extra pair of underwear. A small package of baby wipes is a must. But for three days in the field, no Marine is going to change his cammies unless he fell in **** or something. We have to carry weigh to much **** as it is, we try to cut the fat when we can.
3) Range of items brought to survive, WATER, WATER, WATER! You can survive for weeks without food, but only a few days without water. You're not going to be burdened with body armor, an actual M16, M9, Bayonet or Ka Bar, real ammo, Kevlar helmet, SAPI plates, NVG's, ACOGS or PEQ-2's. All together of the stuff I just listed weighs probably in the neighborhood of 60 lbs. You're basic Marine however doesn't really have to carry that much for actual survival as we are followed by a logistics train with support equipment, chow etc. Since you won't have a logistics train following you take lots of water, a multi tool like a leatherman, Ka Bar or any other large fixed blade knife a cell phone, a foil space blanket sleeping bag and some bright orange material for signaling purposes, a flashlight, and something to make a fire with. Which brings forth another question, you and 5 buddies are going to be running around the forest in the spring or winter time frame wearing utilities? What of hunters, have you considered that aspect?
4) food: We carry MRE's. Field strip them meaning take them out of the boxes and the heavy brown bag they come in. You should just be left with the green pouches, this reduces weight and makes them easier to pack and carry. Lots of Marines will carry other trash, jerky, candy stuff like that, but that is optional, whatever works for you.
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