Post by trooperbleed on Feb 3, 2015 12:39:49 GMT -8
After participating in my first large scale battle with the 82nd at the 2015 George AFB engagement, I have many observations. maybe my musings will help others when they fall in with such a distinguished unit.
1. Good boots. Get good boots! though I consider the ones I have to be of decent quality and broken in, they are not top-of-the-line. after the event, my dogs were definitely barking, and if I had cheap boots...well, I don't want to consider that. this forum has good advise on boots.
2. If you have foot issues (arches, bunions, etc.)., get good orthopedic insoles. though they can be pricy, you will thank yourself.
3. Don't lace your boots too tight. though they will feel good in the morning, your feet will swell. this will cause a lot of unnecessary suffering later.
4. Avoid loading your trouser pockets with heavy items such as grenades. when running across the field, this extra weight will unbalance you and will fatigue your legs quite quickly.
5. Rather than put heavy items (as-for-mentioned grenades) in your trouser thigh pockets, put them inside your coat. there is a nice cozy little spot above your cartridge belt and between your combat suspenders where they sit secure and safe until you need them. this helps balance your body.
6. Make sure your cartridge belt and suspenders are adjusted properly. too much weight on your hips will mess up your back. too much weight on your shoulders will fatigue you. Balance the two.
7. don't put anything you don't need in your pack/musette bag/cartridge belt. Again heavy loads will not do your back any favors and will tire you. I only carried my rations in the pack and never needed anything else. Remember, the engagement is not likely an extended campaign so you will not need a lot of gear. All your camp equipage will be back at the bivouac or barracks.
8. don't carry anything you don't actually need for combat. I would say that this includes heavy items like your E-tool unless you are ordered to carry it. it is heavy and just gets in the way.
9. Carry plenty of water! Stay hydrated! if you need water, tell someone so a water run can be made. I drank over three full canteens of water in about 4 hours and my body used every drop. if I didn't drink, bad things would have happened.
10. Pre-hydrate for the battle, preferably starting the day before. your body will thank you. Also, supplements such as E-mergency and Gatorade are good ideas.
11. Alcohol dehydrates you. So does caffeine. You have been warned.
12. Use good hearing protection. this forum has some advise on that also. remember, you need to hear orders from your leaders to win but also, more importantly, for safety. However, you can't repair damaged hearing so protect it.
13. If you get lost and run across other unknowns, identify yourself by unit. if they are friendly, they will welcome you. if they are not, they will likely shoot at you. Either way, you will know where you stand, rather than acting in confusion. Don't make a name for yourself by lighting up the good guys.
14. Obey all safety rules, especially inside dwellings. accidents happen but don't let it happen to you or your comrades.
15. Always be aware of your surroundings and don't get caught up in the moment. the second you stop thinking and just start reacting, accidents happen. this is not real combat and it is not a life-or-death situation, unless you stop thinking and make it one.
I am sure I will have plenty more advise my next go-around.
Pvt. Reed
1. Good boots. Get good boots! though I consider the ones I have to be of decent quality and broken in, they are not top-of-the-line. after the event, my dogs were definitely barking, and if I had cheap boots...well, I don't want to consider that. this forum has good advise on boots.
2. If you have foot issues (arches, bunions, etc.)., get good orthopedic insoles. though they can be pricy, you will thank yourself.
3. Don't lace your boots too tight. though they will feel good in the morning, your feet will swell. this will cause a lot of unnecessary suffering later.
4. Avoid loading your trouser pockets with heavy items such as grenades. when running across the field, this extra weight will unbalance you and will fatigue your legs quite quickly.
5. Rather than put heavy items (as-for-mentioned grenades) in your trouser thigh pockets, put them inside your coat. there is a nice cozy little spot above your cartridge belt and between your combat suspenders where they sit secure and safe until you need them. this helps balance your body.
6. Make sure your cartridge belt and suspenders are adjusted properly. too much weight on your hips will mess up your back. too much weight on your shoulders will fatigue you. Balance the two.
7. don't put anything you don't need in your pack/musette bag/cartridge belt. Again heavy loads will not do your back any favors and will tire you. I only carried my rations in the pack and never needed anything else. Remember, the engagement is not likely an extended campaign so you will not need a lot of gear. All your camp equipage will be back at the bivouac or barracks.
8. don't carry anything you don't actually need for combat. I would say that this includes heavy items like your E-tool unless you are ordered to carry it. it is heavy and just gets in the way.
9. Carry plenty of water! Stay hydrated! if you need water, tell someone so a water run can be made. I drank over three full canteens of water in about 4 hours and my body used every drop. if I didn't drink, bad things would have happened.
10. Pre-hydrate for the battle, preferably starting the day before. your body will thank you. Also, supplements such as E-mergency and Gatorade are good ideas.
11. Alcohol dehydrates you. So does caffeine. You have been warned.
12. Use good hearing protection. this forum has some advise on that also. remember, you need to hear orders from your leaders to win but also, more importantly, for safety. However, you can't repair damaged hearing so protect it.
13. If you get lost and run across other unknowns, identify yourself by unit. if they are friendly, they will welcome you. if they are not, they will likely shoot at you. Either way, you will know where you stand, rather than acting in confusion. Don't make a name for yourself by lighting up the good guys.
14. Obey all safety rules, especially inside dwellings. accidents happen but don't let it happen to you or your comrades.
15. Always be aware of your surroundings and don't get caught up in the moment. the second you stop thinking and just start reacting, accidents happen. this is not real combat and it is not a life-or-death situation, unless you stop thinking and make it one.
I am sure I will have plenty more advise my next go-around.
Pvt. Reed