The "moms of America" don't like it when their kids die. So a huge percentage of the weight carried is bulky, heavy armor. Some of the other gear is necessary,

The "moms of America" don't like it when their kids die. So a huge percentage of the weight carried is bulky, heavy armor. Some of the other gear is necessary, and some of it you just carry because a guy with more rank than you thinks you might need it, or because he doesn't want to be responsible for you not having it when the need comes up.