Fort Benning now teaches recruits a new way to hold their rifles because the rigid chest plate restricts their arm movement. The standard night-vision sight can unbalance the helmet so much that it makes some soldiers' heads bob. A squad has to haul nine different kinds of batteries. All told, the average infantryman carries 65 to 90 pounds of equipment into combat.
This summer, the Army will issue the first set of gear designed as an integrated ensemble, called "Land Warrior," on a trial basis to more than 400 troops at Fort Lewis, Wash. The product of a difficult decade-long development process, Land Warrior incorporates not only body armor, radios, and night vision but also a tactical computer network -- all running off compatible batteries. If the soldiers like it, they will deploy with it to Iraq.
This is a really good article on how the Military has changed in regards to foot soldiers. Both technology and training are changing for the first time in decades. Since 9/11 soldiers have a lot more say in what happens to them, what equipment is used and even what works and doesn't in the field. The Military is taking notes and making changes and our Military is stronger and better prepared because of it.
Read the full story.
In responce to Frank-
Maybe you should think about 9/11 and what happened for why foreigners coming here cannot train in our Military facilities or other specific areas.
Would your old Home Country allow foreiners to just enlist in thier military without showing aliegence to the Country by becoming a citizen first? Unless by military personnel exchanges for training by agreement between Country governments.
Common sense. Think about it.
God Bless!!
