Re: East Timor and Aussies

The army has a 'Day Pack' that is often worn on patrols where the larger

ones would be arkward to take. Yes the large packs do have quick
releases.

The guys still carriy a heavy load, a Steyr, 5-10 30rnd magazines, a
couple 
of grenades and maybe a spare belt for the section Mg or a Light Anti
Armour 
weapon. Then you have webbing, 2 basic pouches, 2-4 waterbottles a
bumpack 
with rations and maybe the day pack as well. It's 'heavy' before you put

your pack on. And from previous experience I can say that as soon as a
close 
'Contact' happens they get dropped.

However it does depend on how close you are as well, if your not involed
in 
the fight you go to ground and wait. A Signaller (Radio Operator) would 
normally keep his on as usually the radio is kept in it, but they tend
to 
try to stay to out of the actual shooting as they would be prime
targets.

Last point is that the 2nd Battalion 'Royal Australian Regiment' is a
'Light 
scales' unit. It was part of the ODF or Operational Deployment Force.
Which 
means it was optimised for rapid air transport, specialising in
'Airmobile' 
operations and 'Jungle warfare'. It was my last unit before I took my 
discharge and I've recognised a few friends on the news. It gives me a 
strange feeling seeing them, half I want to be back with my 'mates' half

glad I dont have to be there.

Hope this has helped inform a little.I'd be happy to reply to any other 
questions anyone thinks I might be able to help on. I only recently 
discovered the GZ systems and have become very keen on them.

Buck

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