If there’s one thing I learned, it’s the power of ‘Count’n Ounces.’ In my previous life, I went “to the country” on a plane, and when the time came … I jumped. I jumped with a parachute. I jumped with a reserve parachute. And I jumped in with a backpack and LBE (load bearing gear … which is military jargon for a canteen belt and suspenders) that contained everything I would have available to do whatever I was going to do in the field. Let’s not forget your gun, ammunition, and other ammunition. In total, everything that went out the door of the plane was carrying between 120 and 160 pounds … or even more. Thank goodness the parachute did its job.
When I started my career, we had a backpack called a “jungle backpack”. It consisted of a tubular metal frame and a bag that contained perhaps 1½ to 2 cubic feet of space. There is not much space, considering everything we had to carry. In the frame (usually the top half) we would put on a waterproof bag that carried sleeping clothes and maybe a few other things. Now, for a soldier heading into the field for 14 to 30 days, the first priority entering the ruck is supplies and mission critical equipment. For me, that meant a bare minimum of a heavy radio, several batteries (large batteries), antenna-making supplies (cables, insulators, ropes, etc.), and a bunch of other miscellaneous things. Then came my share of other equipment needed for the team.
After that, I can start to analyze my needs. Food, clothing, toiletries, sleeping gear, “whining gear” and the like. Each man had his standard list of personal things that he took. And what you took was as small and light as possible. You literally started ‘Count’n Ounces’ because you were going to carry every ounce you drank. And if you could get away leaving that extra ounce behind, you did. Here’s an example: Back then, you were given one of two types of field rations: C or LRRP rations. The C servings were “wet food”. It came in a box that had individual cans of the main meal, fruit, cake, bread, cookies, peanut butter, whatever. He also had a miscellaneous kit that had coffee, cream, salt, pepper, toilet paper, and a few other things. A full C-Rat can weigh 2 to 2½ pounds. You could take all of that … or … you could break it up and take just what you want and leave the rest behind. And that’s what we did. I couldn’t eat the box. He stayed behind. I didn’t want the cream. Outside he went. Whatever was inside that box that I was not going to consume, I left behind. It may have only totaled an ounce or two, but that’s a weight I didn’t have to carry. Everything was examined that way. Probably the most valuable lesson I learned was the concept of “dual use”.
What is dual use? It is the selection of items that I brought with me that could be used for two or more tasks. Comfort, no matter how humble, was important to us on the field. If he could carry something that was dual-use and that also provided some form of comfort, it was worth its weight in gold. What is an example of a dual-use item? A canteen cup. The old GI canteen was made of stainless steel and molded in such a way that the canteen fit inside. It was relatively heavy, but could be used to heat food, drink coffee, collect water from a shallow stream to put in the canteen (yes … we use iodine tablets to purify the water), boil water to sterilize medicines. instruments, collect berries or other native foodstuffs, and the like. Another dual-use item? Most of the men had a “driving rag.” It was a triangular cloth called a tie that was put around the neck to keep warm (when it was cold) or to hang something (like a flashlight), it was tied around the head to prevent sweat from entering the eyes (when it was cold). heat) and to be used as a filter for insects and other debris from the water that is collected and poured into the canteen (from the canteen cup). A multipurpose knife, like a Leatherman, was also popular. He had a knife, pliers, screwdrivers, punches, even a saw. The parachute cord (also known as 550 cord) was invaluable.
We had another saying, “Travel light – Freeze at night”. Sleeping bags were heavy … especially when wet (army bags are filled with down). It is best to bring a poncho lining (nylon) and a lightweight poncho (also nylon) and bundle up with them at night. Not that hot, but not that heavy. The backpack was the pillow. Neither tent. Instead, we used a second poncho tied with 550 cord.
Time passed and the old jungle ruck was removed and replaced by the ALICE Ruck. A much bigger bag so we could carry more things. Eventually, it was replaced by what was called LOWE Ruck. Even bigger, but also MUCH HIGHER than the jungle or ALICE rucks. They also gave us a lot more equipment. Technology cut it down, but 100 pounds of light equipment weighs as much as 100 pounds of heavy equipment. So ‘Count’n Ounces’ was still the name of the game.
In future articles, as I talk about specific planning or conducting treasure hunting adventures, be it metal detecting, gold prospecting, or whatever, I’ll give you my “spin” on supplies and equipment for carry. In most cases, I will recommend something that is dual-use, or at least lightweight, but does the job. I’m big on comfort, and part of that comfort is being able to go from point A to point B with all my “stuff” and not be so exhausted that I can’t do what I was going to do. Until then, start thinking about “Count’n Ounces” and start planning your next scavenger hunt adventure.