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