Standard Ammunition Carried by Infantrymen in Combat Zones

As an experienced combat soldier, the standard ammunition load for a deployed infantryman in the field has varied depending on the mission and the expected combat situation. Across different units and regulations, the loadout can range from basic requirements to additional reserves carried in vehicles. This article delves into the primary and supplementary ammunition loads carried by infantrymen in varying combat zones, based on first-hand experiences and official guidelines.

The Standard Basic Load

The 'Basic Load' is the standard number of rounds carried by U.S. soldiers into a combat situation. For a standard infantry rifleman, this load typically consists of 210 rounds in seven magazines. One magazine is usually loaded into the weapon itself, while the remaining six are carried in magazine pouches. This load includes all necessary ammunition but may be supplemented with additional rounds, especially for team leaders and in situations where extended engagements are anticipated.

According to my experiences, the term 'Basic Load' involves 7 magazines, each containing 30 rounds, totalling 210 rounds for the infantryman. This amount is sufficient for a 'block party,' meaning it covers a moderate engagement scenario without further resupply.

Customized Loadouts Depending on Unit and Mission

The loadout can vary based on the specific unit and the mission at hand. For example, when I was serving in the Canadian Army, soldiers often carried a more substantial load of ammunition. The standard load included:

20-round magazines in two breast pockets An inner pouch in each lower pocket that held an additional 2 magazines (80 rounds total) The rifle itself with 20 rounds more This configuration resulted in a total of 140 rounds, distributed across seven magazines. This higher ammunition load was essential for missions with a greater likelihood of extended combat engagements.

For infantryman in the U.S. Army, the standard load typically consists of 7 magazines with 30 rounds each, providing the necessary firepower for a single engagement. However, the actual ammunition carried can be influenced by the specific mission, such as:

Rifle rounds: about 200 total, which is standard for many missions Pistol rounds: around 41 for sidearms like the Beretta M9 Other specialized ammunition for specific situations, such as grenades, signal flares, and smaller weapons like the M82 Barrett sniper rifle

Combat Readiness in Various Conflicts

The amount of ammunition carried can significantly differ depending on the conflict and the circumstances. The following are examples from different conflicts and units:

US Army in Modern Conflicts

During modern conflicts, such as in the Gulf War, the M4 carbine was the primary rifle, equipped with Mod M4 and a Beretta M9 sidearm. Soldiers carried, on average, about 200 rifle rounds in 7 magazines, alongside 41 rounds of pistol ammunition. For the 3-man vehicle team, one member might carry an M82 Barrett sniper rifle, and each member carried additional smaller arms ammunition, with at least one AT4 anti-tank weapon. Special radios and equipment for Forward Air Control were also included, relying heavily on these to call in air and artillery support when needed.

U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq

In combat zones like Iraq, where the U.S. Marine Corps were heavily engaged, infantrymen carried 12 magazines for their Mod M4 rifles, 3 magazines each for their Beretta M9 sidearms, and an additional 100 rounds for the Barrett M82 sniper rifle. The vehicle was equipped with at least one AT4 anti-tank weapon. Additionally, special radios and equipment for Forward Air Control were part of the loadout, allowing for the precise call-in of air and artillery support.

Canadian Forces in the Vietnam War

The Canadian Forces, particularly during the Vietnam War, faced a much higher volume of combat. Infantrymen carried upwards of 24 18-round magazines, two bandoleers of 5.56 rounds, a Claymore mine, 4 fragmentation grenades, and other needed grenades. Signal flares were also included, and a belt was often provided for the 'Pig,' which was a rocket launcher. The loadout was heavily influenced by the combat intensity and the missions' requirements, with some soldiers completing three tours in heavy close combat.

Conclusion

The amount of ammunition carried by infantrymen in the field is a critical factor in their combat readiness. Whether it is the standard 210 rounds in a seven-magazine loadout or customized loadout for specific missions, the burden of ammunition ensures that soldiers can face varying combat scenarios adequately. While the basic load is a standard requirement, additional rounds and specialized gear play critical roles in ensuring the survival and effectiveness of combat troops in active combat zones.

The term 'Basic Load' provides a baseline for ammunition carried, but the actual loadout significantly varies depending on the mission, unit, and anticipated combat situations. Understanding these loadouts can provide valuable insight into the preparation and resourcefulness of modern infantry combat units.