What did they carry?

The things they carried in the Vietnam war were more than just backpacks and gear. What were the unlikely or unexpected things they carried described in the book? How does this impact your reading of the book and your view of the Vietnam war in general?

When I read the book, a few months ago, I didn't really give much thought to the physical things that were listed. I didn't really imagine what the weight would be and how that would affect how they moved or the strain it would put on the body. Now though, after having met some Veterans who lent items to the library, I have worn a flack jacket. I know now what it feels like to put on a helmet and feel the weight of it in my hands and on my head. It's really put things into perspective for me. I can look at these physical items and now tie them to the emotional. It's not the fact that the helmet weights 5 pounds but, that those 5 pounds saved a life.

Wow, that's a really great sentiment Elizabeth "It's not the fact that the helmet weights 5 pounds but, that those 5 pounds saved a life." and so very true. It's not just the actual physical weight of the items, but the purpose behind each item and how that emotionally effects those fighting as well.

I also feel like Tim O'Brien writes these stories in order to share the weight of the memories. It's like he wants to unburden himself by sharing some of that with the readers.

Elizabeth,
That is so insightful. The weight that is literally on the soldiers' shoulders are more emotional and visceral than one would initially imagine.

Each man not only carries things that are necessary, but in carrying certain items, they become necessity themselves.

Mitchell Sanders is an RTO, and so carries a PRC-25 radio. Rat Kiley is the medic and carries morphine, plasma, medicine. Henry Dobbins is loaded with the heavy artillary. Jimmy Cross, the leader, carries a compass, maps, books, everything he needs in order to serve his purpose as a leader.

I wonder, will you remember these men's names (repeated so often in this one chapter alone) or will you remember moreso the stories surrounding them, or the ones whose stories hit home most (like Jimmy and Martha)?