Since I'm dating (and plans for marrying) an ROTC man I know a lot already about things that are carried by a military guy. I found the short story "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien an insightful piece of literature and useful for people who had never given any thought to what military personnel might carry into battle or on a mission. Or in some cases, what they carried emotionally years after the bullets stopped flying.
If in Lieutenant Jimmy Cross's unit I would have carried the necessities first. A small Bible and my favorite novel, a gun (the type depending on the mission), personal first aid kit, candy, sunscreen/ bug repellent, sun glasses, a compass, bedding, clothing. These are what I see as necessities and the things I know I would want in the field. However as serving in the field grew more strenuous and grueling, I would carry my family and friends left back home closer to my heart. The comrades already lost to enemy bullets and the enemies I had killed would become emotional baggage carried with me for the rest of my life. As strong minded as I believe I am, nothing would ease the pain of the ones I had lost. I would also carry fear. Fear of not knowing what the next day brought, fear of not knowing if I would make it through the night or next battle and fear of losing my life without being able to say good bye to those I love most.
A soldier is meant to carry many things, both physical and mental, but they carry nothing more powerful than their courage to persevere and fight the good fight.
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