How much ammo does a soldier carry?

Question

if you could provide any examples of today's wars. Any ammunition if you could provide any examples

Answer 1

I agree with most the answers i have read,but when your on a patrol and your not far from the base camp, they have air support for your unit and them boys get to you way fast . unless you just fire away one can use up alot of ammo in just under a few minutes. but to return fire till your all somewhat safe is normal, as time goes on you will learn to use these mags like your water supply.

Answer 2

Sorry, but the answer varies and falls under OPSEC.

If you don't know, then you don't need to know.

Answer 3

M16/M4 - 7 magazines of 30 rounds (210 rounds) plus a bandoleer of 140 rounds in stripper clips to reload your empty magazines

As well as the basic load for your individual weapon you maybe required to carry a spare belt of linked 5.56 ammunition for the SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) and/or a spare belt of linked 7.62mm ammunition for the M60/M240 General Purpose Machine Gun.  You may also carry spare hand grenades as well as 40mm grenades for the grenadiers.

Gunners, Assistant Gunners and Ammunition Bearers have approximately 1,000 plus rounds for a belt fed weapon which they distribute among themselves and their squad should the gun crew be going light a member.

Basic load is dependent on the weapon your assigned, you ability to carry 'ready to use' ammunition and your ability to carry a 're-load' supply.  The Tactical Standardized Operations Procedures (TSOP) provides you with guidance for carrying your load and those items your team/squad will require.  

Answer 4

That is a simple question with such a broad answer.

The short of it is that that amount you carry varies.

If you have an M16 odds are you are going to have 4 mags with 40 rounds each.

If you have a S.A.W or 50 cal then you might have to carry more.

And if you have a sniper rifle you might get only a few shots or a backpack of them.

Answer 5

I carried 210 rounds for my M4/M16.  Standard load.

7 mags 30 rounds each is how I carried it.

I think the M249 (SAW) standard load is 1000 rounds but I'm not sure.  Anyway, that's how much we always took out with us.

EDIT:  I just saw your earlier question asking how many kilos all the ammo weighs.  My answers are for the US Army.

Answer 6

How much really depends on the Operation. If it's a short one we will take one in the gun, and 2 in both front pocket's of our webbing. (5 clips I.E 150 rounds) You would also carry a couple in your Burgan, if you're planning to be in the field for a long time and you would be expecting continued battle's and you couldn't get re supplied you would obviously take more.

Answer 7

*** that when i actually go to iraq or afgan ill be carrying as much of the **** as i can i aint gettin shot