The Cost of a Soldier

[dragoon500ly]

This came out on a recent edition of the Army Times, how much it costs to outfit a modern infantryman:

PVS-14 Monocular Night Vision Device: $3,500.00
Advanced Combat Helmet: $235.00
Helmet Cover, Army Combat Helmet, Universal OCP: $15.27
Ballistic protective eyewear, clear & gray lenses: $38.00
Army Combat Shirt: $101.19
Name tags, unit patches and rank patch: $14.75
Reverse-field US flag replica: $6.45
Ballistic Neck Protection Pad-Nape: $29.00
Close Quarter Combat Multi-Magazine Holder: $28.00
Soldier Plate Carrier System: $355.00
Set of Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts: $1,200.00
Infrared Multi-Function Aiming Light: $1,467.00
M-4 Carbine: $ 1,300.00
Trouser, Fire Resistant, Army COmbat Uniform: $66.17
Knee pads, universal: $29.45
Combat Boots, pair: $168.00
M-4 Improved Buttstock: $294.00
Elbow Pads, Universal Set: $29.45
M-68 Close Combat Optic: $389.00
Combat gloves: $31.40
Enhanced Side Ballistic Insert (set): $742.00
7 5.56mm 30-round magazines: $77.00
MOLLE Rifleman Set, including assault pack, waist pack, hydration system, 3 double magazine pouches, 2 canteen pouches, 2 hand grenade pouches, triple magazine pouch, entrenching tool carrier, flash bang grenade pouch and tactical assault panel: $242.00
MOLLE Field Pack, Large: $220.00
PAS-13(V)1 Light Weight Thermal Sight: $7,100.00
Close Quarter Combat Three-Point Sling: $10.00
Improved First Aid Kit: $66.64
Infrared strobe, small: $18.01
Strap Cutter: $15.00
Weapon light: $300.21

Grand Total: $18,087.99

Wow!

[copeab]

I think a lot can be read into 2/3 the money going to night vision gear.

[dragoon500ly]

Yup! It's been said that the US Army fights better at night than during the day.

[pmulcahy11b]

Originally Posted by dragoon500ly

Yup! It's been said that the US Army fights better at night than during the day.

We used to say that even back when I was in in the 82nd -- "We own the night." And we didn't have as many NODs as they have now.

[Abbott Shaull]

Yeah and where were the elbow and knee pads back in the day...lol Let alone the body armor or the optics. Also back then Molle gear was still in the testing phase. Special Forces, Rangers, 1st Cavalry and other selected units were testing it. We still had the old Y and H harness.

[Rockwolf66]

very impressive list.

Mind if i post it on another forum?

[dragoon500ly]

Originally Posted by Abbott Shaull

Yeah and where were the elbow and knee pads back in the day...lol Let alone the body armor or the optics. Also back then Molle gear was still in the testing phase. Special Forces, Rangers, 1st Cavalry and other selected units were testing it. We still had the old Y and H harness.

Started out with ALICE, then came the LLBLV, the Ranger Vests, those knock offs of Israeli webbing, MOLLE was just coming into service when I medicaled out...And 30 years later, still have 3 duffel bags of TA-50 that have seen more use camping and hunting!

Elbow and kee pads...I still shake my head over those. Didn't have it in the day, didn't need it. Men were Men and Real Men Drank the Blood of Their Enemies in Lou of Lifer Juice!!!!

[Bullet Magnet]

Army Combat Shirt: $101.19
100 bucks for a shirt? Was it designed by Armani?
Admittedly, I have no idea what it looks like. Has anyone here seen it? Is there something that special about it to justify the price, or are we talking about the typical US Govt way of paying 100 bucks for a 25 dollar shirt?

[HorseSoldier]

The combat shirt is for wear under body armor, with a moisture wicking torso and more conventional sleeves. A big part of the cost is that it and other combat uniform components are now made with fire retardant fabrics. Without the FR cost per unit would probably be half or less.

[Legbreaker]

Originally Posted by HorseSoldier

...would probably be half or less.

...and made in China.

[bobcat]

Originally Posted by dragoon500ly

T
M-4 Carbine: $ 1,300.00

Wow!

and you know those prices are heavily inflated. (specificly they are what PVT snuffy will pay if he breaks/loses the item.) the army pays approx $400 for an M4 carbine.

[Abbott Shaull]

Originally Posted by bobcat

and you know those prices are heavily inflated. (specificly they are what PVT snuffy will pay if he breaks/loses the item.) the army pays approx $400 for an M4 carbine.

Gasp! The Army or any other service would charge PVT Snuffy overly inflated prices to replace his M4 Carbine that he lost. Ironically back 1988 the going rate for M16 was around 450-550...lol So that the M4 is down to 400 isn't logical.

[bobcat]

Originally Posted by Abbott Shaull

Gasp! The Army or any other service would charge PVT Snuffy overly inflated prices to replace his M4 Carbine that he lost. Ironically back 1988 the going rate for M16 was around 450-550...lol So that the M4 is down to 400 isn't logical.

they found a cheaper bidder. besides everyone knows colt overcharges everyone for stuff. even my favorite uncle sam.

[Abbott Shaull]

Originally Posted by bobcat

they found a cheaper bidder. besides everyone knows colt overcharges everyone for stuff. even my favorite uncle sam.

Yeah well of course. Colt knows a good thing when they have one. Especially since they have been business since around the or shortly after the Civil War. They know the deal...lol

[dragoon500ly]

Originally Posted by bobcat

and you know those prices are heavily inflated. (specificly they are what PVT snuffy will pay if he breaks/loses the item.) the army pays approx $400 for an M4 carbine.

But your getting those way cool rails, and that nifty little foregrip, and that sexy holo sight and, wait for it....all those cool camo colors!!!!!!

Its a steal!!!!!

[Legbreaker]

It's all about filling in the L&D forms creatively. You can get away with loosing virtually any piece of kit as long as the paperwork is well written.
Of course if it's something like the latest code book then it'd damn well better be Pulitzer material!

[Abbott Shaull]

Originally Posted by Legbreaker

It's all about filling in the L&D forms creatively. You can get away with loosing virtually any piece of kit as long as the paperwork is well written.
Of course if it's something like the latest code book then it'd damn well better be Pulitzer material!

Trouble is Private Snuffy isn't the one filling out this paper work...lol It usually someone with much higher pay grade.

[Legbreaker]

I feel so sorry for you Americans then. Over here, you loose it, you do the paperwork and you suffer the consequences for your shoddy performance.
That's not to say the next level or two up won't get a kick in the backside, but that just encourages them to ensure the paperwork is done right (if they haven't done their job properly in the first place and trained the soldier not to break/loose the equipment).

[Abbott Shaull]

Originally Posted by dragoon500ly

But your getting those way cool rails, and that nifty little foregrip, and that sexy holo sight and, wait for it....all those cool camo colors!!!!!!

Its a steal!!!!!

*Said in the voice of Billy Mays*