Soldiers go on patrol fully loaded (From Bicester Advertiser)

Soldiers go on patrol fully loaded

5:58pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News By Sam McGregor, covering Bicester. Call me on 01869 250197

WHEN soldiers pack for patrol there is no room for luxuries.

Organisations in Bicester got an insight into the daily life of soldiers when they are deployed to war zones such as Afghanistan, and the extraordinary amount of equipment they have to carry.

A team from 23 Pioneer Regiment, based at St David’s Barracks, Bicester, were at the Ex Services’ Club, in Sheep Street, to show exactly what it took to do their job.

Typically troops carry up to a 50kg kit, the equivalent of an eight stone adult, on their back for up to 12 hours a day when on patrol. They also wear heavy 30kg body armour and, like Lance Corporal Wesley Allen, may be called on to handle a heavy machine gun.