Brando wrote:
They don't need any of the above for being a fancy security guard. Unlike other soldiers you see in pictures these soldiers seem more decorative than functional. Besides can you imagine wearing vests, helmet, gloves, pads and carry 50lbs of gear and still stand under the desert sun ? Madness! They would have all passed out and would need to be hospitalized. Also, do you think they carry "everything" they own everytime they are deployed to do guard duty ? I'm sure they have all the equipment they need.
They were much better equipped that what was needed IMO. Its not like some terrorists are going to storm into an Airforce bombing display in the middle of the desert!
Been there, done that and I can assure you, You will NOT pass out. It is for your OWN protection. Imagine having AK's and Snipers with Nato standard issue bullets being hailed at you, I think I will definately want my BPJ's and Helmets! Who cares about Manuverability, When I have the best optics in my hand, I don't worry about that, however the lack of these, makes manuvering an issue!
Define "everything"? ~ If by that you mean, their rifle, bpj's, helmets, pads, gloves and optics then YES!.
If you mean ALL optics then NO. Each unit/squadron, is entiled to different weapons, and their optics. For a lil guy like myself there is no way in hell I can carry a SAW, hence weapons, and different types of optics are allocated based on a personnel profiling and if you are lucky then Preference!
When you are deployed for GUARD DUTY, it IS your duty to protect the designatory to the fullest. If you DON'T have your equipments (proper ones) well we all know what happened during 26/11. Terrorists can strike ANYWHERE and ANYTIME. Heck, you can someone Internally who could target as well, so it's always better to be prepared. When you have Foreign designators attending to see the show, it is the responsibility of the HOST country to provide the Elitest of Security to the personnel, and by "Showing the Proper force" is definately a smart way towards building confidence in the ability of our forces!
O and as far as the 26" BISCEPS, please note, most SF world over DON'T walk around showing them off! Will and Determination is what makes SF not, 12 or 26" Bisceps!