The things they carried were items that helped them survive both physically and mentally. Most of the things that Lieutentant Jimmy Cross's platoon members carried were necessities such as armor, helmets, antibiotics, food, guns and ammunition. Each man has his own personal needs as well. So some of them carried some pretty random things to help normalize their situation and comfort them as much as possible. However there were limitations to what these men could carry. They marched; up hills, in the thickest of unknown jungles, and through deep sticky swamps. So the amount of weight each man carried was critical and a huge element of their survival tactics. The men knew exactly how much each of their items weighted, so they could calculate the total mass of their load and not over do themselves. Too much weight would definitely affect one's mobility. This was war so they needed to be ready and prepared to do anything at any time with quickness and efficiency. These men also carried a lot in their minds including: emotions, memories, guilt, the fear of being blow away at any moment, and many other things that can with the total package of being a solider in Vietnam.
             Ted lavender was the only one of Lieutenant Cross's men to die. Ted was at the wrong place at the wrong time. He was taking a leak and then the next thing you know boom he's dead. Lavender was afraid and did not like where he was. He also wasn't proud of being part of some of the things that took place. However he did do things to ease his pain. He used tranquilizers and smoked large amounts of weed in order for him to keep his cool. He carried drugs as a security device in the same way others carried letters from loved ones, comic books, and even extra ammo. Theses things fulfilled their individual needs that were different for each man, and made them feel more comfortable.
             ...