In Tim O'Brien's short story "The Things They Carried," we are drawn into the world of the common soldier during the Vietnam War. As the title implies, these men carried with them many things while performing their duties. These things ranged from standard gear that was carried by all of the men, to equipment that was specific to each individual soldier. Each person also carried particular items that were considered special to the individual possessing it. Perhaps the most difficult thing to carry was the intense emotional burdens that weighed down upon everyone during such trying times. Now let us explore more closely the things that these men had to carry.
             Each character was obligated to carry a variety of weapons and gear during their tour in Vietnam. Some of these standard items were "P-38 can openers, pocket knives, heat tabs, wrist watches, dog tags, mosquito repellant, chewing gum, candy, cigarettes, salt tablets, packets of Kool-Aid, lighters, matches, sewing kits, Military Payment Certificates, C rations, and two or three canteens of water" (O'Brien 387). All of these items put together could weigh between fifteen and twenty pounds, depending on the individual. Also included in each mans inventory were steel helmets, which added another five pounds. Because they operated in areas containing mines and booby-traps, the men were required to carry flak jackets which weighed 6.7 pounds per jacket. The standard weapon carried by each soldier was the M-16 rifle. This weapon weighed 8.2
             pounds fully loaded. On top of this, between eight and fourteen pounds of ammunition was also carried. With just the equipment I have listed here, each soldier's loadout was around 45 to 50 pounds. This would be equivalent to carrying a bag of dry cement in a backpack to put this into perspective. This fact enhances the significance of the story's title tremendously.
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