Military Duffle Bags
Before they became known as duffle bags, the U.S. military used to give to soldiers a bag called a barracks bag. It had a draw string on top so the soldier could close his bag. Now known as a duffle bag, with straps and clips for closing it, all new military personnel are given the familiar green bag upon entering basic training. Actually, it is the first thing each recruit receives so they have a place to stuff everything else they get.
While soldiers use the duffle bag for their personal belongings, there are actually many uses for these bags. Those that will be personal will have a soldier’s name, company, platoon and/or squad spray painted on it, in addition to their rank and their service number. If the bag is being used to deploy military gear, they will often be designated as an A, B, C etc Bag and so on where a list tells what is in each bag.
An interesting fact about duffle bag usage is how the Army uses it for discipline. The Non Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) may have the soldiers run to get their bag and then will have them fill it with rocks or sand or whatever heavy material might be nearby. When the bags are filled, the soldier is ordered to hold the bag above their heads. When the soldiers are ordered to drop the bags, they need to all fall with one sound of them hitting the ground. If they do not, the NCOIC makes them repeat the activity until the task is completed to the NCOIC’s satisfaction.
Over the years, the familiar green canvas bag has gone through very little change. It has served well through many years and for many soldiers. The bag keep the soldier’s personal possessions safe and in one place. And many of these bags continue to be used long after a soldier has left military duty. The bag’s strength and durability means it can last and be serviceable for many, many more years whether the ex-soldier will be traveling with it or simply use it when going camping with their family. Duffle bags are available in many surplus military equipment stores in the country.
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