What do you think is going on in this picture?

CPT Russell Pitre — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 12:50:53 -0500

I just saw this picture this morning. I wasn't sure what was happening until I had to look at it for a second. Then I realized what was going on. I am not sure what the situation was. I know the Marines did their Male VS Co-Ed Teams recently. This may be from that. As you can see the males in the formation are caring the rucks for the females. To me it is insulting to have given up my ruck and have some carry my weight.

I am not implying anything by this. So don't trying to making any allegations. I think this picture speaks for itself. I am just show you all what I found was odd? Would you give up your ruck like this or you just dig a little deeper and keep up with the team.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2015 1:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 13:08:24 -0500

Disgusting.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2015 1:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 13:16:58 -0500

At least they have their PT belts on.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2015 1:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 13:32:41 -0500

Why am I not surprised this photo made it's way to Rallypoint? Anyway, the women don't look tired or worn down. I have a weird thought this could be trolling or actually those guys's own bags. I can't tell if it's during training. If the female's had given up their bags, shouldn't they be in the front so Leaders can keep an eye on them - maybe at least be beside them? This isn't clear to me.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Dec 5 at 2015 2:54 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 14:54:36 -0500

We're lacking context of the picture. We just don't know what's going on. Please note the following:

1) No rifles or pistols or any other visible weaponry. This is not a "movement," as far as I can tell.
2) It's on a "mainside" or "barracks" location of some type. That's not a "field" location, Cars in the background, sidewalks, fences, etc are key indicators.
3) No covers, helmets, can or other indicators to show that this was an "exercise." This leads me to believe this was preparatory, not execution level event.

I'd love to jump on the bandwagon about the "wrongness" of this, but we're catching a snapshot in time, an just lack so much info, I can't make a valid assessment of it, other than:

This is NOT a Ruck March, because there are no Weapons, Covers, and the Location is wrong. (I don't see canteens either, but they may be wearing camelbaks).

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2015 3:15 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 15:15:44 -0500

everyone should carry their own weight, this is what will happen in new infantry units, men will carry more because it is based on the squad not just the individual.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2015 3:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 15:57:04 -0500

Sad. I wouldn't carry her ruck unless she couldn't walk or we were in a competition and I was trying to win and she was forced into my team

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 5 at 2015 4:15 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 16:15:59 -0500

This is the culmination of not having unisex standards if indeed the women could not carry their rucks.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2015 5:07 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 17:07:10 -0500

I've had my ruck carried and I've carried the rucks of my team mates. I don't know the situation in the picture. However, I do no that if you push hard enough in training you'll eventually go down, you'll eventually get hurt, and you'll eventually need your team mate to carry your load. If you've never fallen out in training I suggest you train harder. We all have limits, try finding yours.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2015 12:46 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 00:46:06 -0500

Sadly, in my twisted mindset, I could make all kinds of jokes here, but I won't since I don't know the whole story of the picture.