10 years 9/11 - The US soldier then and now.

US Army in Afghanistan 2011

Today, soldiers wear combat uniforms with torsos made of special stretch fabrics that are not only fire-resistant but also wrinkle less than regular shirts. Personal carrying solutions are mostly no longer used, accessories like magazines, radios, and others are usually carried in pockets attached directly to the body armor via a modular loop system (MOLLE). Almost all soldiers use hydration bladders instead of canteens. The mentioned armor includes mainly SAPI plates against direct rifle shots, and the head is protected by the Advanced Combat Helmet. The boots are descendants of high-tech mountaineering boots. The standard weapon is the shorter M-4 (even the Marines are increasingly using it) with optical sights, RIS rails, lights, and laser markers. Many magazines are made of lighter composite materials rather than steel. For night operations, night vision goggles are available for helmet mounting.