There's a Civil War era cartoon that describes how the young soldier starting out on campaign is well-equipped with literally 'everything by the folks 'back home' - including a fearsome Bowie - and his knees are buckling.
He's seen marching amid a trail strewn with like items discarded on the march.
By war's end - he's got his rifle, a rubber blanket, and a canteen - having rid himself of superfluous weight...
The Cavalryman of the time actually 'fought' with his saber - to suggest he'd throw away his weapon is ludicrous, since he was trained in its use and it was an integral part of the way he fought.
Soldiers who are actually 'soldiering' keep their load as light as humanly possible - every piece of gear does double and triple duty, or it's not carried.
True in past wars - true now.
Vaya,
Scouts Out!