General
battle rattle
What does battle rattle mean?
The complete set of combat equipment a service member wears, including helmet, body armor, ammunition and weapon, named for the rattling sound it makes on the move.
"In full battle rattle you're carrying close to fifty pounds of kit."
Origin
Modern U.S. military; echoic of the noise gear makes when a soldier moves.
Frequently asked questions
What is "battle rattle"?
It is the full set of combat gear a service member wears — helmet, body armor, ammunition, and weapon — often adding up to around fifty pounds.
Why is it called battle rattle?
The name is echoic, from the rattling sound all that equipment makes as a soldier moves.
What does "full battle rattle" mean?
It means wearing the complete combat kit, ready to move into the field with everything on.
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