>I don't think the general public has any idea of the weight of the gear. Take a 180lb man and add 45-100 lbs (depending on the protective gear and weapons). Not only is the wounded soldier wearing gear and a weapon, but so are you.

Let's turn this on its head. This could be used as an reason to exclude men from the infantry. If the men are too heavy to carry, then they shouldn't be allowed on the front lines unless they trimmed down a bit. ;-)