On the Marines being in full combat gear in the trucks, that is something the Marines started doing about 20 years ago, I do not know if the army does it or not. If you sre driving a military vehicle, you will be wearing your war gear. That includes helmet and flack vest. My brother in law was a army ranger, and that is one thing he noticed about the Marines, we do just about every thing in combat gear. He told me this years before the first Gulf war. He said if we ever go to war, you guys will be used to wearing your gear at all times., and not taking it off because it is heavy, or hot like my soldiers do. Now, this was back in the 1980s, I do not know how they train now. But it is cool to see a young Marine pull up to one of the shops, just hauling one item in is truck, and he steps out in full war gear.
One of the few, Frank USMC RET