Drail, as a former Marine Infantryman I can attest to that! I remember old ALICE packs that I had to sew up in places and other items that were fixed with duct tape. However, I will say this, they NEVER skimped on weaponry! We had brand new M16A2's when the rest of the services were still usings M16A1's. We had brand new M60E3's and SAW's before the Army even knew what they were. And the amount of ammunition I expended during my enlistment was astronomical!
Worn out equipment and well worn out boots, but when it came to guns we had everything we needed... and then some!