As I understand it that's the pilot's/squadrons additions. I'm not that close to it these days and when I was active there was no mention of any 5 lbs. We carried what the paraloft put in the vest and that was that. I'll ask next opportunity.

As for lack of some gear, that may be a holdover from the "survival at sea" days. No drinking water to purify (salt water), no good tinder or firewood. I s'pose you could burn the raft, but that would make floating more challenging. You aren't supposed to be there long enough to get hungry. Quick energy food, candy, snack bar, pop a flare, talk on the radio. . . helo ride.

Steel toes: I don't know how composite materials are in a fire, but that would definitely be a requirement. That and keep the pilot's toes attached to his feet during an ejection (a very violent thing). If I had the option I'd have opted for no steel. I didn't do ejection seats and never had the occassion to need steel protecting my toes. OTOH, those boots were very cold, wool socks notwithstanding.