Lightening the Load
Abstract
Current individual combat Marine loads vary from 97 to 135 pounds. - vs. a recommended maximum of 50 pounds. Considerable anecdotal information based on current combat operations indicates heavier loads severely reduce Marine or soldier effectiveness, especially on long-duration patrols, close-in urban combat and other adverse situations. This weight is excessive and the trend will continue unless positive action is taken. The study focused on the Marine Rifle Squad as "the system," as opposed to the individual Marine, as each squad member has different tasks. The excessive loads carried by individual Marines translate to 1,620 excess pounds for the Assault Load for the Marine Rifle Squad, or 900 pounds over the recommended maximum squad load. The most optimistic outcome of current and planned S&T efforts may reduce squad loads by about 300 pounds. Another 300 pounds could be transferred from the Marines in the squad to vehicles or other assets organic to the squad. This still results in the squad carrying 300 pounds over the recommended maximum load. The study provides recommendations for the senior Navy Department leadership.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 09, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA528364
Entities
People
- A. Johnson-winegar
- Felipe Fernández
- J. Bachkosky
- J. Feigley
- J. Sommerer
- L. Felton
- Michael Benjamin Andrews
- N. Polmar
- P. Fratarangelo
- R. Douglass
- R. Kohn
- Raymond C. Rumpf
- W. Williamson