A Review of the Soldier's Equipment Burden
Abstract
The equipment load carried by the Australian Infantryman is so bulky and heavy that it presents a significant burden and impairment to his performance. The report aims to characterise this problem, to assess its impact, and provide recommendations from a range of disciplines. A survey of soldier equipment found it is set up and packed for ease of use, not ergonomic considerations. The load produces discomfort and injury, and reduces soldier and unit agility. All these findings are supported by a review of published literature. The report contains a description of the issues contributing to excessive soldier load, provides project management strategies and the change in the nature of operations, and ends with descriptions of six groups of solutions arrived at from examining the factors that make up the 'soldier equipment burden': load weight, equipment placement, and carriage duration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA574845
Entities
People
- Chris Brady
- Derrek Lush
- Tom Chapman
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group