Infantry Drills

Section II: Soldier, Combat, and Unit Basic Loads



Previous: 7-8: Duties

7-9. Determining the Soldier’s load is a critical leader task. The Soldier’s load is always METT-TC dependent and must be closely monitored. Soldiers cannot afford to carry unnecessary equipment into battle. The primary consideration is not “how” much a Soldier can carry, but how much can he carry “without” impairing his combat effectiveness. While Leaders cannot be prepared for all contingencies, they must learn to prepare for the most likely based on available information. (Refer to FM 21.18 for detailed information.)

Next: 7-10: Soldier Load

Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad