3-1. Soldier load is an area of concern for Army commanders and subordinate leaders. How much is carried, how far, and in what configuration are critical mission considerations. Commanders and leaders balance the risk to their Soldiers from the enemy against the risk to mission accomplishment from excessive loads and Soldier exhaustion and injury. Soldier load is limited to mission-essential equipment to sustain continuous operations. Commanders and leaders accept risks to reduce Soldier load based on a thorough mission analysis.
Leader Responsibility
3-2. Soldier load is a leader responsibility regardless of the operational environment (OE). The fighting capability of a Soldier relates directly to the load the Soldier carries. A maximum individual load limit is established and not exceeded if a Soldier is to accomplish an assigned combat mission. Commanders and subordinate leaders consider the following points during Soldier load planning:
- A Soldier’s load is based on the weight of the Soldier, the climate, the terrain, and the stress the Soldier has faced or is currently facing.
- Heavy loads, mountain terrain, high altitude, and extremely hot or cold weather will decrease a Soldier’s capability to carry a load.
- Prior to initiating the march, the leader considers the environment, weather, mission, duration, and Soldier requirements.
- Each mission requires an analysis of the essential items for combat operations and survival.
- Commanders determine the combat load (see paragraph 3-4) through the risk management process (see paragraph 3-39) to improve the likelihood of mission accomplishment.
- Items such as the amount of food and water taken as well as the configuration of body armor are examples of decisions that commanders should make.
- Understanding the operation, including the senior commander’s intent and risk tolerance, and the residual risk for the mission helps leaders make informed decisions to reduce or offset risk.
- While assault packs vary by role or function within the unit, leaders determine their exact contents during mission analysis.
- To assist in managing Soldier load leaders do the following:
- Conduct precombat checks (PCCs) and precombat inspections (PCIs).
- Consider using the memory aid DROP, in which D refers to decide mobility level, R stands for reduce unnecessary gear, O stands for organize resupply methods, and P stands for police the ranks (inspect).
- For a properly conditioned Soldier—
- The fighting load (see paragraph 3-5) should average between 60 to 80 pounds (ideally about 30 percent of a Soldier’s body weight).
- The approach march load (see paragraph 3-6) should average between 80 to 100 pounds (ideally about 45 percent of a Soldier’s body weight) including all clothing and equipment, either worn or carried.
- The emergency approach march load (see paragraph 3-7) should average between 100 to 125 pounds.
- Overloading Soldiers can expose them to extreme risk and unit standard operating procedures (SOPs) should limit what Soldiers carry on combat operations and enforce those limits.
- No amount of training can change the body’s reaction to carrying excessive loads.
- The leader’s involvement in analyzing the situation and the level of risk involved is the key to determining what is mission essential for Soldier loads.
- Mountainous terrain is usually rocky, making it very easy to twist an ankle or otherwise have a minor to moderate lower-body injury with heavy loads.
- Injuries tend to increase in the winter due to the water, snow, and ice.
- Vehicles will not always be available to carry ammunition, food, and equipment but should still be considered for use whenever practical.
- Even in the most benevolent terrain, fatigue can become an issue:
- With rough terrain and bad weather, the effects of fatigue multiply exponentially.
- Without proper rest, fatigue can greatly reduce the effectiveness of an otherwise highly trained unit.
- While season, climate, and weather conditions impact on items carried, Soldiers should be equipped for sudden weather changes.
- Leaders plan contingencies for additional resupply (see ATP 3-21.10 and ATP 3-21.20 for more information on contingency resupply at the company and battalion level, respectively).
- When required, resupply contingencies can include a means for purifying spring or stream water.
- Inexperienced or new Soldiers may attempt to pack and carry more equipment than needed increasing the physical strain on their body and exhausting them more quickly.
- Carrying more equipment than needed not only affects individual performance but unit performance as well.
Echeloning Loads
3-3. Maximum effort should be placed on echeloning loads. Commanders should resist the mindset to carry everything to be prepared for every eventuality. Leaders at all levels enforce load discipline to ensure that Soldiers do not voluntarily carry excess weight. Commanders and subordinate leaders plan for the delivery of nonessential equipment forward for subsequent operations. Units can separate loads of supplies and equipment into three echelons: combat load, sustainment load, and contingency load.
Combat Load
3-4. Combat load is the minimum mission-essential equipment required for a Soldier to operate (fight, if required) and survive during the immediate operation. Supplies and equipment not carried in a combat load are secured and transported in sustainment loads (see paragraph 3-8) and contingency loads (see paragraph 3-9). Soldiers carry loads in one of three type combat loads depending on the situation. The three types of combat loads are fighting load, approach march load, and emergency approach march load.
Fighting Load
3-5. The fighting load is the essential items a Soldier needs to maneuver on, close with and destroy enemy forces in direct fire contact. Fighting load is the sum of everything worn or carried by the Soldier (see table 3-1 for a listing of possible items carried depending on the current situation and mission). For missions requiring mobility, speed, and/or stealth, carrying heavy loads is a disadvantage. Cross-loading machine gun ammunition, mortar rounds, shoulder-fired munitions, water, and radio operator’s equipment across the march unit is essential to balance out the loads carried within the unit. For example, selected Infantry rifle platoon members may carry a mortar round (usually addressed in the unit SOPs) to drop at the mortar-firing position once the march unit reaches its area of operations (AO) to reduce loads within the mortar section.
Note. When the improved outer tactical vest is substituted for the Soldier Plate Carrier System, a medium-size improved outer tactical vest with all components (soft armor panel inserts, four ballistic plate inserts [front and back plates and two side plates], collar, and groin protectors) weighs 30 pounds, with a large-size improved outer tactical vest weighing about 35 pounds.
Approach March Load
3-6. An approach march load includes the fighting load plus additional essential equipment. The approach march load may include an assault pack or rucksack, and all the other items not needed in the fighting load but now required. Approach march loads, for when direct contact with the enemy is intended, are dropped in an assault position, in an objective rally point, or when receiving effective enemy fires prior to an assault. (The key word is “effective” enemy fires, not contact, dropping carried loads will always delay the operation during recovery of dropped gear/equipment.) Execution of this technique must be planned for and rehearsed, and may require transportation assets, when available, to retrieve equipment later in the operation. An approach march load allows Soldiers to fight and sustain themselves until resupplied, though, approach march loads should not exceed 100 pounds. Table 3-2 on page 68 lists possible items carried in an approach march load.
Note. Depending on the mission and environmental conditions, items carried normally in an approach march load may be carried as a fighting load. For example, wet weather gear top and/or bottom, and additional water, meal, ready to eat (MRE), and ammunition.
Emergency Approach March Load
3-7. Operations requiring an emergency approach march load should only be used when necessary to accomplish a specific mission. For example, Soldiers may be required to carry heavier loads through terrain impassable by vehicles or when ground and air transportation resources are unavailable. Excessive weights associated with these loads significantly impact the unit’s ability to move to the final destination without physically exhausting Soldiers. Physical exhaustion significantly limits the cognitive ability and mental focus of leaders and Soldiers and inhibits their combat effectiveness (see paragraph 2-111). When carrying an emergency approach march load, commanders should seek to limit march distances and provide Soldiers time to recover before executing follow-on activities.
Sustainment Load
3-8. Sustainment loads consist of equipment required to sustain operations. Sustainment loads are generally positioned within the battalion or company support area and brought forward when needed. (See section III of this chapter.) Sustainment loads may include rucksacks, duffel bags, and sleeping bags. Depending on the situation, personal protection items can be stored in preconfigured unit sustainment loads. Coordination is made to ensure sustainment load items are available when required.
Contingency Load
3-9. Contingency loads include all other items not necessary for ongoing operations such as extra clothing and personal items or Javelin-Close Combat Missile Systems (or M3 Multi-role, Antiarmor, Antipersonnel Weapon System [also called MAAWS]) in threat environments where the enemy lacks an armored capability. Contingency loads might be stored in duffel bags or palletized. Determining what goes in these loads and who is responsible for their storage and delivery are critical decisions for the commander. (See ATP 3-21.8for a detailed discussion on considerations when replacing the javelin with the MAAWS.)
3-10. B bags should be palletized in unit loads and a contingency table of organizational equipment should be centralized in battalion packs. Contingency loads are generally not flown into deployment areas as part of the initial deployment. When contingency loads arrive in theater, plans should be made at or above brigade level to store unit contingency supplies and equipment. Items then can be returned to units if require by the situation. For example, if units are deployed into an area where items of contingency load are needed or if units are staged in assembly areas in a division or corps rear area.
3-11. Instructions are issued to Soldiers before deployment, listing individual and organizational equipment not part of initial deployment. Contingency equipment could remain in the continental United States, be stored at base areas in unit packs, or be reserve equipment issued by a higher headquarters when necessary.
3-12. Upon arrival in theater, provisions must be made for some items of equipment to be back loaded from the company, battalion, or brigade to division control. This allows units to deploy heavy for maximum flexibility. As the situation becomes clearer, units can back load items not immediately needed to higher headquarters’ control as contingency loads for use at a later time.
Load Determination
3-13. Load determination is managed at company and platoon levels; however, standards are established at battalion level (in coordination with company leaders) during planning to ensure Soldiers are properly equipped and physically ready for the conduct of operations. During this process, commanders and subordinate leaders determine the factors affecting Soldier load, and the capabilities and limitations of the unit. Load determination factors are addressed in the following paragraphs.
Load Carriage
3-14. Load carriage describes what needs to be carried and how that specific load is to be carried. Planning considerations for load carriage are vital to mission success. Commanders determine Soldier load based on component weights and sustaining factors. These factors assist commanders during the planning process to determine how much should be carried, how far, how it is configured on the Soldier, how it is distributed throughout the unit, and how the unit is to be sustained. Commanders balance the risk to their Soldiers from the enemy, the environment, and their equipment. To assist with load planning, commanders and subordinate leaders incorporate mission analysis planning tools to address the factors of Soldier load and to mitigate the load’s impact on Soldier performance for the duration of the mission. Mission analysis planning tools, examples addressed in paragraphs 3-15 and 3-19, help commanders and subordinate leaders plan, prepare, execute, and assess successful missions.
Determine, Review, and Organize Load Carriage
Determine (Physical and Cognitive Load)
3-16. When determining Soldier load, commanders first identify the physical and physiological impact and the aggregate component weight of equipment during the execution of a Soldier’s task. When analyzing cognitive load, the commander evaluates the relevant, intrinsic, and extraneous information present during the execution of a Soldier’s task.
Review (Mission-essential Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment Posture)
3-17. Understanding that ounces can add up to pounds and pounds impact performance, commanders ensure the equipment Soldiers carry during the mission is essential and must be carried. When evaluating the required personal protective equipment posture (PPEP) the commander identifies the type of threat and level of personal protective equipment required (see paragraphs 3-19 to 3-21).
Organize (Load Carriage Platforms)
3-18. Once Soldier loads are determined and reviewed during mission analysis, commanders identify the most efficient way to carry the load required for the mission, specifically conducted during course of action development. The type of platform is METT-TC (I) dependent, type of platform may be individual, vehicle (manned), aircraft (manned), aircraft (dropped), autonomous (air), and autonomous (ground). Commanders analyze carriage platforms utilizing the factors of responsiveness, accuracy, and method and asking the following questions of each:
- Responsiveness—
- How quickly can the asset deliver supplies?
- If it is a platform that is not habitually aligned to the unit, how does that affect delivery?
- If immediate resupply (also known as emergency or urgent resupply) is required, is available during the mission?
- Accuracy:
- How accurate is the delivery required to be?
- Is the margin of error high or moderate for the delivery platform?
- Method:
- Will the delivery platform require the unit to deviate from the planned route?
- Will the delivery platform compromise the unit’s position or lose it the element of surprise?
Personal Protective Equipment Posture
3-19. A second mission-analysis planning tool is PPEP. Similar to the protection requirements reflected in the mission-oriented protective posture (MOPP) level (see ATP 3-21.8 for additional information on MOPP levels), PPEP provides a threat-based framework for commanders and subordinate leaders to reference regarding the level of body armor and personal protective equipment Soldiers need to wear while conducting an operation. The PPEP levels range from PPEP 0 to PPEP 3 and act as a common language to standardize protection levels and suggested protection level based on the possible threats on the battlefield.
3-20. The ability to designate a desired level of a Soldier’s personal protection relies heavily on the fielding of modular and scalable body armor, which allows leaders to assess the level of enemy threat and designate an appropriate protection level. PPEP provides a common language for all Soldiers to quickly understand the required body armor protection level and configure their equipment appropriately (see table 3-3). As directed by the commander, Soldiers should use helmets, side plates, ballistic eye, extremity, neck, and hearing protection at PPEP levels 0 to 3.
3-21. Because what the Soldier wears and carries has the most impact on battlefield performance, it is important for leaders to take time to review and question the necessity of those items. As stated earlier, when considering how much to carry, commanders and subordinate leaders should remember, ounces can add up to pounds and pounds impact performance.
Load Configurations
3-22. As addressed earlier, loads are configured in three echelons: combat load (one of three configurations-fighting load, approach march, or emergency approach march), sustainment load, and contingency load. When configuring combat loads, commanders consider what ammunition, supplies, and equipment are mission essential. Effective load configuration requires the battalion commander, staff, and subordinate commander(s) to manage risk in a logical and controlled manner based on a detailed mission analysis. Commanders tailor the combat load (see section II of this chapter) to be carried with the march unit based on this analysis and arranges for sustainment and contingency loads to be transported at a later time.
3-23. The commander’s situational understanding, personal experience, and knowledge of the capabilities and limitations at each echelon of the march unit enable the determination of load configuration. The commander adapts to circumstances and situations encountered, makes decisions for when to drop equipment, and cross-loads equipment to ensure success during the march. The commander maintains enough firepower and protection to defeat the enemy, when required, without burdening the unit with excessive loads.
Load Impact
3-24. The load a Soldier carries is a major concern to the commander and subordinate leaders planning a dismounted movement. How much is carried, how far, and under what configuration are important mission considerations, requiring command emphasis at multiple echelons (specifically battalion and company). A Soldier’s ability to fight is directly related to the loads the Soldier carries. Commanders attempt to minimize Soldier load to improve stealth, speed, and survivability.
3-25. Excessive loads reduce energy and agility. Soldiers carrying excessive loads are at a disadvantage when reacting to enemy contact and during the conduct of follow-on actions at the conclusion of the march. Conversely, if the load is reduced, leaders may make decisions to leave behind mission-essential or crucial equipment. Sometimes Soldiers must carry more than the recommended weights for a combat load. However, leaders must realize how this impacts the unit’s overall combat power and ability to accomplish the mission.
Weight Categories
3-26. Personal protective equipment, specifically Soldier body armor, constitutes the largest weight category of Soldier load. Body armor limits the Soldier’s ability to maintain body core temperature and, to varying degrees, regulates breathing due to constriction of the torso. Depending on the mission variables of METT-TC (I), commanders may discuss adjusting the level of body armor protection balancing an increased risk to individual Soldiers to improve the likelihood of mission accomplishment.
3-27. Ammunition, supplies, and equipment carried by the Soldier are tailored to the requirements of the mission. For example, if the enemy threat does not include armor formations, a Soldier’s combat load may not include the Javelin (or MAAWS). In certain circumstances, it may be appropriate for units to carry additional ammunition due to sustainment constraints. In other circumstances, based on the enemy threat and historical analysis it may be necessary to carry mine detectors but not electromagnetic countermeasure equipment. Planning and preparation processes include detailed load planning and calculation to assist commanders and subordinate leaders in organizing tactical loads to manage energy expenditure and combat effectiveness.
Note. When exact equipment weights are required, refer to the appropriate technical manual for the item’s weight.
Energy Expenditures
3-28. The average sustainable dismounted rate of march in daylight on roads or improved surfaces is 4 kilometers per hour (kph) and 2.4 kph cross-country shown in figure 3-2 with a load of 40 pounds or less. Given a load of 100 pounds, the rate of march cross-country is 2.4 kph in easy terrain based upon figure 3-3. As shown in figure 3-4 on page 74, this rate of march is generally consistent with a sustainable rate of march expending 300 kilocalories per hour and should provide an available energy reserve in event of enemy contact.
3-29. Commander and subordinate leaders plan an appropriate rate of march, or pace, to provide flexibility for their units if enemy contact or subsequent tasks are assigned during the mission. When carrying loads during approach marches, Soldiers’ speed can cause rates of energy expenditure of more than 300 kilocalories per hour and can erode reserves of energy needed upon enemy contact. March speeds must be reduced when loads are heavier to stay within reasonable energy expenditure rates. Carrying awkward loads and heavy handheld items causes increased degradation to march speed and agility. For every 10 pounds carried over 40 pounds, the average distance marched by Soldiers decreases by approximately 2 kilometers every 6 hours. Figure 3-3 shows sustainable average velocities with given loads, which results in an energy expenditure of 300 kilocalories per hour. Loads can be carried in places other than the torso, but they often result in higher energy expenditures. (See appendix C for additional information.)
3-30. When the march unit conducts a forced march, the commander increases the number of kilometers travelled per day to sustain unit effectiveness without significant recovery. If necessary, the commander may increase the rate of march but must mitigate the energy expenditure by varying rates of march, periodic halts to readjust loads, hydration, and calorie replenishment-primarily carbohydrates consisting of simple sugars. Leaders must continually assess the condition of their unit to determine the frequency and duration of halts if they are not directed. If conducting a march at rates beyond the exhaustion line in figure 3-4 on page 74, leaders must assess when a unit’s energy expenditure culminates and provide the unit time to recover.
3-31. A march unit in ideal circumstances requires about 24 hours recovery after movements under load that exhausts Soldiers (defined as any movement rate or load beyond the exhaustion line to prevent injury and replenish kilocalories). If a unit is unable to provide ideal recovery time, leaders should focus on replenishment of kilocalories and maximizing available rest. Unit effectiveness continues to degrade based on energy expenditure and lack of adequate recovery time.
Note. Battlefield stress decreases Soldiers’ abilities to carry their loads. Fear burns up glycogen in muscles required to perform physical tasks. This wartime factor is often overlooked in peacetime, and leaders must consider it when establishing loads for Soldiers. However, applying strong leadership to produce well-trained, highly motivated Soldiers can lessen some effects of stress.
Impacts of the Physical Load on Mission Performance
3-32. A critical aspect of achieving overmatch is the Soldier’s ability to physically perform at optimum levels upon making enemy contact. The physical load the Soldier carries decreases the ability to maneuver and perform under combat conditions. Leaders must understand that physical load can negatively affect performance to a point where mission accomplishment may be at risk. Table 3-4 shows the kilocalorie expenditure under various conditions. Energy cost increases with increase in body mass, load mass, and grade. During heavier movements, Soldiers should increase intake to accommodate the caloric needs of the activity.
3-33. Figure 3-5 describes the effect that flat and other common types of terrain have on energy cost. It is important to know exactly how different terrain will affect Soldiers mission performance and allow the leaders to plan for future engagements once the foot march has been conducted.
Note. Figure 3-5 shows volume oxygen max, which is the maximum rate of oxygen consumption measured during incremental exercise; that is, exercise of increasing intensity. The name is derived from three abbreviations: V for volume, O2 for oxygen, and max for maximum.
Optimization of Soldier Load
3-34. Excessive weights on the backs of fit Soldiers, coupled with harsh environments, reduce Soldiers’ performance. Despite the commander and subordinate leaders going to great lengths to minimize Soldier loads while still ensuring they can accomplish their assigned tasks; a Soldier’s combat load will generally exceed the upper limits of what the Soldier should carry in proportion to body weight. The following total loads (see table 3-5 on page 76)–the combination of fighting load and approach march load–should be adhered to as closely as possible for mission accomplishment and minimal energy expenditure:
- Average fighting load: 60 to 80 pounds (about 30 percent body weight is ideal).
- Average total approach march load: 80 to 100 pounds (about 45 percent body weight is ideal).
- Average total emergency approach march load: 100 to 125 pounds.
3-35. Major components of Soldier loads are body armor, weapons, ammunition, and water. Unlike an assault pack or rucksack, which can be dropped off in assault positions or upon contact during some tactical operations, body armor to some level of protection is generally always worn. Weight and bulk of body armor wears down the Soldier, exhausting, abrading, and overheating them. Commanders and subordinate leaders still attempt to reduce the weight of combat loads borne by Soldiers by cross-leveling loads within march units. Using alternate means of transporting nonessential equipment and offloading equipment not immediately needed reduces combat loads.
Next Page : Section 2 – Load Tailoring