Soldier Loads in Combat

Task Force Devil, CTF82

The
Modern Warrior’s
Combat Load

First U.S.battlefield
load study since
USMC Makin Island Raid
Aug 17, 1942.
First known U.S. Army battlefield
load study in history.

Dismounted Combat Operations in Afghanistan

LTC Charles E. Dean

Devil CAAT Team Leader
CENTER FOR ARMY
LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS
All photographs in this presentation were taken by members of the CALL LEARNED
Combat Arms Assessment Team
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82
“On the field of battle man is not only a thinking animal, he is a beast of burden. He is
given great weights to carry. But unlike the mule, the jeep, or any other carrier, his
chief function in war does not begin until the time he delivers that burden to the
appointed ground…In fact we have always done better by a mule than by a man. We
were careful not to load the mule with more than a third of his weight.”

The Soldier’s Load and the Mobility of a Nation

1950
Colonel S.L.A. Marshall

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LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

Devil CAAT Mission

Conduct a battlefield study of the
modern Soldier’s combat load in order
drive Army reductions over this decade
to equipment weight and bulk while
enhancing Soldier capabilities. Directly
support development of the Objective
Force Warrior and the Soldier as a
System .

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82
Volunteers Sought, Nov-Dec 2002

*Infantrymen
*Light Infantry experienced
*Airborne and Ranger qualified
*Top physical condition
*Willing to carry equivalent
loads as Soldiers and face
same dangers
*Willing to collect data in combat
*Willing to fight when required
*Willing to take orders from any
small unit leader
*Good listeners and learners
*Parent unit approval for combat
participation

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LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82
Devil CAAT Pre-Mission Experience Levels
Name Qualifications EIB/CIB Light Infantry Experience
LTC Dean MPchtst, AAslt, Ranger EIB 3-504 PIR; E/504; 2-508 PIR,
1-503rd (101st), HQ 504th PIR
MAJ Glenn MPchtst, Ranger EIB 1-501st PIR
CPT Covert Pchtst, AAslt, Ranger, EIB 2-87th IN, 6th RTB
Pathfinder
MSG Sanchez MPchtst, Ranger, Pathfinder CIBs (Just Cause, 2-508 PIR; 1-504 PIR; 2-504 PIR;
Desert Storm); 3-504 PIR, 5th RTB
EIB (MSG Sanchez deployed to Iraq
on 14 Aug 03 with 173rd Abn)
SFC(P) Donaldson MPchtst, AAslt, Ranger, CIB (Desert Storm) LRSD 101st(Desert Storm), 1-327
Pathfinder EIB IR, 2-75th Rangers, 6th RTB (2
tours)
SFC Dougherty MPchtst, AAslt, Ranger, Desert Storm (Arty) 2-320 FA, 4th RTB, 3-504 PIR,
Pathfinder EIB 1-327 IR, 2-502 IR (Kosovo), 6th
RTB
GS-13 DuPont MPchtst, Ranger CIB (Just Cause); 2-325 AIR; 3-75 Rangers
EIB LRSD 7th ID; ITB

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LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

Devil CAAT Composition

Team Leader
LTC Dean
Natick Soldier Center

MAJ Glenn CPT Covert MSG Sanchez SFC(P) Donaldson SFC Dougherty GS-13 DuPont
PEO Soldier 6th th th th
RTB, USAIS 11 Inf Regt, USAIS 6 RTB, USAIS 6 RTB, USAIS Natick Soldier Center

Team size permitted the simultaneous fielding of 3 separate 2-man teams

across a battalion task force during combat operations

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LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82
Devil CAAT Collection Areas
•Combat Load Data.

•Biomechanics data for NSC.

•UGR-A data for NSC.

•Rapid Fielding Initiative Data for PM Clothing and Individual Equipment (all your
new gear).

•Spider Boot data for PM Clothing and Individual Equipment.

•Weapon and ammunition data for ARDEC.

•MOLLE frame data for PM Clothing and Individual Equipment.

•Ranger Training Brigade data from recent graduates.

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LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82
Combat Load Definitions
Combat Load: The minimum mission-essential equipment, as determined by the commander responsible for
carrying out the mission, required for Soldiers to fight and survive immediate combat operations. The combat
load is the essential load carried by Soldiers in forward subunits or the load that accompanies Soldiers other than
fighting loads. (FM 21-18)

Fighting Load: The fighting load includes bayonet, weapon, clothing, helmet, and LBE, and a reduced amount of
ammunition. Keep under 48 pounds when cross-loading small unit equipment. (FM 21-18)

Approach March Load: The approach march load includes clothing, weapon, basic load of ammunition, LBE, small
assault pack, or lightly loaded rucksack or poncho roll. A limit of 72 pounds should be enforced. (FM 21-18)

Emergency Approach March Loads: Circumstances could require Soldiers to carry loads heavier than 72 pounds
such as approach marches through terrain impassable to vehicles or where ground/air transportation resources
are not available. Therefore, larger rucksacks must be carried. These emergency approach march loads can be
carried easily by well-conditioned Soldiers. When the mission demands that Soldiers be employed as porters,
loads of up to 120 pounds can be carried for several days over distances of 20 km a day. Although loads of up to
150 pounds are feasible, the Soldier could become fatigued or even injured. If possible, contact with the enemy
should be avoided since march speeds will be slow. (FM 21-18)

Combat Load definitions are based on United States Army Field Manual 21-18, FOOT MARCHES, 1 June 1990.

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LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

What We Were …What We Weren’t

The Devil CAAT was:

•There to collect history for the Army that can be used to improve Soldier equipment and capabilities.
•There as fully functional members of TF Devil, ready to help in any way.
•Prepared to participate in operations at all levels and perform the combat duties thus assigned.
•Prepared to take orders and directions from our assigned leaders, regardless of level.
•Prepared to shoulder the load.
•Trained and ready to fight as Infantrymen.

The Devil CAAT was not:

•There to critique, judge, or otherwise discredit the small unit, the Task Force, CTF82, or CJTF180.
•There to tell TF Devil units what should be carried and what should not be carried during operations.
•There to interfere with TF operations.
•Expecting any special treatment.

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82
Pre-Mission Coordinations:
– Sought missions that: Data Collecting
• Emphasized dismounted operations.
• Expected long durations to push logistics.
• Anticipated contact with enemy to push logistics.
Prep for Combat Collection:
– Weighed and Photographed combat loads.
• Base Soldier weight.
• Fighting Load weight.
• Approach March Load weight.
• Emergency Approach March Load weight (Rare).
– Provided weight data to units.
– Placed on special teams by units.
– Rehearsed with units.
– Packed identical gear as units.
During-Mission Collection:
– Went in on assaults at H-hour.
– Executed all tactical tasks with squad/platoon.
– Studied how the Soldiers performed with their loads.
– Studied problems with load carriage.
– Kept photographic log of missions.
Post-Mission Reviews:
– Attended AARs.
– Discussed with units their lessons learned relating to loads.
– Shared photos with units.

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LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82
Operational Data Collection Events
Operation Name Dates Maneuver Unit Devil CAAT Participants
AO Truman Checkpoint 4 Apr 03 118th MPs MAJ Glenn, SFC Dougherty
Operation Resolute Strike 8-9 Apr 03 C/3-504 PIR LTC Dean, SFC Donaldson
Operation Resolute Strike 8-9 Apr 03 C/2-504 PIR CPT Covert, MSG Sanchez
Firebase Orgun-E 8-10 Apr 03 D/3-504 PIR MAJ Glenn, SFC Dougherty
Operation Crackdown 16-17 Apr 03 A/2-504 PIR MAJ Glenn, SFC Dougherty

Operation Vigilant Guardian I 16 Apr 03 HQ/TF 2-504 PIR LTC Dean

Operation Vigilant Guardian I 22-26 Apr 03 B/2-504 PIR LTC Dean
Operation Vigilant Guardian I 22-26 Apr 03 C/2-504 PIR CPT Covert, SFC Donaldson
Operation Vigilant Guardian I 22-26 Apr 03 D/1-504 PIR MSG Sanchez
Operation Vigilant Guardian I 22-26 Apr 03 Combat Trains, Mr. DuPont
TF 2-504 PIR
Operation Desert Ascent 23-25 Apr 03 C/2-505 PIR MAJ Glenn, SFC Dougherty
MAJ Eric Glenn
Operation Vigilant Guardian II 3 May 03 HQ/TF 2-504 PIR LTC Dean Operation Crackdown
Apr 2003, 2-505 PIR
Operation Vigilant Guardian II 3-4 May 03 C/2-504 PIR CPT Covert, SFC Donaldson
Operation Vigilant Guardian II 1-4 May 03 D/1-504 PIR SFC Dougherty
Operation Vigilant Guardian II 5 May 03 118th MPs, TF2-504 Mr. DuPont
Team Village Operation

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

Karshi-Khanabad Dushanbe
UZB TJK
BADAKHSHAN

TKM Shebergan
BALKH KONDUZ

JOWZJAN
Mazar-e KonduzTAKHAR Taloqan

De
Mashad Sharif

ser
tA
Meymaneh

sce
SAMANGAN
SAR-E POL Baghlan

nt
FARYAB BAGHLAN NURISTAN
KONAR
BADGHIS KEPISA

Cr
BAMIAN PARVAN
Chagcharan Kabul

Or
Bamian

ack
LAGHMAN
Herat

gu
KABUL
Jalalabad

d
ow

nE
Peshawar

n
VARDAK
LOWGAR NANGARHAR
HERAT GHOWR
Re

Gardez Islamabad
sol

ORUZGAN PAKTIA
ute

Shindand
Str

GHAZNI
Orgun Khowst
i ke

Lwara
Vi
gil
an

Tarin Kowt
tG
Vi

FARAH
gil

PAKTIKA
ua

ZABOL Miram Shah

an

PAK
rd
tG

ian

Farah Deh Rawod Qalat Wana

ua

I
rd
ian

Qandahar
I I

Zaranj Lashkar Gah Spin Buldak Zhob

Zabol HELMAND QANDAHAR Chaman Lahore
NIMRUZ
Base of Devil CAAT Operations
IRN
Quetta
Zahedan
Dalbandin

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LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

Soldiers Under Load

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

Infantry
Rifle
Company

Rifle Platoon 60mm Mortar Section Company

Headquarters Section
Rifle Platoon

Rifle Platoon Mortar Battlefield Enablers

Squad
Mortar
Squad

Rifle Squad Platoon

Headquarters
Rifle Squad Section
Rifle Squad 29 Different Positions Studied
Within Rifle Companies
Rifle Team
Rifle Team
CENTER FOR ARMY
LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82
DUTY POSITION
Required DATA
REQUIRED
Data Points
POINTS

Rifleman 0 - 9% 10-19% 20%

M203 Grenadier 0 - 9% 10-19% 20%
Automatic Rifleman (SAW) 0 - 9% 10-19% 20%
Duty Positions to be Studied

Anti-Tank Specialist (Javelin) 0 - 19% 20-39% 40%

Team Leader 0 - 9% 10-19% 20%
Squad Leader 0 - 29% 30-59% 60%
M240B Machine Gunner 0 - 29% 30-59% 60%
M240B Assistant Machine Gunner 0 - 29% 30-59% 60%
M240B Ammunition Bearer 0 - 29% 30-59% 60%
Rifle Platoon Leader 0 – 39% 40 - 79% 80%
Percentages
Rifle Platoon Sergeant 0 – 39% 40 - 79% 80%
of Soldiers in
Radio Telephone Operator (RTO) 0 – 19% 20 - 39% 40% Regiment
Combat Medic 0 – 39% 40 - 79% 80%
FIST Team Leader 0 – 39% 40 - 79% 80%
Forward Observer 0 – 29% 30 - 59% 60%
FIST Radio Telephone Operator 0 – 19% 20 - 39% 40%

Sapper (Engineer) 0 – 39% 40 - 79% 80%

Mortar Section Sergeant 0 – 39% 40 - 79% 80%
Mortar Squad Leader 0 – 39% 40 - 79% 80%
Mortar Gunner 0 – 39% 40 - 79% 80%
Mortar Assistant Gunner 0 – 39% 40 - 79% 80%
Mortar Ammunition Bearer 0 – 19% 20 - 39% 40%
Company Commander 0 – 39% 40 - 79% 80%
Company Executive Officer 0 – 39% 40 - 79% 60%
First Sergeant 0 – 39% 40 - 79% 80%
Other (Unit Request) 0 – 39% 40 - 79% 80%

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

QRF1

DC01

DC02

DC03

DC04

DC05

DC06

DC07

DC07

DC08

DC09

DC10
Total Total %Regt Green %
Position in Unit PLT CO BN REGT Collected Needed Collected of Regt Status
Rifleman 6 18 54 162 2 6 3 2 10 9 2 16 4 54 32 33% 20%
M203 Grenadier 6 18 54 162 2 6 6 21 5 6 16 11 73 32 45% 20%
Automatic Rifleman 6 18 54 162 2 6 6 2 21 12 6 18 12 85 32 52% 20%
Antitank Specialist 2 6 18 54 1 2 5 1 2 3 1 15 22 28% 40%
Rifle Team Leader 6 18 54 162 2 6 6 2 20 12 6 18 12 84 32 52% 20%
Rifle Squad Leader 3 9 27 81 1 3 3 1 12 6 3 10 6 3 3 5 56 49 69% 60%
Forw ard Observer 1 3 9 27 1 1 1 4 2 1 3 2 2 2 2 21 16 78% 60%
Forw ard Observer RTO 1 3 9 27 1 4 1 2 1 1 1 1 12 11 44% 40%
Weapons Squad Leader 1 3 9 27 1 1 3 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 18 16 67% 60% Javelins Not
Being Carried
M240B Gunner 2 6 18 54 1 2 2 1 8 4 2 6 5 4 4 4 43 32 80% 60%
in Afghanistan
M240B Asst Gunner 2 6 18 54 1 2 2 1 8 4 2 6 4 4 4 4 42 32 78% 60% Due to TWS
M240B Ammo Bearer 2 6 18 54 1 2 2 8 3 2 6 4 3 4 4 39 32 72% 60% Availability
Rifle Platoon Sergeant 1 3 9 27 1 1 1 5 2 1 3 2 2 2 2 22 22 81% 80% and Lack of
Rifle Platoon Leader 1 3 9 27 1 1 1 5 2 1 3 2 2 2 2 22 22 81% 80% Enemy Armor
Platoon Medic 1 3 9 27 1 1 1 3 2 1 3 3 3 3 2 23 22 85% 80%
Radio/Telephone Operator 1 3 9 27 1 1 1 3 2 1 2 1 1 13 11 48% 40%
Mortar Section Leader 0 1 3 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 7 89% 80%
Mortar Squad Leader 0 1 3 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 7 78% 80%
60mm Mortar Gunner 0 2 6 18 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 17 14 94% 80%
60mm Mortar Assistant Gunner 0 2 6 18 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 15 14 83% 80%
60mm Mortar Ammo Bearer 0 2 6 18 2 2 1 2 2 9 7 50% 40%
Rifle Company Commo Chief 0 1 3 9 1 1 1 1 4 4 44% 40%
Fire Support Officer 0 1 3 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 7 89% 80%
Fire Support NCO 0 1 3 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 7 67% 80%
Sapper Engineer 0 3 9 27 3 3 3 8 8 8 5 38 22 141% 80%
Company Executive Officer 0 1 3 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 5 67% 60%
Company First Sergeant 0 1 3 9 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 8 7 89% 80%
Company RTO 0 2 6 18 2 1 2 1 1 7 7 39% 40%
RifleCompany Commander 0 1 3 9 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 9 7 100% 80%
Total 42 145 435 1305 19 58 53 11 162 83 38 133 94 42 42 29 764 533

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82 Brit Army
Average Average Average Avg Emergency Average Hygiene
Fighting Average FL% Approach AML % Approach EAML % Advisory
Position in Unit Load Body Weight March Load Body Weight March Load* Body Weight Committee
FM 21-18 Rifleman 63.00 35.90% 95.67 54.72% 127.34 71.41% 1920s
1990 M203 Grenadier 71.44 40.95% 104.88 60.25% 136.64 77.25%
Automatic Rifleman 79.08 44.74% 110.75 62.71% 140.36 79.56% Soldiers
Antitank Specialist 67.66 37.57% 99.04 55.02% 130.20 79.65% Should
Fighting Carry
Loads Rifle Team Leader 63.32 35.61% 93.78 52.43% 130.27 80.65%
<40-45 lbs
Should be Rifle Squad Leader 62.43 34.90% 94.98 52.59% 128.35 73.62%
Forward Observer 57.94 33.00% 91.40 52.12% 128.56 76.59%
Kept < 48
Forward Observer RTO 60.13 35.37% 87.07 51.42% 119.13 74.94%
lbs “The
Weapons Squad Leader 62.66 34.02% 99.58 54.37% 132.15 69.19% Soldier’s
M240B Gunner 81.38 44.46% 113.36 62.21% 132.96 68.92% Load and
M240B Asst Gunner 69.94 38.21% 120.96 66.11% 147.82 80.08% the Mobility
M240B Ammo Bearer 68.76 36.59% 117.06 62.19% 144.03 78.46% of a Nation”
Rifle Platoon Sergeant 60.66 31.53% 89.96 46.35% 119.16 62.67% 1950
Rifle Platoon Leader 62.36 34.02% 93.04 50.33% 117.62 65.44%
FM 21-18 Platoon Medic 54.53 31.08% 91.72 51.58% 117.95 69.88% Optimum
Radio/Telephone Operator 64.98 35.60% 98.38 54.08% no data avail no data avail Load is
1990
Mortar Section Leader 58.31 30.59% 109.99 57.34% 149.30 90.49% 40-41 lbs
Mortar Squad Leader 60.98 37.89% 127.24 78.26% 142.30 96.80%
Approach
60mm Mortar Gunner 63.79 38.06% 108.76 64.22% 143.20 88.14%
March JRTC
60mm Mortar Assistant Gunner 55.34 31.93% 122.16 70.28% no data avail no data avail
Loads Soldier Load
60mm Mortar Ammo Bearer 53.13 30.14% 101.13 60.59% no data avail no data avail
Should be Study
Rifle Company Commo Chief 68.13 38.16% 109.69 61.67% no data avail no data avail 1998
Kept < 72 Fire Support Officer 54.11 27.32% 93.08 46.81% no data avail no data avail
lbs Fire Support NCO 52.10 31.92% 90.08 55.22% 143.30 98.83% Approach
Sapper Engineer 59.02 33.05% 95.70 53.50% 132.08 77.92% March
Company Executive Officer 60.50 34.03% 93.65 52.81% no data avail no data avail Loads
Company First Sergeant 62.88 33.69% 90.42 48.11% 126.00 86.30% Should be
Company RTO 64.70 35.65% 98.09 54.27% 130.00 72.13% Kept < 30%
RifleCompany Commander 66.10 37.08% 96.41 53.77% 111.20 70.83% Body Weight
TOTAL AVERAGE 63.08 35.27% 101.31 56.74% 131.74 77.82%
* Emergency Approach March Loads rarely carried during study, hence missing data.

All data is averaged across same positions in CENTER FOR ARMY

the regiment LESSONS LEARNED
 Weight of Loads

M R
A 20 ifl
e

0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00
120.00
140.00
160.00
ut 3
om Gr m a
e n
An at n
tit ic R adi
a i er
Ri nk fle m
fle Sp a
Ri Te e ci n
fle am al
is
Sq
F Le t
Fo or ua ad
rw w a d L er
W ar r d e
ea d Ob ade
O r
140 lbs

po b s
ns s e e r v
SAW Gunner

Sq r ve e r
ua r R
d TO
M M2 L
24 40 e ad
M 0B B G e r
24 A
s s un
Ri 0B n
fle Am t G e r
u
148 lbs

Pl m nn
a
M240B AG

Ri to o B e r
fle on ea
Pl S re
Ra at e r g r
di oo ea
o/
Te Pl n L nt
l a e
M e p too ad
or h n e
ta on M r
rS e ed
M O
144 lbs

60 or e ct pe ic
M240B AB

m ta io r
m 60 r n ato
M m Squ Le r
o m a ad
60 r ta M d e
m r A or Le r
m s ta ad
Ri
fle M o s is r G e r
Co r ta tan un
m r A t G ne r
pa m u
ny m nn
C o er
Fi
r e om Be a
Su m r er
p o
Fi po Ch
Co re rt ie
Task Force Devil, CTF82

m S
Su Of f
p f i
143-148 lbs

pa ap p ce
n o r
60mm Mortars

Co y E pe r r t N
m xe En CO
Most Loaded Soldiers

pa cu g
ny tiv ine
Ri Fi e O e r
f le rs
Co t S ffic
m C er er
pa o m ge
ny pa an
Co ny t
m RT
O
Soldier Loads in Combat

m
143 lbs

an
de
r
Fire Support NCO

Fighting Load (lbs)

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
Approach March Load (lbs)
Emerg Approach March Load (lbs)
 R M
20 ifl
e

0.00%
20.00%
40.00%
60.00%
80.00%
100.00%
120.00%
3
Au
to
Gr m a
m en n
An ati a
tit c R die
an if l r
Ri k e
f le Sp m a
ec n
Ri Te
fle am iali
s
S Le t
Fo
Fo qu
r a a d
rw w a d L e r
a rd ea
W
e a r d O Ob de
po b se r
ns s e rv
Sq ve e rr
ua r RT
d
M M 2 Le O
24 40 ad
M 0B B G e r
24 As u
Ri 0B s t nn
fle Am Gu e r
Pl m nn
a o e
Ri too Be r
fle n a
Pl Se r e r
Ra at rg
di oo ea
o/ n n
Te Pl
le a to
Le t
ad
M ph o
or n er
t a one M e
M
rS O d i
60 or e ct pe r c
m ta io at
m 60 r S n L or
M m m qu ea
o a d
60 r ta M d L er
m r A or ea
m s ta
Ri r G de r
fle M o s is
r t a un
Co t a n n
m r A t G er
pa m un
ny m ne
Fi Co o B r
re m e ar
Su m er
p o
Fi po Ch
re rt ie
Co Su Of f
m S p f ic
e
Task Force Devil, CTF82

pa ap po
n p rt r
Co y E e r NC
m xe E
pa cu ngi O
ny tiv ne
Ri Fi e O e r
fle rs
Co t S ffic
m C er er
pa om ge a
ny p a n
Co ny t
m RT
m O
an
Soldier Loads in Combat
Percentages of Soldier Body Weight

de
r
% BW
Fighting Load % BW
Fighting Load: 30.80%

Approach March Load % BW

Emerg Approach March Load

Approach March Load: 52.56%

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
Emergency Approach March Load: 73.09%
AVERAGES ACROSS TASK FORCE
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82
Worn on Body/Uniform: Worn on Fighting Load Carrier/
The Rifleman Interceptor Body Armor:
• M4 Carbine with PEQ-2 Laser/PAQ-4 Laser,
ACOG/CCO,and 30 rounds of 5.56mm • MOLLE Fighting Load Carrier with modular
ball ammunition. MOLLE pouches.
• Desert Camouflage Uniform with • 180 rounds of 5.56mm ball ammunition.
Infrared Tape on left sleeve (1”x 1”). • Bayonet.
• Desert Combat Boots. • Fragmentation grenade.
• Dog Tags. • 64 ounces of water in two 1 quart canteens.
• ID Card. • Casualty and witness cards.
• Undershirt. • 100 ounces of water in hydration system.
• Socks. • Flex cuffs for personnel under custody.
• Tactical gloves. • Night vision equipment (PVS-14/PVS-7).
• Interceptor Body Armor with two • Iodine tablets.
Small Arms Protective Inserts. • Lensatic compass.
• Advanced Combat Helmet with • Flashlight.
night vision mounting plate. • Chemlight.
• Rigger belt. • First Aid dressing and pouch.
• Notebook and pen. • Canteen Cup.
• Watch. • Ear plugs.
• Knee and elbow pads.
• Sun, Sand, and Dust type Goggles or The combination of these
Wiley-X Goggles. two lists makes up the
• Folding Knife/Multi-tool. Fighting Load (Avg=63 lbs)

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LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

Carried in Assault Rucksack:

The Rifleman
• MOLLE Assault Rucksack or commercial assault rucksack, with MOLLE attachments.
• 500ml intravenous fluids bag with starter kit.
• 70 ounces of water in hydration system.
• Two Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs). Assault Rucksack + Fighting Load=
• Poncho and/or Bivy Sack. Approach March Load (Avg=96 lbs)
• Poncho liner.
• Undershirt.
• Spare batteries.
• Two pair of socks.
• Polypropylene or silk long sleeve undershirt. Carried in Main Rucksack: (Main rucksacks were rarely taken
• M4/M16 Rifle Cleaning Kit. on operations during study)
• Personal hygiene kit.
• Rubber gloves. • MOLLE main rucksack with Sleeping Bag Carrier or Large ALICE rucksa
• Sling rope with two snap links. • Improved Sleeping Bag (usually Green bag carried one per two men).
• Long Underwear or Polypropylene Jacket and Coveralls.
• Two Undershirts.
• Two pairs of socks.
Main Rucksack + Fighting Load + • Cold Weather Gloves.
Assault Rucksack (sometimes)= • Knit/Fleece Cap.
Emergency Approach March Load • Additional ammunition.
(Avg=127 lbs) • Two Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs).
• Sleeping pad.

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LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

The Rifleman
Special Equipment:
• Lock pick (B).
• Collapsible Riot Baton (B).
• Bolt cutters (C or D).
• Metal detecting wand (C or D).
• 60mm mortar round (C or D).
• Combat Lifesaver Kit (C).
• Personnel Under Custody (PUC) Kit (sand bags, flex cuffs,
trash bags, PUC cards, rubber gloves) (C).
• AT4 Anti-armor Weapon. (C or D).
• SMAW-D Bunker Buster Weapon. (C or D). No one Soldier
• Hooligan Tool. (C or D). carried all this
• Sledgehammer. (C or D). equipment on
• Entrenching Tool. (C or D). any one mission
• M18 Claymore Mine. (C or D).
• Pole-less Litter. (C or D).
• 200 rounds of 5.56mm linked ammunition for M249 SAW. (C or D).

Special Equipment can be carried on the Fighting Load

Carrier/IBA (B), in or attached to the Assault Rucksack (C) , or in
or attached to the Main Rucksack (D)

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

M203 Grenadier

Rifleman Equipment Plus:

•M203 Grenade Launcher

•26 40mm Grenades

Fighting Load Avg: 71 lbs

Approach March Load Avg: 105 lbs
Emergency Approach March Load Avg: 137 lbs

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

M249 SAW Gunner

•M249 Squad Auto Weapon

•100 rds 5.56mm linked (FL)
•700 rds 5.56mm linked (AML)
•M249 Spare Barrel (AML)
•M249 Cleaning Kit

Fighting Load Avg: 79 lbs

Approach March Load Avg: 111 lbs
Emergency Approach March Load Avg: 140 lbs

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

M240B Machine Gunner

•M240B Machine Gun

•M9 Pistol w/45 x 9mm rounds
•100 rds 7.62mm linked (FL)
•200 rds 7.62mm linked (AML)
•M249 Spare Barrel (AML)
•M240B Cleaning Kit

Fighting Load Avg: 81 lbs

Approach March Load Avg: 113 lbs
Emergency Approach March Load Avg: 133 lbs

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

M240B Assistant Machine Gunner

Rifleman Equipment Plus:

•400 rds 7.62mm linked (AML)

•M240B Tripod
•T&E Mechanism

Fighting Load Avg: 70 lbs

Approach March Load Avg: 121 lbs
Emergency Approach March Load Avg: 148 lbs

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

Combat Engineer Sapper

Rifleman Equipment Plus:

•Internal Communications Radio (FL)

•4 x 1.25lb blocks C4 (AML)
•50’ Detonation Cord (AML)
•30’ Engineer Tape (AML)
•3 x Time Initiating Systems (AML)
•Mine Probe (1/team)
•Mine Detector (1/team)
•Grapnel Hook (1/team)
•GPS (1/team)

Fighting Load Avg: 59 lbs

Approach March Load Avg: 96 lbs
Emergency Approach March Load Avg: 132 lbs

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82
Major Findings
• Increased capabilities continue to
increase physical burdens.
• Fit Soldiers are easily exhausted by
their modern loads while operating in extreme
environments.
• Body armor needs to continue to be lightened
and made much more flexible.
• More emphasis and study needed on modern
load carriage.
• Unit transportation assets need to carry the bulk
of the Soldier’s load.
• Units need more small unit ground vehicles.
• Small unit robot development needs to be
accelerated.
• Army level effort needs to go into reducing
the Combat Load through doctrine and
equipment changes. Needs unified action.
CENTER FOR ARMY
LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82
So How Do We Reduce Weight?
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CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82
Reduce the Weight of Soldier Worn Technologies
• Recognize that all Soldiers have different jobs and carry different loads.
• Recognize that the need for most gear will not go away. Soldiers have
basic needs that will remain over time.
• Make all attempts to create lightweight Soldier carried gear.
• Look to lighten ALL the gear that Soldiers carry, not just an item here or
there.
• Make attempts to develop multi-functional gear to replace current one-
task items.
• Follow industry and buy off the shelf, state-of-the art gear to replace
Army clunkers (GPS as example). Throw it away when it dies.
• Reinvent many staple items to shed weight (machine gun tripods,
ammunition (all types), batteries, body armor, and more).
• Re-design or purchase commercial load carriage systems that support all
job specialties (example = Radio Telephone Operator – no load carriage
system that meets his needs).

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

And Take the Weight OFF the Soldier’s Back!

• Re-think the logistical practices that the Army has been using since WWII
and consider novel ways to resupply the dismounted Soldier, to include
possible daytime LOGPACs and even multiple LOGPACs each day.
• Provide the platoon and squad with small unit logistics vehicles (SULVs)
that can follow closely behind the unit during combat operations. Place
most of the contents of the Soldier’s Assault Rucksack on these vehicles.
Place some of the Soldier’s basic load of ammunition on these vehicles as
well as specialty items (AT-4s, SMAW-Ds, etc.).
• Consider using available HMMWVs, Gators, and other vehicles currently
within Task Forces as surrogate SULVs.
• Develop robotic vehicles to replace manned SULVs.

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED
 Brought to You by the
Soldier Loads in Combat
Devil CAAT! Task Force Devil, CTF82

SFC
SFC Mike Dougherty Mr.
Mike Dougherty Mr. Fred
Fred DuPont
DuPont CPT
CPT Rich
Rich Covert
Covert MSG
MSG Kurt
Kurt Donaldson
Donaldson
6
6 RTB
th
th
RTB Team
Team Historian
Historian Operations Officer
Operations Officer A/Team
A/Team Sergeant
Sergeant
NSC
NSC 6 th RTB
th
6 RTB 6
6 RTB
th
th
RTB

LTC
LTC Charlie
Charlie Dean
Dean MAJ
MAJ Eric
Eric Glenn
Glenn
Team
Team Leader
Leader Executive
Executive Officer
Officer
NSC
NSC PEO
PEO Soldier
Soldier

MSG
MSG Henry
Henry Sanchez
Sanchez
Team
Team Sergeant
Sergeant
CENTER11 FOR
11 ARMY
th IN Regt
th
IN Regt
Serving
Serving with
LESSONS 173d
173d Abn
LEARNED
with Abn in
in Iraq
Iraq
 Soldier Loads in Combat
Task Force Devil, CTF82

Questions?

POC Information:

LTC Charles E. Dean Mr. Fred DuPont

[email protected] [email protected]
617-253-5333 706-545-4796

CENTER FOR ARMY

LESSONS LEARNED