Weight of Combat Gear Is Taking Toll

[Kiwigrunt]

The perils of armour in days gone by.

link

[tequila]

Some additional data from Tom Ricks' blog:

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/files/f...flePlatoon.pdf

Rifle Platoon Basic Load OEF XII
1st PLT, Alpha Co., 2/504 PIR

Some bullet points:

Average Paratrooper bodyweight - 184.7 lbs

Average Paratrooper 72hr kit - 103.69 lbs

Paratroopers are carrying 55% of bodyweight

Nothing new, of course, but thought some might like the most up-to-date info.

The PDF breaks down the loadouts by billet in the platoon as well.

[gute]

What is a Thor? What about a Goldie?

[Tzeentch]

Thor - IED jamming system

Wolf Hound - radio direction finder

Goldie - IED parts detector (not familiar with this system)

Minehound - Ground penetrating radar system and metal detector

Gizmo - metal detector

[slapout9]

Have known this was out there for sometime but could not remember the exact title so it was very difficult to find. This is one the most complete Load Bearing Equipment studies about the modern Infantryman. They even tested what the proper width of shoulder straps should be, the detailed reference bibliography is a gold mine. Enjoy!



"A Survey Of The Effects Of Load Carrying And Equipment Design Upon Tasks Performed By The Combat Infantryman" from 1962
http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/294993.pdf

[Fuchs]

http://www.breachbangclear.com/site/...e-so-much.html

[carl]

In the January 28, 2013 edition of Aviation Week and Space Technology on page DT4 it states "It is not uncommon in Afghanistan to have a section/squad leader carrying 100 kg (220 lb.) including body armor, helmet and weapon." This statement refers to the British Army.

I hope the reporters made a mistake and are referring to 100 lbs, not 100 kg. If they are actually referring to 100 kg, western armies will never win another war. Never. The Brits can't be that far out of the mainstream and any military organization that would put that burden on a man has no clue at all what it is about.