Combat load presentation[1]
- 1. 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 LTC Charles E. Dean Devil CAAT Team Leader Devil CAAT Team Leader CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED
- 2. 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 CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED
- 3. 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
- 4. 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 CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED
- 5. Soldier Loads in Combat Task Force Devil, CTF82 Devil CAAT Pre-Mission Experience Levels Name Qualifications EIB/CIB 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, Pathfinder EIB 2-87th IN, 6th RTB MPchtst, Ranger, Pathfinder CIBs (Just Cause, Desert Storm); EIB 2-508 PIR; 1-504 PIR; 2-504 PIR; 3-504 PIR, 5th RTB (MSG Sanchez deployed to Iraq on 14 Aug 03 with 173rd Abn) SFC(P) Donaldson MPchtst, AAslt, Ranger, Pathfinder CIB (Desert Storm) EIB LRSD 101st(Desert Storm), 1-327 IR, 2-75th Rangers, 6th RTB (2 tours) SFC Dougherty MPchtst, AAslt, Ranger, Pathfinder Desert Storm (Arty) EIB 2-320 FA, 4th RTB, 3-504 PIR, 1-327 IR, 2-502 IR (Kosovo), 6th RTB GS-13 DuPont MPchtst, Ranger CIB (Just Cause); EIB MSG Sanchez Light Infantry Experience 2-325 AIR; 3-75 Rangers LRSD 7th ID; ITB CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED
- 6. Soldier Loads in Combat Task Force Devil, CTF82 Devil CAAT Composition Team Leader LTC Dean Natick Soldier Center MAJ Glenn PEO Soldier CPT Covert MSG Sanchez SFC(P) Donaldson SFC Dougherty GS-13 DuPont th th th 6 RTB, USAIS 11 Inf Regt, USAIS 6 RTB, USAIS 6 RTB, USAIS Natick Soldier Center th Team size permitted the simultaneous fielding of 3 separate 2-man teams across a battalion task force during combat operations CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED
- 7. 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. CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED
- 8. 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. CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED
- 9. 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
- 10. Soldier Loads in Combat Pre-Mission Coordinations: – Sought missions that: • • • Task Force Devil, CTF82 Emphasized dismounted operations. Expected long durations to push logistics. Anticipated contact with enemy to push logistics. Data Collecting 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. CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED
- 11. 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, TF 2-504 PIR Mr. DuPont Operation Desert Ascent 23-25 Apr 03 C/2-505 PIR MAJ Glenn, SFC Dougherty Operation Vigilant Guardian II 3 May 03 HQ/TF 2-504 PIR LTC Dean 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 Team Village Operation 5 May 03 118th MPs, TF2-504 Mr. DuPont MAJ Eric Glenn Operation Crackdown Apr 2003, 2-505 PIR CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED
- 12. Soldier Loads in Combat Task Force Devil, CTF82 Soldiers Under Load CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED
- 13. Soldier Loads in Combat Task Force Devil, CTF82 Infantry Rifle Company Rifle Platoon 60mm Mortar Section Company Headquarters Section Rifle Platoon Rifle Platoon Platoon Headquarters Section Rifle Squad Rifle Squad Rifle Squad Mortar Squad Mortar Squad Battlefield Enablers 29 Different Positions Studied Within Rifle Companies Rifle Team Rifle Team CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED
- 14. Soldier Loads in Combat Duty Positions to be Studied Task Force Devil, CTF82 DUTY POSITION Rifleman M203 Grenadier Automatic Rifleman (SAW) Anti-Tank Specialist (Javelin) Team Leader Squad Leader M240B Machine Gunner M240B Assistant Machine Gunner M240B Ammunition Bearer Rifle Platoon Leader Rifle Platoon Sergeant Radio Telephone Operator (RTO) Combat Medic FIST Team Leader Forward Observer FIST Radio Telephone Operator Sapper (Engineer) Mortar Section Sergeant Mortar Squad Leader Mortar Gunner Mortar Assistant Gunner Mortar Ammunition Bearer Company Commander Company Executive Officer First Sergeant Other (Unit Request) DATA POINTS Required Data Points REQUIRED 0 - 9% 0 - 9% 0 - 9% 0 - 19% 0 - 9% 0 - 29% 0 - 29% 0 - 29% 0 - 29% 0 – 39% 0 – 39% 0 – 19% 0 – 39% 0 – 39% 0 – 29% 0 – 19% 10-19% 10-19% 10-19% 20-39% 10-19% 30-59% 30-59% 30-59% 30-59% 40 - 79% 40 - 79% 20 - 39% 40 - 79% 40 - 79% 30 - 59% 20 - 39% 20% 20% 20% 40% 20% 60% 60% 60% 60% 80% 80% 40% 80% 80% 60% 40% 0 – 39% 0 – 39% 0 – 39% 0 – 39% 0 – 39% 0 – 19% 0 – 39% 0 – 39% 0 – 39% 0 – 39% 40 - 79% 40 - 79% 40 - 79% 40 - 79% 40 - 79% 20 - 39% 40 - 79% 40 - 79% 40 - 79% 40 - 79% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 40% 80% 60% 80% 80% Percentages of Soldiers in Regiment CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED
- 15. Soldier Loads in Combat 6 Automatic Rifleman 6 18 54 162 2 6 6 Antitank Specialist 2 6 18 54 1 2 Rifle Team Leader 6 18 54 162 2 6 6 Rifle Squad Leader 3 9 27 81 1 3 3 Forw ard Observer 1 3 9 27 1 1 1 Forw ard Observer RTO 1 3 9 27 1 Weapons Squad Leader 1 3 9 27 1 1 M240B Gunner 2 6 18 54 1 2 2 M240B Asst Gunner 2 6 18 54 1 2 2 M240B Ammo Bearer 2 6 18 54 1 2 2 Rifle Platoon Sergeant 1 3 9 27 1 1 Rifle Platoon Leader 1 3 9 27 1 1 Platoon Medic 1 3 9 27 1 1 Radio/Telephone Operator 1 3 9 27 1 Mortar Section Leader 0 1 3 Mortar Squad Leader 0 1 60mm Mortar Gunner 0 60mm Mortar Assistant Gunner 2 10 9 2 16 4 54 32 33% 20% 21 5 6 16 11 73 32 45% 20% 21 12 6 18 12 85 32 52% 20% 5 1 2 15 22 28% 40% 2 20 12 6 18 12 84 32 52% 20% 1 12 6 3 10 6 3 3 5 56 49 69% 60% 4 2 1 3 2 2 2 2 21 16 78% 60% 1 2 1 1 1 1 12 11 44% 40% 2 4 3 DC10 3 6 DC09 6 2 DC08 2 162 DC07 162 54 DC07 54 18 DC06 18 6 Total Total %Regt Green % Collected Needed Collected of Regt Status DC05 DC02 6 M203 Grenadier PLT CO BN REGT DC04 DC01 Rifleman Position in Unit DC03 QRF1 Task Force Devil, CTF82 1 3 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 18 16 67% 60% 1 8 4 2 6 5 4 4 4 43 32 80% 60% 1 8 4 2 6 4 4 4 4 42 32 78% 60% 8 3 2 6 4 3 4 4 39 32 72% 60% 1 5 2 1 3 2 2 2 2 22 22 81% 80% 1 5 2 1 3 2 2 2 2 22 22 81% 80% 1 3 2 1 3 3 3 3 2 23 22 85% 80% 1 1 3 2 1 2 1 1 13 11 48% 40% 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 7 89% 80% 3 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 7 78% 80% 2 6 18 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 17 14 94% 80% 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 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 8 7 89% 80% Fire Support NCO 0 1 3 9 1 1 1 1 6 7 67% 80% Sapper Engineer 0 3 9 27 8 5 38 22 141% 80% Company Executive Officer 0 1 3 1 1 1 1 6 5 67% 60% Company First Sergeant 0 1 1 1 1 1 8 7 89% 80% Company RTO 0 1 1 7 7 39% 40% RifleCompany Commander 0 1 1 1 1 9 7 100% 80% Total 42 133 94 42 42 764 Javelins Not Being Carried in Afghanistan Due to TWS Availability and Lack of Enemy Armor 533 2 1 1 1 1 3 3 8 9 1 1 3 9 1 1 2 2 6 18 2 1 2 1 3 9 1 1 2 1 58 53 162 83 145 435 1305 3 19 11 1 8 38 29 CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED
- 16. Soldier Loads in Combat Task Force Devil, CTF82 FM 21-18 1990 Fighting Loads Should be Kept < 48 lbs FM 21-18 1990 Approach March Loads Should be Kept < 72 lbs Position in Unit Rifleman M203 Grenadier Automatic Rifleman Antitank Specialist Rifle Team Leader Rifle Squad Leader Forward Observer Forward Observer RTO Weapons Squad Leader M240B Gunner M240B Asst Gunner M240B Ammo Bearer Rifle Platoon Sergeant Rifle Platoon Leader Platoon Medic Radio/Telephone Operator Mortar Section Leader Mortar Squad Leader 60mm Mortar Gunner 60mm Mortar Assistant Gunner 60mm Mortar Ammo Bearer Rifle Company Commo Chief Fire Support Officer Fire Support NCO Sapper Engineer Company Executive Officer Company First Sergeant Company RTO RifleCompany Commander TOTAL AVERAGE Average Fighting Load 63.00 71.44 79.08 67.66 63.32 62.43 57.94 60.13 62.66 81.38 69.94 68.76 60.66 62.36 54.53 64.98 58.31 60.98 63.79 55.34 53.13 68.13 54.11 52.10 59.02 60.50 62.88 64.70 66.10 63.08 Average FL% Body Weight 35.90% 40.95% 44.74% 37.57% 35.61% 34.90% 33.00% 35.37% 34.02% 44.46% 38.21% 36.59% 31.53% 34.02% 31.08% 35.60% 30.59% 37.89% 38.06% 31.93% 30.14% 38.16% 27.32% 31.92% 33.05% 34.03% 33.69% 35.65% 37.08% 35.27% Average Approach March Load 95.67 104.88 110.75 99.04 93.78 94.98 91.40 87.07 99.58 113.36 120.96 117.06 89.96 93.04 91.72 98.38 109.99 127.24 108.76 122.16 101.13 109.69 93.08 90.08 95.70 93.65 90.42 98.09 96.41 101.31 Average AML % Body Weight 54.72% 60.25% 62.71% 55.02% 52.43% 52.59% 52.12% 51.42% 54.37% 62.21% 66.11% 62.19% 46.35% 50.33% 51.58% 54.08% 57.34% 78.26% 64.22% 70.28% 60.59% 61.67% 46.81% 55.22% 53.50% 52.81% 48.11% 54.27% 53.77% 56.74% Avg Emergency Approach March Load* 127.34 136.64 140.36 130.20 130.27 128.35 128.56 119.13 132.15 132.96 147.82 144.03 119.16 117.62 117.95 no data avail 149.30 142.30 143.20 no data avail no data avail no data avail no data avail 143.30 132.08 no data avail 126.00 130.00 111.20 131.74 Average EAML % Body Weight 71.41% 77.25% 79.56% 79.65% 80.65% 73.62% 76.59% 74.94% 69.19% 68.92% 80.08% 78.46% 62.67% 65.44% 69.88% no data avail 90.49% 96.80% 88.14% no data avail no data avail no data avail no data avail 98.83% 77.92% no data avail 86.30% 72.13% 70.83% 77.82% Brit Army Hygiene Advisory Committee 1920s Soldiers Should Carry <40-45 lbs “The Soldier’s Load and the Mobility of a Nation” 1950 Optimum Load is 40-41 lbs JRTC Soldier Load Study 1998 Approach March Loads Should be Kept < 30% Body Weight * Emergency Approach March Loads rarely carried during study, hence missing data. All data is averaged across same positions in the regiment CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED
- 17. M to R 20 if l em 3 m Gr e an An at n tit ic R adie an if r Ri k le fle Sp m a Ri Te e ci n fle am al is S Fo qu Le t Fo r w ad ad rw a L er W ar r d e a O d ea d po Ob bs e r ns s e e r v Sq r ve e r ua r R d T M M 2 Le O 24 40 ad M 0B B G e r 24 A u s Ri 0B A s t nne f le Gu r m Pl m nn Ri ato o B e r f le o n e a Pl Se r e r Ra at o o r ge di o/ a Pl n L nt Te at e a le o M or p ho o n d e r ta n M e r e M Se Op dic 60 or ct er m i t 60 ar S on at o m m M qu Le r m o a a 60 r ta M d de m r A o r Le r Ri m M s s tar ade fle G r o is Co r t a t a n un n rA t m Gu e r pa m ny m n n o e Fi Co Be r re m ar Su m er p o Fi po Ch r e r t ie Co S O f m Sa upp ffic pa p o er n Co y E p e r r t N m xe En CO pa cu g n y t iv in e Fi e O e r Ri rs f le t ff ic Co Co Se r e r m pa m ge pa an ny Co ny t R m m TO an de r Au Weight of Loads Soldier Loads in Combat Task Force Devil, CTF82 160.00 Most Loaded Soldiers SAW Gunner 140 lbs M240B AG 148 lbs M240B AB 144 lbs 60mm Mortars 143-148 lbs Fire Support NCO 143 lbs 140.00 120.00 100.00 80.00 60.00 40.00 20.00 Fighting Load (lbs) Approach March Load (lbs) 0.00 Emerg Approach March Load (lbs) CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED
- 18. M R Au 203 ifle to Gr m a m n e An ati na tit c R die r a if Ri nk le m fle Sp an e Ri Te a cia f le lis m t S L Fo qu e a Fo r w ad de rw ar Le r W ar d d O ad ea bs e r po Ob er ns s e v Sq r ve e r ua r R T d M M 2 Le O 24 40 ad M 0B A B G e r 24 un s Ri 0B A s t G ne f le u r m Pl m nn e at o o Ri B r fle on e a Pl Se r e r Ra r at oo ge di o/ n ant Te Pla L l t ea M e ph oo d e or on n M r ta e e r M Se Op dic or er ct 60 t a io a m 60 r S n L t or m qu e m M m o a ad 60 r ta M d L er o m r e m As r ta ad Ri r G er fle M o s is un Co r ta tan n m r A t G er un pa m ny m ne o Fi Co Be r re m a Su m r e r pp o C Fi r e or t hie Co Su Of f m f pa Sap ppo ice ny pe r t r Co r E NC E m xe pa cu ngi O ne n y t iv Fi e O e r Ri rs fle ffi tS c Co Co e r e r m pa m ge a pa n ny Co n y t R m m TO an de r Soldier Loads in Combat Task Force Devil, CTF82 120.00% Percentages of Soldier Body Weight 100.00% 80.00% 60.00% 40.00% 20.00% AVERAGES ACROSS TASK FORCE 0.00% Fighting Load: 30.80% Approach March Load: 52.56% Emergency Approach March Load: 73.09% Fighting Load % BW Approach March Load % BW Emerg Approach March Load % BW CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED
- 19. Soldier Loads in Combat Task Force Devil, CTF82 Worn on Body/Uniform: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • M4 Carbine with PEQ-2 Laser/PAQ-4 Laser, ACOG/CCO,and 30 rounds of 5.56mm ball ammunition. Desert Camouflage Uniform with Infrared Tape on left sleeve (1”x 1”). Desert Combat Boots. Dog Tags. ID Card. Undershirt. Socks. Tactical gloves. Interceptor Body Armor with two Small Arms Protective Inserts. Advanced Combat Helmet with night vision mounting plate. Rigger belt. Notebook and pen. Watch. Knee and elbow pads. Sun, Sand, and Dust type Goggles or Wiley-X Goggles. Folding Knife/Multi-tool. The Rifleman Worn on Fighting Load Carrier/ Interceptor Body Armor: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • MOLLE Fighting Load Carrier with modular MOLLE pouches. 180 rounds of 5.56mm ball ammunition. Bayonet. Fragmentation grenade. 64 ounces of water in two 1 quart canteens. Casualty and witness cards. 100 ounces of water in hydration system. Flex cuffs for personnel under custody. Night vision equipment (PVS-14/PVS-7). Iodine tablets. Lensatic compass. Flashlight. Chemlight. First Aid dressing and pouch. Canteen Cup. Ear plugs. The combination of these two lists makes up the Fighting Load (Avg=63 lbs) CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED
- 20. 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. Assault Rucksack + Fighting Load= Two Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs). Approach March Load (Avg=96 lbs) Poncho and/or Bivy Sack. 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). Main Rucksack + Fighting Load + Assault Rucksack (sometimes)= Emergency Approach March Load (Avg=127 lbs) • • • • • • • • Long Underwear or Polypropylene Jacket and Coveralls. Two Undershirts. Two pairs of socks. Cold Weather Gloves. Knit/Fleece Cap. Additional ammunition. Two Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs). Sleeping pad. CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED
- 21. Soldier Loads in Combat Task Force Devil, CTF82 Special Equipment: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The Rifleman 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). No one Soldier SMAW-D Bunker Buster Weapon. (C or D). carried all this Hooligan Tool. (C or D). equipment on Sledgehammer. (C or D). any one mission Entrenching Tool. (C or D). 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
- 22. 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
- 23. 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
- 24. 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
- 25. 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
- 26. 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
- 27. • Increased capabilities continue to increase physical burdens. Fit Soldiers are easily exhausted by Soldier Loads in Combat • Major Findings Task Force Devil, CTF82 • • • • • • 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 FOR ARMY CENTER doctrine and LESSONS LEARNED equipment changes. Needs
- 28. Soldier Loads in Combat Task Force Devil, CTF82 So How Do We Reduce Weight? ution to Re Relat ive to ducing W Size of Ar eight row) Rifleman During Today’s and Tomorrow’s 24hr Operations Re-d e Logi sign st Prac ical (Doc tices trine /Log istic 96 lbs Lead e s/Cb t De ve 56 lbs Unit Carried 0 lbs Three Com pone (Con nts trib 40 lbs Soldier Carried Soldier Carried Unit Carried Rifleman During Today’s 24hr Operations rship l Part ners And hip) willi ngne ss to take mea sure d ris ks o ht eig W he e t orn c du r W ies l Re ldie log eve So chno at D p) Te bt/M rshi (C rtne Pa f CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED
- 29. 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 onetask 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
- 30. 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
- 31. Brought to You by the Soldier Loads in Combat Devil CAAT! Task Force Devil, CTF82 SFC Mike Dougherty Mr. Fred DuPont Team Historian 6th RTB NSC LTC Charlie Dean Team Leader NSC CPT Rich Covert MSG Kurt Donaldson Operations Officer A/Team Sergeant 6th RTB 6th RTB MAJ Eric Glenn Executive Officer PEO Soldier MSG Henry Sanchez Team Sergeant 11th IN Regt Serving with 173d Abn in Iraq CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED
- 32. Soldier Loads in Combat Task Force Devil, CTF82 Questions? POC Information: LTC Charles E. Dean charles.dean@natick.army.mil 617-253-5333 Mr. Fred DuPont fred.dupont@benning.army.mil 706-545-4796 CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED