Combat Load
Iraq and Afghanistan Deployment Checklist Recommendations
The Combat load of the individual Marine and sailor today should be a significant concern for every leader at every level of the chain of command. This is particularly true for the infantry and/or any unit that is on foot, or has the chance to be on foot.
S.L.A. Marshall addressed the problem over 60 years ago in The Soldier's Load and the Mobility of a Nation and it is even more of a concern today.
The weight of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is staggering today compared to what Marines carried in WWII,Korea or even Vietnam. Technology has allowed us to add great capabilities, but it has been added at the expense of the individual Marine, Soldier and sailor who has to "Saddle-up" with it on his back. Speed and agility also offer a form of protection (read security) that is often lost because Marines can't move fast or for long durations due to the significant loads they carry.
Junior Leaders can't do much about the dictated PPE posture, but they can influence the prescribed load by careful mission planning and inspecting their Marines prior to every mission. Take only what is required for the mission and nothing else. Inspect your Marines to ensure they adhere to the gear list.
The U.S. Army Center for Army Lessons Learned has published a detailed report about dismounted operations in Afghanistan called "The Modern Warriors Combat Load" that is worth reading by Marine leaders.
Resources for Marines
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1992/EWL.htm
Modern Warriors Combat Load
The Soldier's Load and the Mobility of a Nation
Iraq and Afghanistan Deployment Checklist Recommendations
The Combat load of the individual Marine and sailor today should be a significant concern for every leader at every level of the chain of command. This is particularly true for the infantry and/or any unit that is on foot, or has the chance to be on foot.
S.L.A. Marshall addressed the problem over 60 years ago in The Soldier's Load and the Mobility of a Nation and it is even more of a concern today.
The weight of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is staggering today compared to what Marines carried in WWII,Korea or even Vietnam. Technology has allowed us to add great capabilities, but it has been added at the expense of the individual Marine, Soldier and sailor who has to "Saddle-up" with it on his back. Speed and agility also offer a form of protection (read security) that is often lost because Marines can't move fast or for long durations due to the significant loads they carry.
Junior Leaders can't do much about the dictated PPE posture, but they can influence the prescribed load by careful mission planning and inspecting their Marines prior to every mission. Take only what is required for the mission and nothing else. Inspect your Marines to ensure they adhere to the gear list.
The U.S. Army Center for Army Lessons Learned has published a detailed report about dismounted operations in Afghanistan called "The Modern Warriors Combat Load" that is worth reading by Marine leaders.
Resources for Marines
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1992/EWL.htm
Modern Warriors Combat Load
The Soldier's Load and the Mobility of a Nation
Iraq and Afghanistan Deployment Checklist Recommendations
Posted by Leading Marines.com at 5/23/2010 10:13 AM 
Categories: Tactical Leadership
Tags: small unit leadership combat leadership USMC Troop Leading Steps
Categories: Tactical Leadership
Tags: small unit leadership combat leadership USMC Troop Leading Steps
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