How Much of His Own Weight in Equipment Can a Soldier Comfortably Carry During Deployment?

The Optimal Load: A Balance of Comfort and Combat Readiness

In the military, the maxim that a soldier should carry no more than 40% of their own body weight in combat gear is often taken as a rule of thumb. However, as is often the case with military operations, there may be occasional exceptions. But these exceptions are significant and should not be the norm.

A Closer Look at Combat-Ready Loadout

For efficient and effective combat deployment, a soldier should carry around 15-25% of their body weight. This is a more practical and realistic guideline for ensuring that a soldier can perform their duties without compromising their physical capabilities and overall effectiveness.

My Personal Experience: A Heavy Load in Action

From my own experience, the scenario of carrying a heavy load can be more than just mildly uncomfortable; it can be quite a challenge. However, for the sake of realism, let's delve into a specific example of the gear a soldier may need to carry and the weight it might add.

In one deployment, while carrying a fully equipped combat load, I found myself hauling more than I thought was possible. My gear included:

Helmet with electronic hearing protection Strobe plate carrier holding 1200 rounds of 5.56mm link One frag grenade One flash bang grenade Medic kit Gatorade bottle Various miscellaneous items like SI cards, map markers, Chen lights, etc. Hooligan tool A large extendable crow bar with a spike or a telescopic ladder (for specific mission needs) One spare M249 barrel in a bag

Additionally, on my pants, I carried:

SSE (Self-Sufficiency Equipment) kits EPW (Enemy Prisoner of War) kits Safety lanyard to clip into the helicopter

My weapon was a M249 saw with a 200-round drum, equipped with a large sight, IR laser, and a high-intensity flashlight.

Calculating the Weight of Extra Gear

Trying to calculate the precise weight of all this gear is difficult, but it certainly felt like I was carrying another person's weight. The combination of body armor, electronics, ammunition, and specialized equipment added a significant burden.

When confronted with mission-critical items beyond the standard loadout, the options are either to add them to your existing gear or find ways to reduce the weight of something already on your kit. This requires tactical decision-making and prioritization of what is most important for the specific mission at hand.

Another aspect to consider is the physical and mental toll of carrying such a substantial load. Over time, carrying excessive weight can lead to fatigue, diminished performance, and even increased risk of injury. Balancing all these factors is crucial for maintaining combat readiness and overall health during any deployment.

Conclusion

The primary goal of a soldier during deployment should be to balance the need for essential gear with the requirement for comfort and physical capability. While it is true that certain missions may necessitate carrying a heavier load, these should be the exception rather than the rule. The optimal load for combat readiness and effectiveness remains around 15-25% of a soldier's body weight, ensuring they are both prepared and capable of performing their duties efficiently.