Combat Load

History

Soldiers have long been expected to carry a heavy load, whether what they carry is dictated by their [Page 357]commanding officer or by their own desire to be prepared for extended combat. The historian S. L. A. Marshall observed that soldiers historically have been asked to carry too much and are often overburdened by their load. Combat loads traditionally include everything from extra socks, a ready-to-eat meal, and a blanket, to a gas mask, weaponry, and ammunition. At the same time, soldiers, especially inexperienced ones, often carried an extra unauthorized weapon, as well as extra ammunition for a sense of security. Others carry Bibles, books, or sentimental objects from home that further increase their burden.

Once deployed in battle, soldiers often quickly discarded items from their rucksack to lighten their load. In World War I, soldiers were known to bury their discarded items and carry only their guns, clothes, and an overcoat. Many World War II soldiers who landed in France for the Normandy Invasion struggled to get ashore and risked drowning because of the weight of their packs. On the march, G.I.'s quickly learned to lighten their load by discarding unneeded items; gas masks were among the first items discarded. Loads continued to weigh down soldiers in Korea and in Vietnam, particularly in the latter conflict as troops had the added burden of marching in the damp, musty jungle.

The Contemporary Period

Surprisingly, in the 21st century, loads continue to grow in both size and weight, despite advances in technology and the availability of lighter materials. In fact, because of advances in technology and the advent of smaller and more compact supplies, as well as ergonomically designed packs, soldiers are able to carry more items into battle.

Combat load in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq refers to the minimum mission-essential equipment a soldier must carry to execute a mission. It includes items a soldier needs to fight and survive. Combat loads fall into three distinct categories— fighting load, approach march load, and emergency load—and are determined by a unit’s commanding officer. Fighting load includes weaponry, clothing, load-bearing equipment, and minimal ammunition. The load should be as light as possible to enhance a soldier’s ability to move stealthily; the load is currently limited to 48 pounds.

Approach march load can weigh no more than 72 pounds and includes clothing, weaponry, assault pack, and enough equipment and munitions for fighting until resupply is available. These limits are often exceeded during an emergency approach. In this circumstance, soldiers must carry additional items if the approach is impassable to vehicles. A soldier can carry loads of 120 to 150 pounds, but such a burden is not feasible for more than a day or two and can often cause fatigue and injury.

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