The Soldier’s Load and the Mobility of a Nation

The Soldier’s Load and the Mobility of a Nation is one of those foundational works in a profession.

“This is a must read book for all Military”.This historical book presents a lucid case against overloading the infantryman which commanders and staff officers have repeatedly done throughout history. Continuing its mission to develop Marines, The Marine Corps Association and Foundation has made this enduring classic available to support our Corps.

Gear weights keep rising, when I was in the service in the 1990’s it was common for a soldier in full gear to weigh enough to set off an anti-tank mine.  weights with gear over 350 pounds were not uncommon.

It is no surprise that bad knees and backs plague our former soldiers as the re-enter society.

More than disability, overloading the soldier has crippling impacts on rediness and combat effectiveness.  In this Classic work, the author investigates The Soldier’s Load and how it impacts the Mobility of a Nation

Weight robs the fighter of both mobility and momentum and the technology that should be helping the American infantryman is crippling them.  Everything has a battery now.  Extra batteries are killer in the realm of dead weight.

This book is required reading for today’s military leaders, even with vehicles, infantry needs to be able to carry their own gear – equipment is changing as technology changes, but what can be humped on a soldiers back doesn’t change.  Line gear helps, but knowing what a soldier can carry is vital.