CHAPTER 5
Soldier’s Load Management
and Training for
FOOT MARCHES
The ability of a soldier to march and fight is directly related to his load. The maximum individual load limit cannot be exceeded as an infantry soldier will not accomplish his mission. Soldiers fight light with only the equipment required for the immediate mission. They receive additional weapon systems and materiel when required.
Effective individual fighting loads and minimum approach march loads can only be achieved through safeguarding and transporting portions of the load–commanders must decide to tailor loads that result from risk analysis. Transportation resources must be used to avoid excessive loads on soldiers such as CLOHE at company level and SLOHE at battalion level.
"No soldier should be compelled to walk until he actually enters battle. From that point forward he should carry nothing but what he wears, his ammunition, his rations and his toilet articles. When battle is concluded he should get new uniforms, new everything.”
General George Patton, Jr.