[quote=elamigo;24095044]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Poncho_NM
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I just read through that link, interesting stuff, thank you for finding that.
5-2. EXPEDIENTS FOR EXTRA TRANSPORTATION
If extra transportation resources are not given to battalions,
greater reliance must be placed on–
a. Extensive use of helicopters to free unit HMMWVs for use
as CLOHE and SLOHE. This might entail allocating one
dedicated helicopter to each infantry brigade for logistical
support to release three HMMWVs and trailers required for
each company for load handling.
b. Deployment of corps plug transportation assets. Corps
assets could be placed under the operational control of
battalions for use as load-handling equipment. Forward
deployment of corps transportation assets in the division can
release existing HMMWVs and can improve the soldier
load-carrying capacity of units, as will direct resupply of forward
units by airdrop or steerable parachutes.
c. Host nation support. Units should be prepared to use local
resources to include conventional vehicles, agricultural tractors,
beasts of burden and their handlers, and human porters, which
are obtained through host nation support, renting, and capture.
Leaders must know the legal parameters of commandeering
equipment and animals. The required funding must be provided
for renting equipment. Possible host nation resources should be
identified in contingency plans. At least one man in each platoon
should be designated as a general-purpose driver.
Section II
FACTORS AFFECTING THE SOLDIER’S LOAD
Commanders at all levels must understand the factors affecting
the soldier’s load and the subsequent capabilities or limitations
produced in the unit. The physical limitations of individual
soldiers, stress, and the weight of equipment and munitions all
affect the soldier’s ability to carry his required load. These factors
must be carefully analyzed by the commander or leader in the
load determination process.
5-3
Seemed most pertinent along with:
The fighting load for a conditioned soldier should not exceed 48
pounds and the approach march load should not exceed 72
pounds. These load weights include all clothing and equipment
that are worn and carried.
a. A soldier’s ability to react to the enemy is reduced by the
burden of his load. Load carrying causes fatigue and lack of
agility, placing soldiers at a disadvantage when rapid reaction to
the enemy is required. For example, the time a soldier needs to
complete an obstacle course is increased from 10 to 15 percent,
depending on the configuration of the load, for every 10 pounds
of equipment carried. It is likely that a soldier’s agility in the
assault will be degraded similarly.
b. Speed of movement is as important a factor in causing
exhaustion as the weight of the load carried. The chart at Figure
5-1 shows the length of time that work rates can be sustained
before soldiers become exhausted and energy expenditure rates
for march speeds and loads. A burst rate of energy expenditure
of 900 to 1,000 calories per hour can only be sustained for 6 to
10 minutes. Fighting loads must be light so that the bursts of
energy available to a soldier are used to move and to fight, rather
than to carry more than the minimum fighting equipment.
c. When carrying loads during approach marches, a soldier’s
speed can cause a rate-of-energy expenditure of over 300
calories per hour and can erode the reserves of energy needed
upon enemy contact. March speeds must be reduced when loads
are heavier to stay within reasonable energy expenditure rates.
Carrying awkward loads and heavy handheld items causes
further degradation of march speed and agility. The distance
marched in six hours decreases by about 2 km for every 10 pounds
carried over 40 pounds. Figure 5-2 shows speeds that are
sustainable with given loads, which results in an energy
expenditure of 300 calories per hour.
5-4
A good read with some excellent points and recommendations with regards to troop movements. If only that level of organisation was generally available at company or even battalion level, when it's mostly done with a few APCs and a Land Rover or two. The days of massive funding for frontline transportation are just a memory, at least in my army.