#3: Soldier Overburden - reduction of physical weight for dismounted operational equipment

Army Challenge # Category 2a: Overburdened – Physical Burden

Problem Statement: Soldiers in Small Units (squads/fire teams/crews) are physically overburdened, often carrying up to 130lbs; this degrades performance and may result in immediate, as well as, long term consequences

Challenge: Significantly reduce the weight and volume of all items that individual Soldiers in a Small Unit must physically carry to accomplish their missions while maintaining or increasing the ability of the Unit to perform tasks, whether operating as dismounted or in vehicles.

Who: Soldiers and Small Units operating in Afghanistan-like environments

What: Reduce physical burden within the squad so that no individual Soldier load exceeds 30% of their body weight.

Objectives: Reduce physical burden of Soldier and Small Unit so that grenadier, SAW gunner and attached combat medic does not exceed 50% of individual’s body weight without a reduction in operational capability.