Weight of War: Gear that protects troops also injures them A few excerpts:
"In 2003, Col. Charles Dean, a military-equipment expert, formed a seven-man team to conduct a detailed study of weight worn in the combat zones of eastern Afghanistan
The team stayed in Afghanistan for three months, collecting data from more than 750 soldiers with a range of different jobs.
Back in the United States, Dean said "
jaws dropped," when he disclosed his findings to Army leaders.
When soldiers headed out on extended foot patrols, their average load ranged from
87 pounds to 127 pounds. When they came under attack and dropped their rucksacks, most of their fighting loads still exceeded 60 pounds.
The Army isn't alone in its struggle.
A 2007 study by a Navy research-advisory committee found Marines typically have loads
from 97 to 135 pounds."
