Specifications

MUATD-1472E
5.11 Small systems and equipment.
5.11.1 Port.abilitvand load cam
ing. Individual portions of equipment shall be designed so that,
when carried, the wei~t of the load will be distributed through as martYmuscle groups as
possible.
Pressure should be avhided or minimized on sensitive areas, ;ncluding large bl~ v&scls,-nerves and
areas lacking muscular padding. Design of load-carrying systems shall be compatible with the
weight
and
distribution of individual items to be carried by the user. (The weight of tbe items to be carried
varies
according to the climatic zone, mission to be perfo~ and occupational specialty. See Table
XXVI for weights of representative individual items that an infantry rifleman carries in ternperafehot
weather areas,) Load carrying systems shall be provided with a quick-release capability. Lngeneral,
portable refers to art item that is carried a distance of not more than 2 km (1.24 miles). For items to be
carried up to 10 meters (33 ft.), see 5.9.11.3.5-5.9.11.3.7.
5.11.1.1 Portability.
5.11. 1.}. 1 Weiw Individual portions nf equipment may weigh up to 16kg (35 lb) if the load
is balanced and is distributed over many muscle groups and it is not necessary for the individual
crmying the load to maintain the pace of an infantry movement.
5.11 .1.1.2 Liftimzaids. When necessary, lifting aids shall be provided to permit a second
person to assist the porter in placing the load on the body.
5.11.1.1.3 Configuration, The load should be designed to permit freedom of movement. The
shape of the load should be free of shatp edges or projections that maybe harmful to the porter or
snag
on undergrowth. The shape and weight of the load should not interfere with (a) the Iength of step, (b)
movements of the head, (c) the ability to raise and lower the load when going over obstacles, (d) the
ability to see where the feet me phmed
when walking,(e) the *fity m wu~ (f)
regulation of body temperature, or (g) the maintenance of normal posttue.
5.11.1 .1.4
carry
in~ bv two pe
rsons. Where the load is designed for carrying
by twopersons,
a combination of stretcher type handles and shoulder support should be used, if feasible.
5.11 .1.1.5 Standardization. Maximum use should be made of standard load canying systems
or components.
5.11.1.2 Trarmortabilitv by w
rsonnel.
5.1 I. 1.2.1 Weight. hiividua] portions of equipment should weigh as little as possible if the
system is to be manually transported by an individual on
footwhilemaintaining pace with an infamy
movement.
5.11.1 .2.2 Loadcanvinq.
The total load carried by an individual, includin clothing, weapons
i
anda@pmtutios close co,mkd nperaticms, should not exceed 30% of body weig t and, for marching,
4s% of body weigb~ where personnel with 5th percentile body weight must be accommodated, the
totat load for close combat operations should not exceed 18.5 kg (41 lb) and, for marching, 27.7 kg
(6I lb).
5.11 .1.2.3 Lifting aids. Units for which no back-packing aids are required shaIl be equipped
with handles suitable for two-handed lifting and carrying, If handles am provided, they shall conform
to 5.9. i i ,5. i, 5.9,11.5.3, wd 5.9.11.5.5. Ouc-person !xxkpcked loads over ?0 kg (44 lhs) shall
IY+stpned ~Hnd.if
~S,MW, provided with lifting aids) to permit a second person to assist the porter
in plac;ng the load on the body.
mm. ,.,, , m-, du. .