Posted on Apr 26, 2015
New high-tech tools aim to lighten Marines' gear. A step in the right direction?
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"The Gruntworks Squad Integration Facility showcased its latest initiatives to lighten and streamline the individual loads Marines carry into combat during the Navy League's 2015 Sea, Air, Space exposition in mid-April.
On display was an advanced 3-D body scanner, a sophisticated computer simulation program, and a state-of-the art medical device commonly used by professional sports teams to measure performance and stress on joints.
Together, they provide Gruntworks' Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad with an invaluable suite of tools to collect information and test gear that will ensure Marines of the future can both out gun and out run enemy fighters.
"This information helps us improve the fit of equipment like helmets and body armor," said Mark Richter, the director of Gruntworks' Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad team, which is focused on individual mobility.
Over the years, new gear from better body armor to improved rifle optics and night vision — and the batteries they need to run — have added pounds to Marines' packs. Today many carry more than 100 pounds into combat, up from the average 60 pound pack grunts carried during Vietnam.
Adding all that weight is a problem Richter said. In addition to draining Marines' energy, it places dangerous stress on their joints, which can lead to fatigue, sprains or long-term problems like arthritis or chronic back injuries. The MERS team works with the mantra "ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain...."
Read the full article here: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/tech/2015/04/25/gruntworks-hi-tech-tools-cut-individual-gear-burden/26295707/
On display was an advanced 3-D body scanner, a sophisticated computer simulation program, and a state-of-the art medical device commonly used by professional sports teams to measure performance and stress on joints.
Together, they provide Gruntworks' Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad with an invaluable suite of tools to collect information and test gear that will ensure Marines of the future can both out gun and out run enemy fighters.
"This information helps us improve the fit of equipment like helmets and body armor," said Mark Richter, the director of Gruntworks' Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad team, which is focused on individual mobility.
Over the years, new gear from better body armor to improved rifle optics and night vision — and the batteries they need to run — have added pounds to Marines' packs. Today many carry more than 100 pounds into combat, up from the average 60 pound pack grunts carried during Vietnam.
Adding all that weight is a problem Richter said. In addition to draining Marines' energy, it places dangerous stress on their joints, which can lead to fatigue, sprains or long-term problems like arthritis or chronic back injuries. The MERS team works with the mantra "ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain...."
Read the full article here: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/tech/2015/04/25/gruntworks-hi-tech-tools-cut-individual-gear-burden/26295707/
Posted in these groups: 
Equipment
Marine Corps
Equipment Marine Corps
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
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Anything that can help reduce the load we carry is a step in the right direction...as long as it affords the current or superior protection.
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GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad
Agreed --- your comment goes to my concern that trade-offs will be made that result in something lighter but less-effective.
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Here's a great new technology: it's called empowering your subordinate leaders. Take PPE and load-out decisions out of the hands of General Officers and put them in the hands of Lts, SNCOs and Capts. You know, like SLA Marshal suggested oh, when was it? Yeah after WWII.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Soldiers-Load-Mobility-Nation/dp/ [login to see]
http://www.amazon.com/The-Soldiers-Load-Mobility-Nation/dp/ [login to see]
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