En el trabajo del Center of New American Secutity (CNAS) se realiza un detallado análisis acerca de los efectos que sobre la performance del combatiente, tiene el incremento del peso a llevar por el mismo. Las sucesivas mejoras relacionadas con su protección individual y letalidad, que naturalmente agregan carga al soldado, pueden llegar a producir un círculo vicioso que termina afectando su eficiencia para el combate.
Body armor saves lives. Modern body armor has given U.S. troops an unparalleled advantage on the battlefield, improving survivability and reducing casualties. This protection comes at a price, however. U.S. ground troops today carry an average of 27 pounds of personal protective equipment (body armor and helmet). This weight comes on top of an already heavy burden consisting of a weapon, ammunition, water, batteries, and other gear. Surveys from recent wars have found dismounted ground combat troops carrying 90 to 140 pounds or more in combat. Heavy loads reduce mobility, increase fatigue, and reduce mission performance.
This report, the fourth in the Super Soldiers series, examines the heavy burden of dismounted ground combat troops. It recommends a paradigm shift for thinking about survivability, balancing the benefits of increased protective equipment and other gear against its costs in weight and reduced mobility and performance. The report concludes with recommendations for adjustments to policies and equipment to improve overall survivability.
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