Load carriage can be defined as the external load comprising items critical to tactical and operational mission success (e.g. protective equipment, weapons, ammunition, foodstuffs, communications equipment, etc.).  Load carriage is one of the most physically demanding occupational tasks that a tactical operator must perform and it can be a decisive factor during emergency situations and military conflicts.  The consequences of overloading a tactical operator include excessive fatigue, diminished physical performance, impaired mobility, and the potential of sustaining overuse and musculoskeletal injuries.

The tactical strength and conditioning (TSAC) professional should employ evidence-based research when prescribing strength and conditioning programs for the purpose of optimizing and improving load carriage performance.

These training guidelines can be extrapolated and utilized by all tactical operators in which load carriage is an essential occupational task (e.g., firefighters wearing personal protective equipment, police officers wearing body armor, military personnel carrying heavy equipment on their backs).

The following practical guidelines are an evidence-based summary of research that demonstrates improvements in load carriage and are provided to the TSAC professional to be used as a reference when designing and prescribing strength and conditioning programs for the purpose of improving load carriage performance.

·   Once weekly progressive load carriage included in the program design.

·    A progressive increase in the weight/intensity of loads carried over time to meet tactical requirements.

·    A progressive increase in load carriage volume (duration and/or distance) to meet tactical requirements.

·    Resistance training performed with free weights and machines at least three days per week moving from high repetitions (10-12 reps) with less weight (muscular endurance) to lower repetitions (5-7 reps) with heavier weight (strength) and working up to three sets per exercise

·    Aerobic training with progressive increases in distance (Running 20-30 mins based on heart rate, two times per week) & interval training with progressive decreases in rest (~once per week)

A unit’s mission success is based entirely on the performance of their tactical operators who often have to react and maneuver in austere environments while under loaded conditions.  TSAC professionals are charged with ensuring that the strength and conditioning programs they prescribe are based on sound research and are appropriate for the personnel they are coaching.  The above guidelines will prepare the TSAC professional with evidence-based knowledge ensuring they develop sound strength and conditioning programs for tactical operators.

1. Are there any other training methods that anyone has that are effective and have been used to enhance load carriage performance in your groups?

2. Has anyone been using the guidelines above and have seen improvements in the operators you train?

Thank you!

CPT Paul C. Henning

U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine