Purpose

Several years ago, I was a platoon mentor during West Point’s Cadet Leader Development Training (CLDT). In this capacity, I was able to spend a significant amount of time in the field with a platoon of Cadets with varying backgrounds. It became quickly apparent to me, that Cadets (generally) lack field experience and do not have access to venues that discuss fieldcraft. Relying on Google searches bring up numerous videos more related to video and/or airsoft games. I thoroughly enjoyed the month I spent with these Cadets and sharing what I knew on this subject.

Keep in mind, this is only one person’s perspective. Although, I believe I have unique experiences to share, my experiences are still bound by my own biases and views. What gives me reassurance that my experiences are of value, is the variation of the experiences themselves. I entered the Army using ‘old school’ load bearing equipment (LBE), complete with ALICE attachments, jungle boots, flack vests, and a K-pot (Kevlar before the MICH/ACH). This equipment is what we used on my first combat deployment with the 82nd Airborne Division. I have spent the better part of four years in active areas of armed conflict patrolling, conducting operations, and being on target using every variation of Army equipment and commercial equipment with Infantry and Special Operations Units. I was able to (eventually) experiment with equipment and have come to refine and hone what works (for me).

Thankfully, a colleague of mine while teaching an Anthroprometrics and Biomechanics Course, decided to devote a few classes to the discussion of fieldcraft and equipment fit as a way to prepare Cadets for CLDT and commissioning. A few years ago, I was invited to guest teach (really discuss) one lesson and I hope to continue to take part in this. This read-ahead document is a primer for that discussion.

I hope that you find this read-ahead informative and look forward to talking with you in person.

Lifelong Relationship

It is helpful to think about your Ruck and equipment through the lens of a long-term relationship. Some days are great (especially during the honeymoon phase), other days are…well…difficult. How often do your boots fit well at the start of a Road March only to quickly descend into torture devices? How often does your Ruck fit well before a field problem only to dig quarter inch patches of raw skin into your back after the first rain? Certainly, the more love and devotion you show to your kit, the happier this relationship will be. If you put your Ruck in a box after last summer, and hope to take it out of storage and throw it on your back this summer–you will be in for a painful lesson.

You can hate your ruck and your kit all you want, it will NEVER get any better. On the other hand, you can invest in this relationship, get to know each other, and grow happier together well into the future. Following Ranger School, and prior to getting my house-hold goods delivered, I slept peacefully at night using my ruck as a pillow, mostly due to the love/hate relationship we had throughout the 63 day school. Yes, this is sad for sure–However, at the time, I was glad that I had my closest friend with me (my ruck).

Philosophy

How do you think about packing your ruck? When you are given a packing list, how do you think though the process of taking this two dimensional list and translating it into a three dimensional pack? If you are anything like the Cadets I mentored in CLDT, you most likely take the list, start at the top and immediately place items in your ruck by stuffing, praying, and cinching it all down.

Before we can discuss what to pack, how to pack, and fieldcraft (how to use), we need to think through this as a system of equipment. Items that you need to fight (and lead), should be immediately accessible. You should take a two dimensional list and think about what you ACTUALLY need to fight and lead. This equipment should go on your person, or your kit. If the items are ones that you may need at the ORP, or during long halts, then the equipment goes near the top of your ruck. Items that you will need at the patrol base go in the bottom of your ruck. If you run out of space, mission equipment ALWAYS takes priority over comfort items–that is why comfort items are added last in priority and stored in the most difficult place to access.

Notice that I have not mentioned anything about where to pack heavy items, waterproofing, etc. Before we can have that discussion, you first MUST think about mission requirements. On an extended field problem, these requirements may change from one mission to another. I also have intentionally not mentioned any specific items of equipment at this point. What works for one person (TAP) may not work for someone else (MOLLE) for a number of reasons. Most notably, we are all different in length, height, width, density, mental toughness, strength, etc. Todd Rose wrote a great book “End of Average” where he makes an excellent argument that designing anything for the average person results in misfit for everyone. Although he talks through using World War II pilot/cockpit fit (where our car’s adjustable seats originally were designed), it all translates to any and all kit that we use, from rifles to body armor to magazine pouches.