NATO combat patrols operating in Afghanistan and Iraq over the past decade saw soldiers carrying personal equipment loads of approximately 58kg, according to research generated by the UK's MoD. Combined with heat injuries, arduous terrain and high operational tempo, such burdens frequently resulted in combat fatigue and musculoskeletal injuries, which subsequently led to casualties and in the worst cases fatalities, military sources explained to MT. Ever since, coalition forces across NATO and Non NATO Entities (NNEs) alike have struggled to "reduce the burden" on dismounted soldiers and SOF operators although efforts continue to be helped by evolving technology but also hindered by the increasing carriage of C4ISTAR equipment demanded by ground commanders.
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