Abstract
From the loads carried by the armies of antiquity to today’s modern forces, this article
explores and critically analyses soldier load carriage over two millennia. Historical misconceptions
appearing in some military documents and literature regarding the context and
weight of the soldier’s load are also discussed. The author looks at how, even with changes
in logistic practices, technology and the very nature of warfare, the soldier is still a beast of
burden and suggests that relying on improved load carriage logistical aides and changes to
equipment may not be the answer to this age-old problem.
explores and critically analyses soldier load carriage over two millennia. Historical misconceptions
appearing in some military documents and literature regarding the context and
weight of the soldier’s load are also discussed. The author looks at how, even with changes
in logistic practices, technology and the very nature of warfare, the soldier is still a beast of
burden and suggests that relying on improved load carriage logistical aides and changes to
equipment may not be the answer to this age-old problem.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 67-88 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| Journal | Australian Army Journal |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 2010 |
| Externally published | Yes |