180 Load-Bearing
Lack of sleep can compromise your mental capacities, including attention, logical
reasoning, and mental processing. In contrast, physically demanding skills seem little
affected by up to 72 to 96 hours of sleep loss.Protective Clothing
The type of clothing worn during load-bearing is an important consideration for
dissipation of body heat. Mission Oriented Personnel Protection (MOPP) gear for nuclear,
biological and chemical environments (NBC) is a very heat-restrictive garment.Guidelines with estimates for work/rest cycles and hydration guidelines when in
MOPP gear are available. With load-bearing activities in MOPP gear, work/rest guidelines
should be adjusted downward and hydration requirements adjusted upward, since load-
bearing activities have not been accounted for. The use of MOPP gear will be equivalent to
adding 10° Wet, Bulb, Globe, Temperature (WBGT) to the existing ambient temperature.
Therefore, the medical threat of heat illness will increase substantially in MOPP clothing.Physical Training for Load- Bearing
Most regular home exercise programs and weekly NSW training programs are not
adequate for the physical demands of moderate to heavy load-bearing. This section is
designed to provide you with an appreciation of the physical demands of load-bearing and
an approach to initiating load training.Elements of a Load-Bearing
Conditioning Program
The key elements for conditioning for load-bearing incorporate strength, speed and
endurance training while relying on the principle of specificity of training (see Chapter 1:
Overview of Physical Fitness). These are as follows:" Load-bearing progressive marches: Specificity of training is one of the
basic training principles. To become better or more skilled at a particular
event, the event must be practiced. To be able to carry heavier loads for longer
periods of time, loads must be carried in training." Resistance strength training: Load-bearing requires strength. Strength
training will help improve load-bearing ability and performance.