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APPENDIX N

COMBAT LOADING

Section I. INTRODUCTION

Combat loading consists of the standard loading and stowing of ammunition, missiles, and equipment in an APC. This helps to insure that all materiel is present and that it is stowed in the proper location, and that it is readily accessible.

Because the equipment carried on an APC will vary slightly depending on whether it is used by a squad or platoon leader, or company commander, a standard combat-loading plan should be developed for each vehicle. The authorized unit equipment may also vary based on unit mission, geographical location, and basic loads of ammunition.

This appendix--which should be used with the operator's manual--discusses a standard procedure for combat loading of the APC. Based on mission-essential equipment and ammunition, the combat-loading plan should be modified to fit the needs of each unit.

Section II. INSPECTION OF EQUIPMENT

The first step in combat loading is to inspect to insure that all items are present and serviceable. The equipment should be laid out in a logical sequence for inspection; that is, weapons, tools, individual equipment, ammunition. These can be arranged in groups, making it easier to account for everything. There will not always be time for a complete inspection, but a complete inspection should be held when time is available.

All the TA-50 equipment issued to each infantry soldier cannot be stowed on the APC. Only those individual items that are required on a day-to-day basis are carried on the vehicle. Other items, such as cold weather gear and extra sets of clothing (if not needed) are carried in the company trains. The platoon sergeant, based on guidance from the platoon leader or the company SOP, selects what TA-50 equipment stays with the APC.

The platoon sergeant should coordinate with company supply personnel for storage of excess TA-50 equipment.

Section III. LOADING

Loading the APC is best done by dividing the vehicle into loading areas and assigning responsibility for each area to designated squad members. The vehicle can be divided as follows:

Every item loaded in the APC must be secured to keep it from being damaged or injuring occupants when the vehicle is moving. Extra equipment, or ammunition for which there is no designated stowage space on the vehicle, must be securely strapped down in the best available place. Equipment or ammunition should never be thrown into the vehicle.