"Lines of gear" refer to the load-out a Soldier carries for combat operations.

For individuals there are 3 "lines"

• 1st line - uniform/clothing
  • SURVIVING

• 2nd line - vest/webbing/kit belt
  • FIGHTING

• 3rd line - backpack
  • SUSTAINING the fight

Remember: 1st line is to SURVIVE


This "line" is always carried/worn on your person during operations

It contains the bare minimum gear need to simply stay alive

Important items include:

• Uniform

• Side arm (pistol)
  • Extra pistol magazine

• ID/dog tags

• Basic first aid kit

• Escape & Evasion card/kit

Remember: 2nd line is to FIGHT


This "line" of gear houses the essential equipment needed to be combat effective

Items include:

• Vest

• Individual weapon

• Spare weapon magazines (6)

• Radio (short range)

• NVGs

• Grenades (smoke/explosive) (2 each)

• Small weapon cleaning kit/oil

• Signalling items (flare pen/whistle/VS-17 panel)

• Soldier reference cards (MEDEVAC/CAS/SALUTE)

• Maps/GPS/compass/spare batteries

• WATER (bladder/canteen)

• Shelf-stable snacks

• Notebook/pencil/markers

Remember: 3rd line is to SUSTAIN the fight


Important items include:

• Backpack

• Rockets

• UAV

• Mine detector

• Extra ammunition (magazines/grenades) (2 each)

• Radio (long range)

• Demolitions

• Medical equipment

• Sleeping/cold/wet weather gear

• Extra water/food

• Specialized items of equipment
  • UAV
  • Mortar tube/machine gun/tripod

In order to increase your combat effectiveness you must always "cross-load" your gear

Pick out the mission essential items that MUST be used and divide them up


Important items to "cross-load" are:

• First aid gear

• Individual weapon ammunition

• Grenades (smoke/explosive)

• Essential items of equipment (map/batteries etc)

• Water/food

• Signalling items (flare pen/whistle/VS-17 panel)

• Weapon cleaning kit/oil

• Soldier reference cards (MEDEVAC/CAS/SALUTE)

Inventory


1st Line


2nd Line


3rd Line

Remember:

• 3 "lines" of gear exist

• 1st "line" = Survival

• 2nd "line" = Fighting

• 3rd "line" = Sustainment

Each "line" has a seperate purpose

No "line" is more important than another

Make sure to cross load your gear

Create an SOP to avoid forgetting items