Introduction
"Lines of Gear" refer to the load-out a warfighter carries for combat operations.
There are 3 "lines".
• 1st Line - Uniform/clothing
SURVIVING
• 2nd Line - Vest/webbing/kit belt
FIGHTING
• 3rd Line - Backpack
SUSTAINING
There are 3 "lines".
• 1st Line - Uniform/clothing
SURVIVING
• 2nd Line - Vest/webbing/kit belt
FIGHTING
• 3rd Line - Backpack
SUSTAINING
1st Line
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.
It contains the bare minimum gear need to simply stay alive.
Important items include:
• Uniform
• Service issue (or personal) sidearm
• Extra handgun magazine
• ID/dog tags
• Basic First Aid Kit (bandages/tourniquets)
• Escape & Evasion card/kit
• Uniform
• Service issue (or personal) sidearm
• Extra handgun magazine
• ID/dog tags
• Basic First Aid Kit (bandages/tourniquets)
• Escape & Evasion card/kit
2nd Line
Remember: 2nd line is to FIGHT
This "line" of gear houses the essential equipment needed to be combat effective
Bare minimum items include:
• Standard issue (or personal) long rifle with high velocity rounds and a 14.5" barrel (5.56mm or more)
(Short barrels offer LESS penetration/more noise/more muzzle flash) or assigned individual weapon system
• Vest (plate carrier / chest rig)
• Full combat load (e.g. 7 rifle and 3 pistol mags)
• Complete first aid kit for extended use (tourniquets/"combat pill-pack"/bandages etc.)
• Portable multi-frequency short range radio
• Night optical devices
• Earplugs
• Grenades (smoke/explosive) (2 each)
• Small weapon cleaning kit/oil
• Signalling items (flare pen kit/whistle/VS-17 panel)
• Reference cards (MEDEVAC/CAS/SALUTE)
• Multi-tool (pocket saw/pliers/screwdriver etc.)
• Maps/GPS/Compass/spare batteries
• Water (bladder/canteen)
• Shelf-stable snacks/meals
• Notebook/pencil/markers
• Standard issue (or personal) long rifle with high velocity rounds and a 14.5" barrel (5.56mm or more)
(Short barrels offer LESS penetration/more noise/more muzzle flash) or assigned individual weapon system
• Vest (plate carrier / chest rig)
• Full combat load (e.g. 7 rifle and 3 pistol mags)
• Complete first aid kit for extended use (tourniquets/"combat pill-pack"/bandages etc.)
• Portable multi-frequency short range radio
• Night optical devices
• Earplugs
• Grenades (smoke/explosive) (2 each)
• Small weapon cleaning kit/oil
• Signalling items (flare pen kit/whistle/VS-17 panel)
• Reference cards (MEDEVAC/CAS/SALUTE)
• Multi-tool (pocket saw/pliers/screwdriver etc.)
• Maps/GPS/Compass/spare batteries
• Water (bladder/canteen)
• Shelf-stable snacks/meals
• Notebook/pencil/markers
3rd Line
Remember: 3rd line is to SUSTAIN the fight
Important mission specific items may include:
• Backpack
• AT/AA Ammunition
• UAV
• Mine detector
• Extra ammunition (magazines/grenades) (2 minimum each)
• Long range multi-frequency radio
• Demolitions
• Medical equipment (extra items/medic items)
• Sleeping/cold/wet weather gear (tent, cold weather jacket, etc)
• Extra water/food
• Specialized items of equipment (e.g. mortar tube/machine gun/tripod)
• Backpack
• AT/AA Ammunition
• UAV
• Mine detector
• Extra ammunition (magazines/grenades) (2 minimum each)
• Long range multi-frequency radio
• Demolitions
• Medical equipment (extra items/medic items)
• Sleeping/cold/wet weather gear (tent, cold weather jacket, etc)
• Extra water/food
• Specialized items of equipment (e.g. mortar tube/machine gun/tripod)
Cross-Loading
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.
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
• Mission essential items
• Reference cards (MEDEVAC/CAS/SALUTE)
• 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
• Mission essential items
• Reference cards (MEDEVAC/CAS/SALUTE)
Gear Load-Out Examples
Inventory
1st Line
2nd Line
3rd Line
Conclusion
Remember...
3 "lines" of gear exist:
• 1st "line" = Survival
• 2nd "line" = Fighting
• 3rd "line" = Sustainment
Each "line" has a separate purpose.
No "line" is more important than another.
Make sure to cross load your gear.
Create an SOP to avoid forgetting items.
3 "lines" of gear exist:
• 1st "line" = Survival
• 2nd "line" = Fighting
• 3rd "line" = Sustainment
Each "line" has a separate purpose.
No "line" is more important than another.
Make sure to cross load your gear.
Create an SOP to avoid forgetting items.
