NATO AEP-4821 PDF

Purpose of the document.

The purpose of this document is to provide recommendations in the development and execution of a Load Effects Assessment Program (LEAP) to measure Warfighter mobility and assist in the development, acquisition and evaluation of the impact of Dismounted Soldier Systems (DSS) equipment on Warfighter mobility. It will be of use to the materiel acquisition community, those involved in setting requirements for DSS equipment, and in the research and development, testing and evaluation DSS equipment and Warfighter performance. It will also provide a common platform for the comparison of the effects of new DSS equipment between NATO member nations. Furthermore the purpose is to establish the principles for the design of individual load-carrying equipment for combat soldiers of the NATO land forces and of those elements of the NATO naval and air forces who fight in a ground role. The nations are recommended to apply the principles below when measuring the impact of load on mobility.

Load Effects Assessment Program Obstacle Course and Hike.

Load Effects Assessment Program (LEAP) is built up on two trials; Obstacle Course and Hike. The Obstacle Course trial is established to stress the effect of equipment over a short period. While the Hike trial stress the equipment over a longer period and gives the ability to test other equipment not suitable for an obstacle course. Obstacle Course can be a standalone trial, while Hike is a supplement for better understanding and better coverage of soldier mobility.