The Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide - Uniformed Services ...

Chapter 10Load-BearingExtended humping with a load is one of the mostphysically demanding tasks for a SEAL. As a SEAL, you must carry loads into rivers,jungles, deserts, and mountains as well as arctic areas and be prepared to engage in variousstyles of fighting and methods of infiltration. In the planning phase of these missions, NavySEAL platoon leaders are frequently faced with decisions as to what type and how muchequipment and ammunition to carry on a mission: common (minimum) and critical(mission specific) equipment need to be chosen wisely.The development of multiple weapon systems and state of the art surveillanceequipment has increased the firepower and protection of the individual warrior. However,the same equipment that is designed to provide a technological advantage in battle may alsoprovide a load-bearing challenge.Much remains to be learned about carrying heavy loads for both short and longdistances. Moreover, weather, terrain, water discipline, acclimation status and other factorsthat impact load requirements must all be considered.Both excessive fatigue and muscle strain duringlong humps can usually be explained byinadequate training for the unique physicaldemands of this task.To assist you in maintaining readiness for tasks that involve carrying heavy loads,the following information is presented:The Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide 175