Fighting Load Carrier (FLC) Setup and Use
This video is intended to be an introduction for BOLC students prior to rifle and pistol Pre-Marksmanship Instruction (PMI). The goal of this video is to help students setup their fighting equipment prior to attending PMI. Students should bring their FLC to PMI to train on fundamentals before zero/qualification.
Constraints
There are several considerations before we start attaching pouches to the FLC, like does my unit have an SOP or packing list, is our unit light, motorized, or mechanized, what is our Mission Essential Task List (METL), do I need mission-specific items, how long are we expected to fight without resupply, and do I need an assault pack or ruck sack to carry additional equipment?
So, let’s begin with the most important constraint- the unit Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Some units will issue a specific SOP, telling the soldier exactly what to carry and where. Please abide by the packing lists provided by your units but be aware that many positions will require additional equipment.
A FLC cannot carry everything. A typical dismounted rifleman carries 6x magazines on the FLC and one in the weapon, an Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK), water, and a Night Optic Device (NODs). Mounted (motorized/mechanized) soldiers tend to carry less on their FLC in order to fit through turret holes or hatches (when wearing my dismounted FLC, I cannot fit though a Bradley turret). This is important because drivers, gunners, and track commanders must get down inside the vehicle in the event of a rollover.
Specialized roles within the platoon or company will require additional equipment or a modified loadout. Examples include the Squad Automatic Rifleman (SAW gunner) and Grenadier. Each will require different pouches to carry SAW drums or 40mm grenades. Each squad should also carry hand grenades and High Concentration (HC) smoke for reacting to sniper threats.
Fitting the FLC
Like the rucksack, fitment of the FLC is important to reduce fatigue. The FLC should distribute the load without straining the back or making the arms go numb.
The shoulder areas should be clear to accept the butt of a rifle (especially the soldier’s dominant shoulder). Magazine pouches should be affixed to the front of the FLC for easy access during reloading. This places the magazines in the soldier’s “workspace,” where he/she can easily manipulate the weapon system while focusing on the threat. The FLC should also allow the soldier to get into the prone shooting position. To accomplish this, the FLC should be no deeper than two magazines in the front.
FLC Setup Principles
Most conventional units require that the IFAK be mounted to the FLC on the soldier’s left side. Standardizing the IFAK location allows fellow soldiers to locate your IFAK in the event that you are injured so they can use your medical equipment on you. Do not use your IFAK on another soldier- use their IFAK or a CLS bag.
Sensitive electronic equipment like radios and NODs should not be affixed to the front of the FLC to prevent damage when dropping to the ground for cover. These should be offset to the left or right. Radios like the Multi Band Inter Team Radio (MBITR) should be mounted facing the soldier to prevent unwanted light emissions from the radio display and to protect the knobs. Radios should also be placed where the soldier can change frequencies and troubleshoot issues. Nothing is more annoying than someone asking you to adjust their radio.
Water is the item used most often on the fighting load and should be made easily accessible. Ideal options include a canteen on the right side, or a Camelbak, or both. If carrying a pistol, be sure not to mount equipment in the path of your drawstroke.
Fighting with the FLC
When using the FLC, rifle magazines should be inserted rounds down with bullets facing the non-dominant side. Rifle magazines are grabbed with the non-dominant hand using a “beer can” grip and inserted into the magazine well of the M4. This places the non-dominant thumb in an ideal position to press the bolt release button. Expended magazines should be retained. No not leave magazines behind for two reasons: 1. Resupplies only include ammunition, not magazines. 2. Left behind equipment has a tendency to be turned into Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Expended magazines should be returned to the FLC with the magazine follower facing up or placed in a dump pouch. During a lull in the fighting, move full magazines toward the non-dominant side of the FLC for easier magazine changes.
Pistol magazines (on FLC or belt) should be stored rounds down with the bullets pointed to the soldier’s dominant side. Pistol magazines are retrieved with the index finger along the front of the magazine, which aids in indexing the pistol’s magazine well. Expended pistol magazines should be retained in a dump pouch or magazine pouch.
-AMC