scope:

Purpose of the document

The purpose of this document is to define dismounted soldier system (DSS) physical load configurations to support interoperability and assist in the development, acquisition and evaluation of DSS equipment. 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. It will also support the drafting of interoperable and common doctrine in the area of DSS.

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. It is recommended that nations apply the principles below when designing individual load-carrying equipment.