For many other soldiers, such as myself, carrying 100+ pounds of gear for many miles over rough terrain, jumping out planes, etc., it can take a huge toll on your body after doing it for years, often leading to permanent damage.  The Army has recently sought out to develop an under-suit that will lighten the burden once and for all.

Army officials have talked with DARPA to research technology that can lessen the stress on a soldiers muscles, skeletal structure, and tendons when they’re carrying these heavy loads.  This September, multiple companies came together to discuss the following requirements:

• Integrated advanced control systems across multiple joints
• Materials, fabrics, structures, sensors, sensor interfaces and human factors associated with developing conforming, assistive wearable technologies
• Technologies that significantly reduce the potential for acute or chronic injury of a wearer under typical war fighter mission profile situations
• Technologies that increase physical capabilities and/or endurance of humans during activities such as running, lifting, climbing, carrying a load, marksmanship, etc.
• Additional assistive wearable technologies for rehabilitation, physical therapy or those intended to help improve quality of life for the aging population.

I believe this could be a major breakthrough for our war fighters deploying overseas.  Let us know what you think!