Soldier Carry Exercise 2023

The soldier carry, often used in the military, is a technique for safely and efficiently carrying another injured, unconscious, or otherwise incapacitated individual.

Soldier carry, sometimes known as fireman’s carry, is used to safely and efficiently carry another individual.
Soldiers’ carry exercises play a crucial role in the military, where soldiers often navigate extreme circumstances such as combat or dangerous conditions.
Knowing how to carry an injured comrade can mean life or death for both parties.

Purpose of Soldier Carry

Primary use: We use soldier carry techniques when you need to transport someone quickly and safely for safety or medical reasons.
Application: The military uses soldier carry extensively in rescue situations due to its efficiency and ability to free up the soldiers’ hands.

Army PRT Soldier Carry Guerrilla Drill

The soldier carry is the third exercise in the guerrilla drill. This exercise develops the soldier’s ability to carry a conscious or unconscious soldier of comparable size safely.

Here is a breakdown of the exercise as it would be conducted in a formation.

Purpose

This exercise develops the soldier’s ability to carry a conscious or unconscious Soldier of comparable size.

Starting Position and Movement

Soldier A is the soldier performing the carry.
Soldier B is the soldier being carried in the prone position with arms overhead.
Soldier A assumes a straddle stance at the feet of Soldier B.

Lifting Process

Soldier “A” stands, lifting Soldier “B” to their knees.
Soldier “A” continues to lift Soldier “B” to their feet, leaning them back slightly to lock the legs.

Preparing for Carry

Soldier “A” raises one of Soldier “B’s” arms overhead and walks under the arm to the front of Soldier “B,” oriented sideways to Soldier “B.”
Soldier “A” bends his knees and leans forward, placing one arm through Soldier “B’s” legs.
Soldier “A” leans Soldier “B” forward until he lies across Soldier “A’s” shoulders.
Soldier “A” stands up, lifting Soldier “B” off the ground.
Soldier “A,” using the hand of his arm that is between Soldier “B’s” legs, grasps the wrist of Soldier “B’s” arm that is hanging over Soldier “A’s” shoulder.

Movement

Soldier “A” moves 25 yards at a quick pace.

Dismount and Role Change

Then, Soldier “B” dismounts; the Soldiers then change positions and return to the starting point.

Check Points

Soldier “A” should squat low and grasp Soldier “B” under the arms to lift him from the prone position. Soldier “A” may clasp his hands in front of Soldier “B’s” chest to help him lift Soldier “B” to his feet.
Position Soldier “B” over the shoulder during the carry. Secure the position with one hand, grasping Soldier “B’s” forward arm.

Precautions

Keep the back straight and use your legs to lift the Soldier to the carry position.
All movement in the carry position is performed quickly—no running.

Soldier-Carry in the Military

There are several variations of soldier carry methods used depending on the situation.

Fireman’s Carry

This involves hoisting an injured person over your shoulder with their legs hanging off your back while providing maximum support for casualties who weigh more but require considerable upper-body strength.

Piggyback Carry

This is another technique widely used by special forces units, as it allows carrying anyone on their back with arm wraps around their neck for stability.

Whichever method soldiers use, they must practice it so it becomes automatic under high-pressure circumstances.

Rigorous training includes simulations and drills that prepare them for combat scenarios requiring quick thinking skills that could potentially save lives.

How Soldier Carry Exercise Works

In unexpected emergencies where a person may require total assistance in mobility due to injury or incapacity issues, soldier-carry is a viable solution for safe travel between locations.

Soldier Carry is generally practiced by military personnel worldwide but is adaptable enough to fit civilian situations under similar circumstances; it involves specific steps designed explicitly to ensure maximum safety benefits for both parties involved.

Positioning:

The person delegated for assistance must position themselves such that the incapacitated person’s weight rests on their hips with their arms supported by the other’s shoulders.
One hand should hold onto the legs while using the other arm to prop up and protect the back during transportation.

Key Factors:

Throughout the exercise, prioritize certain essential factors, such as ideal balance, correct posture, communication, and safety.

Procedure for Performing a Soldier Carry

Preparation

The carrier stands over the individual to be carried (facing the same direction as them) and squats down.
The carrier reaches under the individual’s armpits and interlocks their hands over their chest.

Lift

The carrier stands up, lifting the individual off the ground.
The carrier steps forward and leans the individual backward onto their back.
The carrier supports the individual’s back with one arm and uses the other to lift one of the individual’s legs.

Carrying

The carrier positions the individual across their shoulders, with the individual’s torso along their back.
The carrier holds onto the individual’s wrist (of the arm draped over their chest) and the individual’s knee (of the leg they lifted).

Concerns and Risks of Soldier Carry

Risk of Injury: This can be physically demanding and carries a risk of injury to the carrier if not performed correctly.
Not for all situations: Not suitable in scenarios involving spinal injuries or similar conditions, as it can potentially cause more harm.
Physical demand: Requires significant strength and stamina.

Benefits of Soldier Carry

Efficiency: Allows the carrier to move quickly and with stability.
One One-hand free: This leaves one hand of the carrier free for other tasks.
Universal application: Anyone can perform, regardless of height or weight.

Training and Practice

Importance of training: Proper form and technique are crucial to avoid injuries and ensure the carry’s efficiency.
Frequent practice: The technique should be practiced regularly to ensure it can be performed effectively in high-pressure situations.

Alternatives to Soldier Carry

Drag methods: In some scenarios, especially where spinal injury is a concern, dragging methods may be more appropriate.
Two-person carry: A two-person carry can distribute the weight more evenly and reduce the risk of injury.

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George N.

George N. is the founder of ArmyPRT.com. While he never actually served in the United States Army, he has a passion for writing about military-related topics.

Born and raised in Bozeman, Montana, he graduated from George State University with an MBA in Actuarial Science. His hobbies include beach volleyball, hiking, fishing, and lifting weights

George is also a certified nutritionist with a passion for health and fitness.