Which of the following is a dismounted disadvantage related to protection?

• A. Thermal discomfort
• B. Extra load carrying
• C. Heightened situational awareness
• D. Reduced protection from IEDS, booby traps, CBRN threats and hazards, SA Fires

Answer: (D)

Dismounted operations remove the layered protection that vehicles and fortified positions provide, so troops on foot are more exposed to threats that can be concealed or rapid to exploit. Improvised explosive devices and booby traps target ground-level movement and can cause severe harm even with personal protective gear. CBRN threats require specialized, rapid-deploy protective measures and decontamination, which isn’t as readily available or effective when troops are dispersed on foot. Being exposed to hostile fires without the shielding that vehicles or cover offer increases risk as well. While thermal discomfort or the extra load of gear are real drawbacks of moving on foot, the protection-specific disadvantage here is the reduced protection against IEDs, booby traps, CBRN hazards, and related fires.