My son had a new pack issued to him before Sapper School, and by the end of it the frame started to crack. Admittedly, they had a LOT of weight in the things, but still...

What can he do to reinforce the frame? I don't see any obvious places where reinforcement can lay. We are thinking fiberglass or carbon fiber rod or bar, maybe aluminum.

Anyone have any experience reinforcing these frames? @raf ?

I would suggest just turning it in and drawing a new one instead of trying to fix uncle sam's stuff.

You can buy the frames for less than $20 searching the internet if he can wait to have it delivered.

The Fortitude pack frame is the only all- aluminum one I know of that has no welds or rivets.

I think my kid went through three or four plastic Molle airborne frames in Ranger school.

Fortitude Pack frame is interesting.  Mfr mentions compatibility with ALICE and FILBE systems but makes no specific mention of compatibility with MOLLE system.  HERE
I have not seen or handled a Fortitude Pack Frame, so no personal knowledge.

From pix supplied, it seems as though the entire frame is slightly curved, BUT I don't see much in the way of any significant "projection" of the belt attachment points, which serve to move the pack away from the body and provide some "venting".  This could be good or bad, but only someone who has used both OEM style of frame and the Fortitude frame could say for sure.

This.

Plastic frames break.

Once he is out of Fort Lost in the Woods, maybe he will have the option of getting the Medium Ruck……. Smaller, different frame. Preferred by many, as the standard Molle ruck is gigantic and not great.

Or if it is allowed, look for a used Tactical Tailor MALICE ruck. Giant, many exterior pockets……. Welded metal Alice style frame that isnt breaking,