serious problems. Most major commands now require that units in the field use some
type of human and liquid waste collection method (chemical toilets, bucket or pail
latrines, etc.) that permit disposal into a wastewater collection system periodically or at
the end of the field exercise. Accordingly, commanders should acquaint themselves
with the pollution abatement directives of the appropriate command prior to constructing
field waste disposal devices in normal training areas.
3-2.
LATRINE FACILITIES
The following general rules apply to the construction of all types of latrines except
the "cat hole." As a guideline, latrines should be constructed to accommodate 4 percent
of the male and 6 percent of the female population within a command at one time.
Urine facilities for males (para 3-5) should be collocated with the latrines to prevent
soiling of toilet seats. For temporary camping of 1 to 3 days, the straddle trench latrine
should be constructed unless a more permanent facility is provided to the unit. Thus,
based on 2 feet (ft) of trench per person, a unit composed of 100 men and 100 women
(for example) would have at least 8 feet or trench, or two 4-foot straddle trench latrines
for the men (100 men x .04 = 4 x 2 ft per male = 8 ft of trench) and at least 12 feet of
trench or three 4-foot straddle trench latrines for the women (100 women x .06 = 6 x 2 ft
per female = 12 ft of trench). For a slightly longer time, deep pit latrines and urine
soakage pits would be used.
a. Location. To make sure that food and water wiII be protected from
contamination, latrines should be built at least 100 yards from the unit dining facility and
100 ft. (about 30 meters) from the nearest water source or supplies. Also, the latrine
should be dug above the natural water level in the ground (water table) and on level
ground, but not in a place where it may drain into any other water source. Usually,
latrines are built at least 30 yards from the end of the unit area (always downhill from
the campsite), but within a reasonable distance for easy access. At night, they should
be lighted if the military situation permits. If lights cannot be used, a piece of cord or
tape may be fastened to trees or stakes to serve as a guide to the latrine.
b. Screening. A canvas or brush screen should be placed around each latrine,
or the latrine may be enclosed within a tent.
(1)
In cold climates, this shelter should be heated if possible.
(2) The screen or the tent should have a drainage ditch dug around its
edges to prevent water from flowing over the ground into the latrine.
(3) For fly control, shelters should be sprayed twice weekly with an
approved insecticide. If a fly problem does exist, spray the pit contents with insecticide.
However, the pit contents should not be sprayed routinely because flies can develop a
resistance to the pesticide when used repeatedly and negate its intended purpose.
MD0161
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