e. Extra Water Before the Mission. Drink extra water before an attack or
mission. The excess water in your system will help to keep you physically strong and
mentally alert until the tactical situation allows you time to drink again.
f. Chemical Protective Clothing. A person wearing chemical protective
(MOPP) clothing is especially prone to heat injury.
g. Drinking Water Temperature. The optimum temperature of water for
drinking is 60 F + 10.
4-16. SALT
While significant quantities of sodium chloride may be lost by sweating, no special salt
supplements are routinely required as a heat injury countermeasure. That quantity of
salt normally consumed with meals will satisfy most requirements.
-- CAUTION --
Personnel should NOT take salt supplements (i.e. salt tablets)
without medical advice.
Too much salt in the body--salt overload--can cause vomiting,
dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance.
4-17. ACCLIMATIZATION
Training programs for personnel who are unseasoned to heat should be limited in
intensity and time.
A period of approximately 2 weeks should be allowed for acclimatization with
progressive degrees of heat exposure and physical exertion.
If soldiers are required to perform heavy physical work before being properly
acclimatized:
--
The work is poorly performed.
--
Development of the capacity to work effectively is retarded.
--
The risk of heat injury and disability is increased.
A period of acclimatization is necessary regardless of the individual's physical
condition.
MD0152
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