Section III. HUMAN WASTES
4-7.
LATRINES
The methods of human waste disposal will vary with the situation. When no
other provisions are available, military units must adopt methods discussed below.
a. March. On the march, the "cat hole" latrine is used. The individual digs a
hole about a foot deep, defecates, and then replaces the earth over the feces.
b. Bivouac. In bivouacs of about one to three days and in overnight camps,
urine and feces are disposed of by the use of straddle trenches (paragraph 4-10).
c. Camp. In temporary camps, deep pit latrines and urine soakage pits are
constructed. Straddle trench latrines may be used until the construction of deep pit
latrines has been completed. Where the construction of deep pit latrines is not
practicable, some of the other devices such as mound, bored-hole, pail or burn-out
latrines may be used. Whatever the type used, the unit is responsible for its own latrine
construction, maintenance, and closure.
4-8.
CONSTRUCTION OF LATRINES
The following general rules apply to all latrine construction.
a. Select Type. In determining the type of latrines to be constructed, consider
the length of stay, the ground water level, and the soil conditions. To protect the ground
water from contamination, do not extend the depth of a latrine pit or trench to the
underground water level.
b. Determine Number of Facilities Needed. A sufficient number of facilities
should be constructed so that the latrines can accommodate four percent of the male
population and six percent of the female population at the same time.
(NOTE: Remember that male latrines and female latrines are separate facilities.)
Enough urinals (paragraph 4-16) should be constructed to accommodate five percent of
the male population at one time.
c. Select Site. To make sure that food and water will be protected from
contamination, latrines should be built at least 100 yards from the dining facility and 100
yards from the nearest water source. The latrine should not be dug below the water
level in the ground nor in a place where it may drain into a water source. Usually,
latrines are built reasonably near the end of the unit area for easy access. Latrines
should be lighted at night 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.
MD0535
4-6