081-831-1047 (SL4) - Supervise the Implementation of Preventive Medicine Policies
Standards: Ensured soldiers applied PMMs, as appropriate, to protect against cold, heat, biting insects, diarrhea and dysentery, hearing loss, skin infections, sexually transmitted diseases (STD), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and foot problems. Ensured soldiers practiced good oral hygiene and properly disposed of waste. Ensured that the Army tobacco use policies were applied.

1.   Ensure proper preventive medicine measures (PMM) are followed for protection against cold injuries.

a. Wear layers of loose clothing.

Note.  Minimize sweating.  When clothing becomes wet or dirty, it loses its ability to provide warmth.

(1)  Remove layers of clothing before doing strenuous work.

WARNING:Do not remove protective clothing in a chemical environment

(2)  Replace layers of clothing when your strenuous work is completed.

(3)  Launder clothing regularly.

b. Exercise to increase blood circulation.

(1)  Tighten and relax arm and leg muscles, fingers, and toes.

(2)  Use hands to massage and warm the face.

WARNING: Physical and mental weariness contribute to inactivity, reduced heat, and increased chance for cold injury

(3)  Refrain from smoking. Smoking decreases blood flow to the skin.

c. Change socks.

(1)  Put on dry socks during rest breaks to reduce the risk of frostbite and trench foot.

WARNING: Severe frostbite and trench foot can result in the loss of hands or feet

(2)  Put damp socks inside your shirt around your waist to dry.

d. Prevent dehydration.

(1)  Drink sufficient fluids (potable water, juices, and warm nonalcoholic beverages).

Note.  Drinking a sufficient amount of potable water in cold weather is as important as it is in hot weather.  In cold weather, you may not realize that your body is losing fluids and salt.  Sweat evaporates rapidly or is absorbed so completely by the layers of clothing that it is seldom visible on the skin.

(2)  Rest when possible.

e. Pair with a buddy.

(1)  Remind each other to do warming exercises often.

(2)  Watch for signs of cold injury such as frostbite, trench foot, and hypothermia.

2.   Ensure proper PMMs are followed for protection against heat injuries.

a. Drink sufficient amounts of water.

Note.  Your body needs a minimum amount of water for cooling, waste elimination, and metabolism. Any attempt to train the body to use less water can be harmful and may lead to heat injuries.

(1)  Use the fluid replacement policy for warm weather table as a guide (see tables 081-831-1047-1 and 081-831-1047-2).

Table 081-831-1047-1.  *Fluid Replacement Policy for Warm Weather
(Average Acclimated Soldier Wearing BDU, Hot Weather)

Easy Work

Moderate Work

Hard Work

Heat Category

WBGT Index, ºF

Work/ Rest

Water Intake, Qt/Hr

Work/ Rest

Water Intake, Qt/Hr

Work/ Rest

Water Intake, Qt/Hr

1*

78 – 81.9

NL

½

NL

¾

40/20 min

¾

2 (green)

82 – 84.9

NL

½

50/10 min

¾

30/30 min

1

3 (yellow)

85 – 87.9

NL

¾

40/20 min

¾

30/30

1

4 (red)

88 – 89.9

NL

¾

30/30 min

¾

20/40 min

1

5** (black)

>90

50/10 min

1

20/40 min

1

10/50

1

CAUTION: Hourly Fluid Intake Should Not Exceed 1½ Quarts.  Daily Fluid Intake Should Not Exceed 12 Quarts.

*The work/rest times and fluid replacement volumes will sustain performance and hydration for at least 4 hours of work in the specified heat category.  Individual water needs will vary ± ¼ quart per hour.

*NL = no limit to work time per hour.  Rest means minimal physical activity (sitting or standing) and should be accomplished in shade if possible.

*Wearing body armor adds 5° F to WBGT Index.

Wearing ALL MOPP overgarments adds 10° F to WBGT Index.

**Suspend physical training and strenuous activity.  If an operational (nontraining) mission requires strenuous activity, enforce water intake to minimize expected heat injuries.

Table 081-831-1047-2. Examples of Categories of Work

Easy Work

Moderate Work

Hard Work

·  Weapon maintenance.

·  Walking on hard surface at 2.5 mph, £ 30-pound load.

·  Manual of arms.

·  Marksmanship training.

·  Drill and ceremony.

·  Walking on loose sand at 2.5 mph, no load.

·  Walking on hard surface at 3.5 mph, < 40-pound load.

·  Calisthenics.

·  Patrolling.

·  Individual movement techniques, i.e. low crawl, high crawl.

·  Defensive position construction.

·  Field assaults.

·  Walking on loose sand at 2.5 mph with load.

·  Walking on hard surface at 3.5 mph, ³ 40-pound load.

(2)  Drink extra water before combat operations.

(3)  Maintain excess water in your system for strength and alertness.

(4)  Protect yourself from dehydration and heat injuries associated with wearing full chemical protective gear.

b. Rest whenever possible.

(1)  Take rest breaks in accordance with the heat condition table as the tactical situation permits.

(2)  Use rest breaks to drink water and to cool off.

c. Eat meals.

(1)  Eat regular meals daily to replace salt lost through heavy sweating.

(2)  Eat something at each meal, even if you are not hungry.

Note.  Usually, eating field rations or liberal salting of the garrison diet will provide enough salt.  Excess intake of salt should be avoided.

d. Protect yourself from exposure.

(1)  Wear uniform properly.

(2)  Provide shade whenever possible.

(3)  Use barrier creams and lotions.

3.   Ensure proper PMMs are followed for protection against biting insects.