You can survive the desert - desert war operations

Combat Edge, June, 2003 by Julie Shelley

The Middle East and its desert environment are not new territory for the Air Force. Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM and, most recently, ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM, have tested the desert war operations capability of our fighter, bomber, and intelligence wings. In turn, our airmen have proven their mettle in the air and on the ground ...

Environmental effects of the desert can have a devastating impact on people if they are not prepared for it. Certain precautions must be taken to protect airmen and their aircraft and equipment during a desert deployment. Factors such as acclimation, adequate hydration, sun protection, heat injury prevention, and other concerns must be dealt with before, and especially during, deployment to a desert region.

many of our airmen facing deployment to the Middle East today have been to the deserts of that region before. They remember the blistering effects of the sand, sun, and wind. However, scores of deploying airmen have not had to endure the harsh and brutal conditions awaiting them halfway around the world.

One of the biggest dangers facing airmen in the desert is heat, and acclimation to that heat is vital to maintaining their health. Acclimation to heat is absolutely necessary for the body to reach and sustain efficiency in its cooling process. A period of 2 weeks should be allowed for acclimation, with progressive degrees of heat exposure and physical exertion--a gradual buildup to full performance. Although this strengthens heat resistance, there is no such thing as total protection against the debilitating effects of heat.

Radiant light from the sun is another danger airmen should be prepared for in the desert. The sun's rays, either direct or bounced off the ground, affect the skin and can produce eye strain or temporarily impair vision. Overexposure to sunlight will cause sunburn, and excessive sunbathing or dozing in the desert sun can be fatal! People with fair, freckled skin, a ruddy complexion, or red hair are more susceptible to sunburn than others, but everyone is susceptible to some degree. A suntan will provide some protection against sunburn, but should be acquired gradually and in the early morning or late afternoon. "Gradual" means that the skin should be exposed no longer than 5 minutes on the first day, with 5 minutes more being added each additional day. Extreme caution should be used while working in the sun: the sun is as dangerous on cloudy days as sunny days, and sunscreen is not designed to give complete protection against excessive sun exposure. In all operational conditions, airmen should be fully clothed in loose garments for sun protection and reducing sweat loss. When shade is required during the day, it can be provided best by tarpaulins or camouflage nets, preferably doubled to allow air circulation between the layers and dampened with any surplus water. Aircraft and vehicle exteriors, as well as tools, can get extremely hot when exposed to sunlight for only a few minutes; crew members and maintenance personnel must wear gloves to prevent first- and second-degree bums when touching these items.

The combination of wind and dust or sand particles can cause extreme irritation to the mucous membranes, lips, and other exposed skin surfaces. Eye irritation caused by fine particles entering the eyes is a frequent complaint of vehicle crews, even when wearing goggles. Chapped lips are also common in the desert. The use of chapstick and skin and eye ointment is imperative in preventing and minimizing the effects of wind and sand.

Another danger of the desert is sandstorms. Fast, wind-blown sand produced in sandstorms can be extremely painful on bare skin, which is one reason why airmen must be fully clothed at all times. When visibility is reduced by sandstorms to the extent that military operations are impossible, airmen should not leave their group unless they are secured by lines for recovery. Pieces of cloth or bandannas must be carried to cover the face and neck during sandstorms.

Climatic stress on the human body in the hot desert can be caused by any combination of air temperature, humidity, air movement, and radiant heat. The body also is affected adversely by such factors as lack of acclimation, being overweight, dehydration, alcohol excess, lack of sleep, old age, or poor health. The ideal body temperature of 98.6 degrees F is maintained by conduction and convection, radiation, and evaporation, or sweat. The most important of these in daytime desert conditions is evaporation, since air temperature alone is probably already above skin temperature. However, if relative humidity is high, the air will not evaporate sweat easily and the cooling effect will be reduced.

Proper standards of personal hygiene must be maintained in the desert. Daily shaving and bathing are required if water is available; cleaning the areas of the body that sweat heavily is especially important. If sufficient water is not on hand for bathing, airmen should clean themseves by means of a sponge bath using solution-impregnated pads, a damp rag, or a dry, clean cloth. Underwear should be changed frequently and foot powder used often.