ATP-5-0-2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1 Download
Page 380 of 440
Appendix N 364 ATP 5-0.2-1 07 December 2020 N-10. Health risks to personnel in the desert environment include dehydration, accumulated heat exhaustion leading to heat stroke, and hypothermia from extreme temperature variations between day and night. Leaders must plan ways, including increased water consumption, to bring body temperatures down during daytime rest periods. Table G-24 on page 281 shows standard water planning factors related to personnel (gal/person/day) for a variety of theaters. Air flow and proper cooling during rest periods requires elevation (such as cots), ventilation, and air conditioning (when available). Adjusting work-rest cycles in coordination with expected temperatures and avoiding sunburn and windburn reduces heat stress. Monitoring Soldiers and ensuring they are afforded opportunities to stay warm and dry as the mission allows helps reduce the occurrence of hypothermia. N-11. Other health risks to individuals and units include wildlife, plants, and poorly maintained water supplies. Personnel attract wildlife that may breed in equipment; these can reach swarm numbers when left unchecked. Diseases common to the desert and related to these risks include plague, typhus, malaria, dengue fever, dysentery, cholera, and typhoid. Medical and veterinary services plan how to manage wildlife risks. N-12. General maintenance tips for desert operations follow: Check track tension daily. Check drive belt adjustment frequently. Lubricate suspension items daily, and clean grease fittings. Reduce sand ingestion by stretching nylon stockings over air cleaners. Emphasize proper engine cooldown and shutdown procedures, especially diesel engines. Prepare all vehicles for desert operations in accordance with the appropriate TMs. Adjust battery specific gravity to the environment (refer to TMs). Set voltage regulators at the lower end of specifications. Start vehicles regularly to prevent battery discharge. Increase stocks of oils and lubricants. Use high-grade 20W-50 oil, which performs well under desert conditions. Compensate for increased pressure due to severe heat in closed pressurized systems. Check lubrication orders and technical manuals for the correct viscosity of lubricants at higher temperatures. Keep lubrication to the absolute minimum on exposed or semi-exposed moving parts, including working weapons parts. Erect screens against blowing sand in maintenance areas. Cover the gap between the fuel nozzle and the fuel tank filler neck opening during refueling operations. Protect exposed electrical cables and wires with electrical tape. Issue small paintbrushes to all personnel for weapons cleaning and other equipment maintenance. Keep optics covered. Clean them with a soft paintbrush or a low-pressure air system (this works well for weapons also). Clean sand and dirt from hulls of armored vehicles. Check tire pressures and fuel levels at the midpoint of the temperature range for the day. Ground all refueling equipment to prevent static discharge Replenish radiators with potable water whenever possible. Determine battery shortages early and requisition early. Drain fuel lines at night and in the morning due to condensation collecting in the lines. Increase prescribed load lists (PLL) for the following parts due to high failure rates in desert environments: Tires. All track components. All suspension components for both wheel and track vehicles.