ATP-5-0-2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1 Download
Page 383 of 440
Environmental Considerations 07 December 2020 ATP 5-0.2-1 367 and rehearse contingencies for mounted, dismounted, and aviation evacuations. Realistic time/distance analysis is conducted to ensure proper allocation of assets and to maximize casualty survivability. Units consider pushing medical assets to lower echelons to reduce CASEVAC requirements. COLD WEATHER OPERATIONS N-20. Information in this section is derived from ATP 3-90.97, TC 3-97.61, and AR 70-38. N-21. For military purposes, cold regions are any region where cold temperatures, unique terrain, and snowfall have a significant effect on military operations for one month or more each year. About one quarter of the earth’s land mass may be designated as severely cold. These areas vary in topography from mountain caps, boreal forests, tundra, icecaps, muskeg or bog, permafrost, glaciers, and freezing rivers. N-22. In the arctic region, conditions resemble a desert environment with respect to observation and fields of fire. Generally, the terrain is open with little high vegetation and allows for unrestricted visibility, although complex terrain still exists. Boreal forests of the subarctic are the exception with dense growth and cover dominating the landscape. N-23. Operational considerations follow: Operational delays due to storms or extreme cold. Changes to mobility corridors, avenues of approach, and trafficability due to freezes or thaws. Antenna icing can reduce range, increase noise, alter frequency, or simply collapse the antenna. Radar signal scattering due to ice, fog, and airborne snow. Thickened oil and lubricants, which can cause mechanical problems in generators and vehicles. Decreased battery life and performance. Significantly degraded visibility due to snow and fog. Avalanches, due to instability of the snowpack, threaten troops and hinder mobility. Wind chill factors and potential human problems due to frostbite and trench foot (also known as immersion foot). N-24. Risks of operating in extreme cold environments include frostbite, fatigue, concomitant injury, malnutrition, hypothermia, trench foot, respiratory illnesses, and degraded maneuvering. Table N-4 details wind chill effects on relative temperature. Table N-4. Wind chill effects Actual thermometer reading in degrees Fahrenheit Estimated wind speed (mph) 50 40 30 20 10 0 -10 -20 -30 -40 -50 -60 Equivalent temperature in degrees Fahrenheit Calm 50 40 30 20 10 0 -10 -20 -30 -40 -50 -60 5 48 37 27 16 6 -5 -15 -26 -36 -47 -57 -68 10 40 28 16 4 -9 -24 -33 -46 -58 -70 -83 -95 15 36 22 9 -5 -18 -32 -45 -58 -72 -85 -99 -112 20 32 18 4 -10 -25 -39 -53 -67 -82 -96 -110 -124 25 30 16 0 -15 -29 -44 -59 -74 -88 -104 -118 -133 30 28 13 -2 -18 -33 -48 -63 -79 -94 -109 -125 -140 35 27 11 -4 -21 -35 -51 -67 -82 -98 -113 -129 -145 40 26 10 -6 -21 -37 -53 -69 -89 -100 -116 -132 -148 Winds greater than 40 mph have little additional effect on wind chill but pose additional risks to equipment and personnel. Little danger to properly clothed personnel. Increased danger for freezing of exposed flesh. Increased danger of windburn, breathing difficulty, and lung damage. Increased fatigue and difficulty performing tasks. Maximum danger of freezing and death. Maximum danger of exhaustion, dehydration, frostbite, respiratory illness, and inability to perform rudimentary and basic functions.