ATP-5-0-2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1 Download

Environmental Considerations 07 December 2020 ATP 5-0.2-1 369 Table N-5. Supply considerations in extreme environments (continued) Class Environment Considerations CL III (P) and CL III (B) Mountain Mountain operations challenge the use, storage, and distribution of fuel. Ground operations increase fuel consumption rates of individual vehicles by 30–40 percent due to elevation climb, requiring more fuel filtering and distribution. Terrain factors such as unimproved roads, mud, snow, and slush can add to fuel consumption. As vehicles ascend, the amount of oxygen available is reduced and the engine efficiency drops. On average, vehicles lose 20–25 percent of their rated carrying capacity; however, overall fuel consumption for the unit decreases because of lower vehicle movement. Heavy reliance on aviation assets for resupply and movement increases aviation fuel requirements. Cold weather- specific Cold weather operations require increased testing, recirculation, equipment maintenance, and fuel usage due to extended equipment operation requirements. In the extreme cold weather environment, fuel is the single point of failure in the whole operation. Depending on temperature, adding icing inhibitors to fuel may be necessary. When operating in the cold, anticipate increased petroleum-oil-lubricant needs. Fuel consumption can rise as much as 25 percent for vehicles operating in deep snow, slush or mud. This is in addition to increased fuel usage from elevation increases. Expect increased consumption due to longer warm-up times. Diesel fuel reaches its freezing point and begins to gel at around 15° Fahrenheit, whereas, jet fuel has a much lower freezing point of around -51° Fahrenheit. Fuel additives are available to decrease the possibility of fuel gelling. Although fuels do not completely freeze, they keep the same temperature as the air. To prevent frostbite, fuel handlers must always wear gloves designed for handling petroleum products when working with fuels. CL IV Desert and arid environments Barriers and other construction in desert environments almost exclusively need to be fabricated. There is little natural, permanent barrier material. Engineer assets should precede other forces whenever possible. Soldiers often improvise construction in the absence of engineer assets or materials (see FM 90-3, chapter 3, for some techniques). Mountain Depending on the nature of the environment (soft or hard ground) and the engagement level, the need for CL IV is highly variable. CL IV likely needs to be delivered by air and planning should include unit pre- packaged deliveries. Cold weather- specific Cold weather conditions affect the ability to construct fighting positions due to hardness of the ground and permafrost. Units should carry additional CL IV to construct above-ground fighting positions to compensate. CL V Desert and arid environments Ammunition must be out of direct heat and sunlight. Units use containers in the early stages of operations to store and distribute ammunition. Follow-on forces establish more permanent structures to protect ammunition. Ammunition safe enough to be held by bare hands is safe to fire. White phosphorous ammunition filler tends to liquefy at temperatures over 111 degrees Fahrenheit, which causes unstable flight unless projectiles are stored in an upright position. Mountain Ammunition resupply is difficult and increases the need to enforce strict fire control and discipline. Field artillery emplaced by helicopter normally requires continued airlift for subsequent displacement and ammunition resupply. Ammunition consumption for direct fire weapons may be low; however, consumption of indirect fire munitions, such as grenades, mortars, and artillery, may be high because of dead space.