ARM GRUN RIKMAX E IIO

Countermasure 41

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Into

z mlC mCONTENTS

ý3 DASAF's Corner U6 The Clear Facts on Water

W. 3 Chemical Agents U27 FAQsz •Battlefield Foe,I- Lethal Enemy News & Notesz

SI Don't Let the Desert ] Accident BriefsDefeat You

SO Is Your M2 Machine Gun @ Speed KillsZ Ready for Battle? Slow Down

, II2] Who's Sleeping in My Bag?

Cd,

BG James E. Simmons LTC Richard P eCommander/Director of Publishing Supervis

Army Safety

ILL. M W &RIM B COL John Frketic Julie ShelleyDeputy Commander Writer/Managing Editor

Blake Grantham

, htp://safety.army.m i Graphic Design

Countermeasure is published monthly by the U.S. Army Safety Center, Bldg 4905, 5th Avenue, Fort Rucker, AL 36362-5363.Information is for accident prevention purposes only and is specifically prohibited for use for punitive purposes or mattersof liability, litigation, or competition. Address questions about content to DSN 558-2688 (334-255-2688). To submit informationfor publication, use FAX 334-255-3003 (Ms. Julie Shelley) or e-mail countermeasure@satetycenter.army.mil. Addressquestions about distribution to DSN 558-2062 (334-255-2062). Visit our website at http://safety.army.mil!.

DASAF'S CORNERDk of Amy Sety

Keeping the Attack Aggressive onDeadly POV Accidents

Privately owned vehicle (POV) accidents kill more soldiers than all otheron- and off-duty accidents combined. Although many of the Army's POVaccident prevention programs have resulted in a decrease in fatality ratesWfrom 0.32 per 1,000 soldiers in the early 1980s to the current rate of 0.19 per 1,000

soldiers). POVs still remain the number one killer of our soldiers.An alarming trend in the analysis of POV accidents from 1998 through 2002 is the

fact that failure to use protective equipment such as seatbelts and motorcycle helmets wasreported in at least 118 military injury or fatal accidents. Failure to use appropriate protective

equipment is a clear indication of indiscipline-failUre to follow an established standard. Ours is an Army built on standardsand discipline and we, as commanders and leaders at all levels, owe it to our soldiers to strictly enforce standards, includingensuring that they are disciplined enough to wear protective equipment and obey traffic laws whether they are on or off duty.

The Army's senior leadership has made clear their determination to end this needless loss of soldiers to preventablePOV accidents and the adverse impact it has oil readiness. In August 2002, General Eric Shinseki, the Chief of Staff,Army (CSA), directed major commands to analyze their POV and Army motor vehicle accidents and provide a summaryof command initiatives to reduce accidental losses. General Shinseki then directed in September 2002 that commandersincrease enforcement of motorcycle safety training course requirements, and that those requirements not be deferred bycommanders. In addition, General Shinseki has reinforced repeatedly his commitment to the Six-Point Model Program as theminimum standard for the Army POV accident prevention program.

Our major Army commands have implemented specific POV accident prevention initiatives. For example, ForcesCommand implemented the "Combating Aggressive Driving Program" in conjunction with the American Institute for PublicSafety, which received Congressional recognition and authorization for FY02. A Fatality Review Board consisting of principalstaff, medical doctors, and psychologists was established to identify accident causal factors and trends following each fatalaccident. Other units and organizations-Training and Doctrine Command, U.S. Army Europe, National Guard Bureau, etc.have implemented aggressive programs designed to reduce POV accidents as well.

Armywide and joint service POV accident prevention initiatives also are being developed. The Army Safety CoordinatingPanel (a general officer steering committee) chartered a POV process action team to assist the Army Chief of Staff forInstallation Management in developing, resourcing, and implementing an Armywide traffic safety program through thenewly created Installation Management Agency. A Joint Service Traffic Safety Task Force also has been activated to promoteinter-service cooperation in the development and implementation of effective traffic safety programs, as well as increasecooperation between the services and other interested traffic safety organizations such as the National Highway TrafficSafety Administration.

To provide risk-management tools and assist commanders in building effective POV accident prevention programs, theU.S. Army Safety Center (USASC) has created several groundbreaking, high-definition video and film productions and otheraccident prevention initiatives. A total of 10 "Drive to Arrive" infomercials starring country music artists deliver short,to-the-point messages on specific driving hazards before feature movies in AAFES theaters worldwide. "Every Drive Counts"is an unconventional safety video set at the Airborne School connecting safe, high-risk training to off-duty activities,specifically POV driving. The USASC Web site (http://safety.army.nimiL) contains a one-stop shopping POV accident preventionpage, which includes the POV Toolbox (http://safety.army.mii/pov/index.html) and the Six-Point Model Program.

In addition to videos and Web-based tools, USASC provides enhanced POV accident prevention training to each resident('P- 12 safety intern class and to aviation safety officers attending the Aviation Safety Officer Course. USASC's mobile trainingand assistance visit teams travel worldwide to teach NCO and junior officer risk-management courses and to selectedbrigade and battalion units to assist commanders, at their request, in assessing their safety programs, including POV accidentprevention programs.

Every life is extraordinarily precious. The needless loss of any single one has a tremendous impact on the victim's family,the unit, and the Army's combat readiness. The standards, programs, and tools exist to help us protect soldiers from thehazards associated with operating POVs and motorcycles. From the unit level to the joint service level, we each must bededicated to continually and aggressively enforcing standards and discipline and to using all of the model programs andtools to attack this killer of our soldiers. If your organization needs further assistance with your POV accident preventionprograms, contact our staff at povspt@safetycenter.army.mil. T

Train Hard, Be Safe!BG James E. Simmons

March 20030030324 042 3

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lhe Middle East and its desert environment are not new territory for the Army.Oper•ations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and, most recently, Enduring-Freedom, have tested the desert war fighting capability of our soldiers. Intu r1, our soldiers have proven their mettle on the desert battlefield.

Many of the soldiers facing deployment to the Middle East today have been tothe deserts of that region before as part of one of the operations above or anothermission. They remember the blistering effects of the sand, sun, and wind. However,'scores ot deploying soldiers have not had to endure the harsh and brutal conditionsaawaiting them halfvay around the world.

Environmental effects of the desert can have a devastating impact onpersonnel if they are not prepared for it. Certain precautions must be taken

"to protect soldiers and their equipment during a desert deployment..\jactors such as acclimation, adequate hydration, sun protection, heat

(injury prevention, and other concerns must be dealt with before, andespecially during, deployment to a desert region.

One of the biggest dangers facing soldiers 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 fullperformance. Although this strengthens heat resistance, there isno such thing as total protection against the debilitating effectsof heat.

Radiant light from the sun is another danger soldiers shouldbe prepared for in the desert. The sun's rays, either direct or

bounced off the ground, affect the skin and can produce eyestrain or temporarily impair vision. Overexposure to sunlight

will cause sunburn, and excessive sunbathing or dozing in thedesert sun can be fatal! People with fair, freckled skin, a ruddy

- complexion, or red hair are more susceptible to sunburnthan others, but everyone

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to some degree. A suntan will provide some factors as lack of acclimation, being overweight,protection against sunburn, but should be dehydration, alcohol excess, lack of sleep, old age,acquired gradually and in the early morning or or poor health. The ideal body temperature oflate atermnon. "Gradual" means that the skin 98.6 deprees F is maintained by conduction andshould be exposed no longer than 5 minutes on the convection, radiation, and evaporation, or sweat.first diz1y, with 5 minutes more being added each The most important of these in daytime desertadditiolnal day. Extreme caution should be used conditions is evaporation, since air temperaturewhile working in the sun: the sun is as dangerous alone is probably already above skin temperature.on cloudy days as sunny days, and sunscreen However, if relative humidity is high, the air will notis not designed to give complete protection evaporate sweat easily and the cooling effect willagainst excessive sun exposure. In all operational be reduced.conditions, soldiers should be fully clothed in loose Proper standards of personal hygiene mustgarments for sun protection and reducing sweat be maintained in the desert. Daily shavingloss. When shade is required during the clay, it can and bathing are required if water is available;be provided best by tarpaulins or camouflage nets, cleaning the areas of the body that sweat heavilypreferably doubled to allow air circulation between is especially important. If sufficient water is notthe layers and dampened with any surplus water. on hand for bathing soldiers can clean themselvesVehicle exteriors and tools can oet extremely hot by means of a sponge bath, solution-impregnatedwhen exposed to sunlight for only a few minutes; pads, a damp rag, or a dry, clean cloth. Underwearcrew members and maintenance personnel must should be changed frequently and foot powderwear gloves to prevent first- and second-degree used often.burns when touching these items. Soldiers should be checked for signs of injury, no

The combination of wind and dust or sand matter how slight, as desert dust and insects canparticles can cause extreme irritation to the cause infection in minor cuts and scratches. SmallmucoUs membranes, lips, and other exposed skin quantities of disinfectant in washing water cansurfaces. Eve irritation caused by fine particles reduce the chance of infection. It is important toentering the eyes is a frequent complaint of vehicle remember that even minor sickness in the desertcrews, even when wearing goggles. Chapped can have dire consequences-prickly heat andlips are also common in the desert. The use of diarrhea can upset part of the sweating mechanismchapstick and skin and eye ointment is imperative and increase water loss, raising susceptibility toin preventing and minimizing the effects of wind heat illnesses. The buddy system can help ensureand sand. that prompt attention is given to these problems

Another danger of the desert is sandstorms. before they incapacitate soldiers.Fast, wind-blown sand produced in sandstorms can The desert is full of diseases. Common scourgesbe extremely painful on bare skin, which is one found in the desert include plague, typhus, malaria,reason why soldiers must be fully clothed at all dengue fever, dysentery, cholera, and typhoid.times. When visibility is reduced by sandstorms to Although some of these illnesses can be prevented

4 the extent that military operations are impossible, by vaccines or prophylactic measures, propersoldiers should not leave their group unless they sanitation and personal cleanliness are vital to ,are secured by lines for recovery. Pieces of cloth or disease prevention. Proper mess sanitation is alsobandannas must be carried to cover the face and essential in the desert.

-,neck during sandstorms. In sandstorms, vehicle The desert should not be feared, but preparation'drivers and other troops can get off course when is key to surviving and winning a desert war. Armthey turn their heads to avoid sand being blown yourself with the facts and stay safe! .in their faces; for that reason, soldiers should takeconstant compass readings or use geographic POC: Julie Shelley, Countermeasure Managingreference points to stay in the right direction. Editor, DSN 558-2688, (334) 255-2688, e-mail

Climatic stress on the human body in the hot julie.shelley@safetycenter.army.mil. Articledesert can be caused by any combination of air compiled from material found on the Center itemperature, humidity, air movement, and radiant for Army Lessons Learned Web site,heat. The body also is affected adversely by such http://call.army.mil.1f

oes your M2 .50-caliber machine gun If the unit has not replaced

have a lined or unlined barrel? The all their unlined barrels and

answer to that question could make is being deployed, we highly

a big difference if you are sending recommend they swap out theirXM903 or XM962 saboted light armor penetrator unlined barrels with a unit that is not(SLAP) ammo downrange. Here's a note from the currently being deployed. After they

program and item manager shops you need to have swapped out the barrel, the unit

check out if you have any unlined M2 barrels: should then procure the new lined barrel." a"The unlined barrel is not to be used when The life of an unlined barrel is about one-

deployed. A message was sent out during the fifth that of a lined barrel-approximately1998 timeframe directing all units that the 5,000 rounds compared to 25,000 tounlined barrel is to be used for training ONLY. A 30,000 rounds.unit expecting to be deployed should not use Larl wais n th only p rolem ohthe unlined barrel due to the probability of firing ugly things can happen with unlined barrels. IfSLAP ammo. SLAP ammo will cause the unlined you chamber a SLAP round in an unlined barrel

barrel to wear significantly faster than the lined and don't fire the round, there is a good chance

barrel. The lined barrel is equipped with a stellite the sabot will "grab" the rifling. Then, when you

liner, which greatly enhances the life of the barrel. try to extract the round, the sabot may separate

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IsYour M2 MchineR eady, for Battle?from the casingand dump the propellantpowder into the chamber. Whenyou havea hot barrel this could be a particularly dangerous can programproblem because of the probability of a cook-off. in the quantity of lined

Here's some additional information from PS barrels needed to support your requirement. It isMagazine, Issue 521, page 34, "M2 Machine Gun ... important that these barrels be replaced.The Line On Unlined Barrels": "The M2 Unlined Barrel, NSN 105-00-652-8269,

"There are still some unlined M2 machine gun is of World War II vintage. To identify a linedbarrels in the field. A metal lining was added barrel from an unlined barrel, look for the partto most M2 barrels years ago to make them number on the barrel. The part number for thelast longer, lined barrel is 6528269; the part number for the

"While unlined barrels work fine with .50- lined barrel is 7266131.caliber ammo and can be used for training, they "No credit will be given for unlined barrels.do not work fine with the new XM903 and XM962 These barrels can be used for training; however,SLAP ammo. SLAP ammo loses accuracy when at the same time, we must make sure that we dofired through unlined barrels. not take the risk and release any of the unlined

"Armorers, check your M2 barrels. barrels from war reserve stock to units deploying"Hold the barrel up to the light and look to a potentially hot environment. Lined barrels

through the breech. If you have a lined barrel, will be provided via receipt of a funded requisition.there will be a gap in the lining 8 to 10 inches from As stated above, it is important to provide thethe breech. No gap means an unlined barrel. results to us as soon as possible in order to

"If you find unlined barrels, it's OK to continue support your requirement. The updated POCs atto use them, except with SLAP ammo. If your TACOM at Rock Island, AMSTA-LC-CSIH, are: Itemunit fires SLAP, exchange the unlined barrels for Manager, Ms. Deb Delf, DSN 793-2373, commerciallined ones." (309) 782-2373; Equipment Specialist, Mr. Walter

In addition to the note from PS Magazine, here Hilliard, DSN 793-2108, commercial (309) 782-is some additional information excerpted from a 2108; Maintenance Engineer, Ms. Barbara Keleher,recent U.S. Army Reserve Command memorandum: DSN 793-1896, commercial (309) 782-1896; Team

"Within the past few weeks, it has become Leader-Heavy Machine Gun Team, Ms. Pam Lund,apparent that screening for unlined barrels DSN 793-7365, commercial (309) 782-7365." -

id not occur within war reserve stock. Forthis reason, it is requested that screening POC: Mr. Don Wren, Ground Systems andtake place as soon as possible and this Accident Investigation Division, 558-2744, (334)

activity be notified of the results so we 255-2744, e-mail don.wren@safetycenter.army.mil

March 2003 11

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ater is a precious resource that many a planning factor of at least 7 gallons of waterof us take for granted. We can turn per soldier, per 24-hour period. In desert terrain,a knob on a tap and water is readily approximately 9 quarts of water per soldier, peravailable to us. Not only is that day, is needed. When soldiers are active, leaders

,at-. •s\ a,. et, but it's also safe to drink. Soldiers must oversee the drinking of two quarts of waterJeph,', in_ •, ,lesert environment don't enjoy such per hour, per soldier. Soldiers cannot be trained touun Li. i•, I ., er. In the desert, water-especially adjust permanently to a reduced water intake. An

•a.c (Irinh�k, ,.ater-is invaluable, acclimated soldier will require as much, if not more,"sosdiierl -,VIUt stay adequately hydrated to water because he sweats more readily. In very hot

urviC e ill I11 desert and maximize their warfighting conditions, it is better to drink smaller amountsJtLfcti\,vness. Potable, or drinkable, water is the of water more often than to take large amountsmost b1sic nc,id in the desert. The human body occasionally. Drinking large amounts of water causesdepel•ds he,•vh' on water: approximately 75 percent waste by excessive sweating and also could causeot the hum ,in body is made up of fluid. A loss of heat cramps.fluid of two quarts, or 2.5 percent of body weight, Leaders in the field have many responsibilitiesdecres'es efticiency by 25 percent. A loss of fluid associated with their duty, and ensuring theequal to 13 percent of body weight is usually fatal. water supply is safe is one. Leaders should check

Miereiy in1 ding a water source is not enough, their soldiers' water and make sure it is cool andthoug,,h. It is \ ital to ensure that there is no drinkable. Planning is a must on the part of leaders.1)ossihilit\ od nonpotable water being mistaken for For example, sufficient water must be carried ondrinkin, waterU. Safe, potable water is essential to a vehicle to last until the next planned resupply,the Army. Water that is not properly treated can plus a small reserve. Care must be taken to guardtransmit a multitude of diseases including typhoid against polluting water sources. If water rationingfeveir dyl\senteiry, cholera, and diarrhea. In some is in effect, water should be issued under the closeareas, contaminated water can also be a means supervision of officers and NCOs. If the ration is notof transmitting hepatitis and other infections. In sufficient for the type of activity being performed,addition, skin infections can be transmitted by there is no alternative but to reduce physical activity

T.e Clear Factspolluted water. Drinking water must be taken or restrict it to the cooler parts of the day. Asonly from approved sources to avoid disease and physical activity increases, soldiers should drinkother pollutants. more water.

The following guidelines should be used for safewater treatment: Dehydration

* Treat the individual water supply with one Dehydration is deadly and hits fast. During highiodine tablet per quart-size canteen if the water is desert temperatures, a resting soldier can lose asclear; use two iodine tablets if the water is cloudy, much as a pint of water per hour through sweating!

* Let the canteen stand for 5 minutes with the Sweating also can be deceptive in certain conditions.cap loosened and then shake; let leakage rinse the When temperatures are very high and the humiditythread around the neck. is low, sweating may go unnoticed because it

* Tighten the cap and let the canteen stand for evaporates so quickly the skin will appear dry.another 20 minutes. Whenever possible, sweat should be left on the body

* Calcium hypochlorite also can be used: add to improve the cooling process. The only way toone ampule in one-half canteen cup of water, let accomplish this is to avoid direct sunlight, which isdissolve, and then pour one canteen cap of the the most important reason why soldiers must remainsolution into the canteen, shake, and let stand for 30 fully clothed, even in searing temperatures.minutes. At the beginning of their deployment, soldiers

Lessons learned from Operations Desert Shield may not always drink the amount of water theyand Desert Storm showed that units should use

require. Because of this, newly deployed soldiers needto be encouraged to drink more, especially duringacclimation. NCOs and officers must keep track of howmuch their troops drink to ensure they drink e 1h-water. These same leaders, as well as the soldithemselves, should also look for the warning signs -dehydration. Very dark urine is often a warning sign-other symptoms include sunken eyes, dry or stickymucous membranes in the mouth, decreased or absenturination, decreased tears, deep and rapid breathing,lethargy, or coma. When pinched, the skin may sag backinto position slowly. Thirst is not an adequate indicator ,-of dehydration because the sensation may not be feltuntil there is a deficit of 1 to 2 quarts of water.

OverhydrationThe flip side of dehydration is overhydration-or

simply put, drinking too much water too quickly.sodium is lost through sweating and water is drun -

the replacement fluid over a period of hours, the sleft in the blood can become diluted. This dilutioncause a condition called "hyponatremia," which canlead to damage in certain kinds of tissues in the body. Ak

Changes are most noticeable in the nervous system, -where seizures, coma, and even death Canl Occur.

Recognizing overhydration or hyponatremia ischallenging because the symptoms can resemble those

Wateiof heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Early symptomsinclude confusion, nausea, fatigue, muscle cramps, andweakness. More serious symptoms include vomiting,muscle twitches, delirium, seizures, and coma. The maindifference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion,when compared to overhydration, is that overhydrationdoesn't cause the victim's temperature to rise. Becauseoverhydration can be deadly, the final diagnosis must bemade at a medical facility where the victim can betreated properly.

SaltSalt in correct proportions is vital to the no

functioning of the human body. One of those fusweating, sheds salt from the body-the more you swethe more salt you lose. Unacclimated soldiers need moresalt during their first few days of desert deployEach meal, ready-to-eat (MRE) contains ensoldier drinking up to 4 quarts of water

March 2003

dII soldiers need additionial salt whenl sweating" inl c mlti ainers will kee~p water cool, but shouldI be usedheIUaIVi . Siipplemlental Salt Must be takcnl U nder wNith tarc Inl water trailer s-the inner prtcto of theMedical direc~t ion: too Much salt can cause thirst a inl I aI,1CI caii be decstroyed byv floating ice. Ice In watera feeling of sickness, and call be dlangerouIs. Fx\tra. salt trailers mu1LSt be removed before the trailer Is moved tosholOId be ta-ken only in proportion to water Intake, prevent d111amag to thle trailer. It is also a1 goodl idea toAdditional salt intake in anyv form sholOUd be conltrolled erect shadeC for wa-ter" tradilers, because this allows thestrictly a-ccord iilg to medical advice, water to stay\ m1LC11 COOder. Lister bag,1sa ucll Wet Cloths

canl be used arou~nd metal conita-iiners to help keepStorage t heml cool.

When a potable Water source has been secureC(d and Water that 'Is not fit to drink but otherw\ise notWater properly treated, how should it be stored? Only dangerouMs (e.g., it coiitdi uS too Mtich salt) can beissued water containers should be carried for (Irinkin- uIsed to aild Inl coo()lng. Such water canl be Used to wetwater. The best containers for small ClUiantities of clothiiw' SO the body dIoes 1ot tise SO Much Of its Ownwater 15 gallons or less) are plastic water cans. WVater linternl-11 co)oluigk systeml-Sweating. SoldierS Must beinl plastic cans will be good for uIP to 72 hours, while trindled nlot to Waste vtr.Water that hads been tUsedlwater stored in metal cans stays drinkable for only 24 for \vdshiilt, so(cks or otlier clothing, I'r example, ishotirs. Water in canteens should be changed at least perfectlY okay for' use Inl a1 Vehicle cooling" sVstem1. It isevery 24 h1ours, however. Imnportrtnt to note that untested Water shou-ld not be

Larger? qluantities of Water kept in water trailers Used for- washing clothes, aItltoughd it Canl ble used] forWill last uIp to 5 days, if kept in the shade. The ideal vehicle cooling -systemns Or vechicle decontamnintion. ml

drinking Water temperature is between 50 and 60degrees F. Outside temperature is a large factor Ill POC: Julie Shelley, Countermeasure Managing Editor,water storage: if the temperature Otitsidle exceeds l)SN 558-2688, (334) 255-2688, e-mail100 dlegrees F, water temperature must be monitored; jiilie.slielley@safetyceniter.arniyi.iniil. Article compiledwater with a temperature in excess of 92 degrees F from infOrmnation found on the Center for Armvshould be changed because of bacteria buildup. Ice Lessons Learned Web site. http://wwxw.call.armly.mili.

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