Chapter 2

Mountain Living
Units deploying to high elevations must receive advanced training to survive in the
harsh mountain environment. Normal activities (navigating, communicating, and
moving) require specialized techniques. Training should be conducted as realistically
as possible, preferably under severe conditions so the Soldier gains confidence.
Extended training exercises test support facilities and expose the Soldier to the
isolation common to mountain operations. Training should reflect the harsh mountain
environment and should consider the following:
• Temperature and altitude extremes.
• Hygiene and sanitation.
• Limited living space (difficulty of bivouac).
• Clothing requirements.

SECTION I. SURVIVAL
2-1. The Soldier trained to fight and survive in a mountain environment will have increased selfconfidence. Training should include psychological preparation; shelter considerations; health hazards; and
water-location, fire-building, and food-finding techniques (FM 3-05.70).

WATER SUPPLY
2-2. Mountain water should never be assumed safe for consumption. Training in water discipline should
be emphasized to ensure Soldiers drink water only from approved sources. Fluids lost through respiration,
perspiration, and urination must be replaced if the Soldier is to operate efficiently.

Maintaining fluid balance is a major problem in mountain operations. The sense of thirst may be
dulled by high elevations despite the greater threat of dehydration. Hyperventilation and the
cool, dry atmosphere bring about a three- to four-fold increase in water loss by evaporation
through the lungs. Hard work and overheating increase the perspiration rate. The Soldier must
make an effort to drink liquids even when he does not feel thirsty. One quart of water, or the
equivalent, should be drunk every four hours; more should be drunk if the unit is conducting
rigorous physical activity.

Three to six quarts of water each day should be consumed. About 75 percent of the human body
is liquid. All chemical activities in the body occur in water solution, which assists in removing
toxic wastes and in maintaining an even body temperature. A loss of two quarts of body fluid
(2.5 percent of body weight) decreases physical efficiency by 25 percent, and a loss of 12 quarts
(15 percent of body weight) is usually fatal. Salt lost by sweating should be replaced in meals to
avoid a deficiency and subsequent cramping. Consuming the usual military rations (three meals
a day) provides sufficient sodium replacement. Salt tablets are not necessary and may contribute
to dehydration.

Even when water is plentiful, thirst should be satisfied in increments. Quickly drinking a large
volume of water may actually slow the Soldier. If he is hot and the water is cold, severe
cramping may result. A basic rule is to drink small amounts often. Pure water should always be
kept in reserve for first aid use. Emphasis must be placed on the three rules of water discipline:
—
Drink only treated water.
—
Conserve water for drinking. Potable water in the mountains may be in short supply.
—
Do not contaminate or pollute water sources.

26 July 2012

TC 3-97.61

2-1