Chapter 2

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Snow, mountain streams, springs, rain, and lakes provide good sources of water supply.
Purification must be accomplished, however, no matter how clear the snow or water appears.
Fruits, juices, and powdered beverages may supplement and encourage water intake (do not add
these until the water has been treated since the purification tablets may not work). Soldiers
cannot adjust permanently to a decreased water intake. If the water supply is insufficient,
physical activity must be reduced. Any temporary deficiency should be replaced to maintain
maximum performance.
All water that is to be consumed must be potable. Drinking water must be taken only from
approved sources or purified to avoid disease or the possible use of polluted water. Melting snow
into water requires an increased amount of fuel and should be planned accordingly. Nonpotable
water must not be mistaken for drinking water. Water that is unfit to drink, but otherwise not
dangerous, may be used for other purposes such as bathing. Soldiers must be trained to avoid
wasting water. External cooling (pouring water over the head and chest) is a waste of water and
an inefficient means of cooling. Drinking water often is the best way to maintain a cool and
functioning body.
Water is scarce above the timberline. After setting up a perimeter (patrol base, assembly area,
defense), a watering party should be employed. After sundown, high mountain areas freeze, and
snow and ice may be available for melting to provide water. In areas where water trickles off
rocks, a shallow reservoir may be dug to collect water (after the sediment settles). Water should
be treated with purification tablets (iodine tablets or calcium hypochlorite), or by boiling at least
one to two minutes. Filtering with commercial water purification pumps can also be conducted.
Solar stills may be erected if time and sunlight conditions permit (FM 3-05.70). Water should be
protected from freezing by storing it next to a Soldier or by placing it in a sleeping bag at night.
Water should be collected at midday when the sun thaw available.

NUTRITION
2-3. Success in mountain operations depends on proper nutrition. Because higher altitudes affect eating
habits, precautions must be taken. If possible, at least one hot meal each day should be eaten, which may
require personnel to heat their individual rations.

ACCLIMATIZATION
2-4. The following elements are characteristic of nutritional acclimatization in mountain operations:
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Weight loss during the first two to three days at high elevation.
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A loss of appetite with symptoms of mountain sickness.
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Loss of weight usually stops with acclimatization.
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At progressively higher elevations (greater than 14,000 feet), the tolerance of fatty/high-protein
foods rapidly decreases. A high carbohydrate diet may lessen the symptoms of acute mountain
sickness and is digested better than fat at high altitudes.

FATIGUE
2-5. Increased fatigue may cause Soldiers to become disinterested in eating properly. Decreased
consumption may result in malnutrition because of the unpleasant taste of cold rations. Leaders should
ensure that fuel tablets and squad stoves are available, or that natural flammable materials are used if
possible. Although there is no physiological need for food to be hot, hot food does increase morale and a
sense of well being. Loss of weight in the first few days occurs because of dehydration, metabolic changes,
and loss of appetite. Carbohydrate-containing beverages, such as fruit juices and sports drinks, are an
effective means of increasing carbohydrates, energy, and liquid intake when the normal appetite response is
blunted at altitude.

2-2

TC 3-97.61

26 July 2012