Chapter 2

Nutrition
2-65. Good nutrition is essential for providing the body with fuel to produce heat in cold weather. The
number of calories consumed normally increases as the temperature becomes colder.

Excess Activity
2-66. Excess activity (overheating) results in loss of large amounts of body heat by perspiration. This loss
of body heat combined with the loss of insulation value provided by the clothing (due to perspiration
dampening the clothing) can subject a Soldier to cold injuries.

Radical Changes in the Weather
2-67. Weather conditions in mountainous terrain are known to change considerably throughout the day.
Weather can quickly change to extremely cold and wet conditions, especially in higher elevations.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES
2-68. Commanders should ensure that the following measures are taken:

Soldiers’ uniforms are kept as dry as possible and are protected from the elements.

Soldiers are educated on proper use of clothing systems to avoid the effects of overheating and
perspiration (layer dressing and ventilate).

The buddy system is used to watch for early signs of cold-weather injuries.

All Soldiers waterproof their equipment.

The rate of movement should be slow, deliberate, and careful. Soldiers should not move out at a
force march pace and then be stationary after they have perspired heavily. Soldiers should not
wear excessive cold-weather clothing while moving.

MEDICAL PROCEDURES
2-69. Medical procedures are needed when sickness and injuries occur. Leaders should―

Assess the situation (tactical and environmental).

Approach the victim safely (avoid rock or snow slide).

Perform emergency first aid.

Treat for shock (always assume that shock is present).

Check for other injuries/cold injuries.

Develop a course of action (decide on a means of evacuation).

Execute the plan and monitor the victim’s condition.

BODY HEAT
2-70. Body heat may be lost through radiation, conduction, convection, or evaporation.

Radiation
2-71. The direct heat loss from the body to its surrounding atmosphere is called radiation heat loss. The
head can radiate up to 80 percent of the total body heat output. On cold days, personnel must keep all
extremities covered to retain heat. This accounts for the largest amount of heat lost from the body.

Conduction
2-72. Conduction is the direct transfer of heat from one object in contact with another (being rained on or
sitting in snow).

2-14

TC 3-97.61

26 July 2012