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Army Training on Cold Weather Injuries

Soldiers incur many different types of injuries when training and fighting in cold weather -- from hypothermia to dehydration. Prevention is just as important as treatment to keep the fighting forces prepared for combat.

  1. Protection from the Elements

    • Leaders should make sure that soldiers under their command are adequately dressed for frigid temperatures. Lack of cold weather gear, such as gloves, caps and coats, can lead to hypothermia and frostbite.

    Prevention

    • Soldiers must take care of themselves when training in cold weather. Special attention should be paid to proper nutrition, rest, exercise and abstaining from alcohol and tobacco use.

    Warming Up

    • Precautions should be taken when warming back up after exposure to the cold. Only Army-issued space heaters should be used in barracks, and soldiers should not sleep in running vehicles because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

    Buddy System

    • Soldiers should choose a buddy to watch for the first signs of frostbite and other cold weather injuries.

    Dehydration

    • Dehydration is a serious risk during winter training because soldiers will not feel as thirsty as they do during the warmer months. Thus, it's important to maintain adequate water intake. Drinking water will also ward off overheating under all the protective layers of clothing they must wear.

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