Survey and Analysis of the Heat Casualty Prevention Experiment for Resphiblex 1-81, Operation 'Lancer Eagle', 43D, MAU

摘要

This report describes the results of a heat casualty prevention experiment conducted in cooperation with reserve elements of the 43D Marine Amphibious Unit, during a training exercise, Operation Lancer Eagle, which took place at Little Creek, VA and Camp Lejeune, NC in July, 1981. The purpose of the experiment was to evaluate, under field conditions, the effectiveness of a revised approach t the prevention of heat casualties. Four companies of Marines were selected to participate. Two companies (220 men) served as 'controls' and received whatever hot weather training had been provided through routine channels. The two 'test' companies (306 men) received a thorough briefing on the elements of the Provisional Heat Doctrine and were instructed in the proper use of the Botsball to obtain accurate measurements of local heat stress levels. The 'test' companies were also given a reference card which provided a specific schedule for water intake and work/rest cycles depending on the measured heat stress.