IAW FM 90-3

Desert Operations, Chapter 1

By
SPC Pierce
Section I. The Environment
► Successful desert operations require adaptation to the
environment and to the limitations its terrain and climate
impose.
► Equipment and tactics must be modified and adapted to a
dusty and rugged landscape where temperatures vary from
extreme highs down to freezing and where visibility may
change from 30 miles to 30 feet in a matter of minutes.
► Deserts are arid, barren regions of the earth incapable of
supporting normal life due to lack of water.
► Some species of animal and plant life have adapted
successfully to desert conditions where annual rainfall may
vary from 0 to 10 inches.
Figure 1-1. Deserts of the world.
► Desert terrain also varies considerably from place to place,
the sole common denominator being lack of water with its
consequent environmental effects, such as sparse, if any,
vegetation.
► The basic land forms are similar to those in other parts of
the world, but the topsoil has been eroded due to a
combination of lack of water, heat, and wind to give
deserts their characteristic barren appearance.
► The bedrock may be covered by a flat layer of sand, or
gravel, or may have been exposed by erosion.
► Other common features are sand dunes, escarpments,
wadis, and depressions, thus making it difficult for military
operations.
Figure 1-2. Desert locations of the world.
 TERRAIN
► Key terrain in the desert is largely dependent on the
restrictions to movement that are present.
► If the desert floor will not support wheeled vehicle
traffic, the few roads and desert tracks become key
terrain.
► Crossroads are vital as they control military
operations in a large area. Control of these passes
are vital.
► Desert warfare is often a battle for control of the
lines of communication (LOC).
 Types of Desert Terrain
► There are three types of desert terrain:
► Mountain
► Rocky plateau
► Sandy or dune terrain
 Mountain Deserts
► Mountain deserts are characterized by scattered
ranges or areas of barren hills or mountains,
separated by dry, flat basins.
► High ground may rise gradually or abruptly from
flat areas, to a height of several thousand feet
above sea level.
► Most of the infrequent rainfall occurs on high
ground and runs off in the form of flash floods,
eroding deep gullies and ravines and depositing
sand and gravel around the edges of the basins.
Figure 1-3. Example of desert terrain
 Rocky Plateau Deserts
► Rocky plateau deserts are extensive flat areas with
quantities of solid or broken rock at or near the
surface.
► They may be wet or dry, steep-walled eroded
valleys, known as wadis, gulches, or canyons.
► The National Training Center and the Golan
Heights are examples of rocky plateau deserts.
Figure 1-4. Example of rocky plateau desert
terrain
 Sandy or Dune Deserts
► Sandy or dune deserts are extensive flat areas
covered with sand or gravel, the product of
ancient deposits or modern wind erosion.
► "Flat" is relative in this case, as some areas may
contain sand dunes that are over 1,000 feet high
and 10-15 miles long; trafficability on this type of
terrain will depend on windward/leeward gradients
of the dunes and the texture of the sand.
► Other areas, however, may be totally flat for
distances of 3,000 meters and beyond.
Figure 1-5. Example of sandy desert
terrain
Figure 1-6. Example of dune desert
terrain.
 Trafficability
► Roads and trails are rare in the open desert.
Complex road systems beyond simple commercial
links are not needed.
► Rudimentary trails are used by minor caravans and
nomadic tribesmen, with wells or oases
approximately every 20 to 40 miles; although
there are some waterless stretches which extend
over 100 miles.
► Vehicle travel in mountainous desert country may
be severely restricted.
 Natural Factors
► The following terrain features require special
considerations regarding trafficability:
► Wadis or dried water courses, vary from wide, but
barely perceptible depressions of soft sand, dotted
with bushes, to deep, steep-sided ravines.
► Wadis can provide cover from ground observation
and camouflage from visual air reconnaissance.
► The threat of flash floods after heavy rains poses a
significant danger to troops and equipment
downstream.
Figure 1-7. Example of a wadi.
 Man-made Factors
► The ruins of earlier civilizations, scattered across
the deserts of the world, often are sited along
important avenues of approach and frequently
dominate the only available passes in difficult
terrain.
► of these positions maybe imperative for any force
intending to dominate the immediate area.
► Currently occupied dwellings have little impact on
trafficability except that they are normally located
near roads and trails.
Figure 1-8. Example of desert
nomads.
Figure 1-9. Command man-made
desert structures.
 TEMPERATURE
► The highest known ambient temperature recorded
in a desert was 136 degrees Fahrenheit (58
degrees Celsius).
► Winter temperatures in Siberian deserts and in the
Gobi reach minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit (minus
45 degrees Celsius).
► Low temperatures are aggravated by very strong
winds producing high wind-chill factors.
► The cloudless sky of the desert permits the earth
to heat during sunlit hours, yet cool to near
freezing at night.
 WINDS
► Desert winds can achieve velocities of near
hurricane force; dust and sand suspended within
them make life intolerable, maintenance very
difficult, and restrict visibility to a few meters.
► Although there is no danger of a man being buried
alive by a sandstorm, individuals can become
separated from their units.
► In all deserts, rapid temperature changes
invariably follow strong winds. Even without wind,
the telltale clouds raised by wheels, tracks, and
marching troops give away movement.
 Winds cont.
► Wind aggravates the problem. As the day gets
warmer the wind increases and the dust
signatures of vehicles may drift downwind for
several hundred meters.
► In many deserts a prevailing wind blows steadily
from one cardinal direction for most of the year,
and eventually switches to another direction for
the remaining months.
► The equinoctial gales raise huge sandstorms that
rise to several thousand feet and may last for
several days. Gales and sandstorms in the winter
months can be bitterly cold.
 WATER
► The lack of water is the most important
single characteristic of the desert. The
population, if any, varies directly with local
water supply. A Sahara oasis may, for its
size, be one of the most densely occupied
places on earth (see Figure 1-12 for a
typical oasis).
Figure 1-12. Typical oasis.
 Water cont.
► Desert rainfall varies from one day in the year to
intermittent showers throughout the winter.
► Severe thunderstorms bring heavy rain, and
usually far too much rain falls far too quickly to
organize collection on a systematic basis. The
water soon soaks into the ground and may result
in flash floods.
► Whenever possible, as storms approach, vehicles
should move to rocky areas or high ground to
avoid flash floods and becoming mired.
 Water cont.
► Subsurface water may be so far below the
surface, or so limited, that wells are
normally inadequate to support any great
number of people. Because potable water is
absolutely vital, a large natural supply may
be both tactically and strategically
important. Destruction of a water supply
system may become a political rather than
military decision, because of its lasting
effects on the resident civilian population.
 Finding Water
► When there is no surface water, tap into the
earth's water table for ground water. Access
to this table and its supply of generally pure
water depends on the contour of the land
and the type of soil.
Figure 1-13. Water Tables.
 Finding water from Rocky Soil

► Look for springs and seepages. Limestone

has more and larger springs than any other
type rock. Because limestone is easily
dissolved, caverns are readily etched in it by
ground water. Look in these caverns for
springs.
► Lava rock is a good source of seeping
ground water because it is porous.
 Finding water from Rocky Soil
cont.
► Watch for water indicators in desert environments.
Some signs to look for are the direction in which
certain birds fly, the location of plants, and the
convergence of game trails.
► Look for these signs and dig. If you do not have a
bayonet or entrenching tool, dig with a flat rock or
sharp stick.

► Desert natives often know of lingering surface

pools in low places. They cover their surface pools,
so look under brush heaps or in sheltered nooks,
especially in semiarid and brush country.
 Finding water from Rocky Soil
cont.
► Places that are visibly damp, where animals have
scratched, or where flies hover, indicate recent
surface water. Dig in such places for water.
► Collect dew on clear nights by sponging it up with
a handkerchief. During a heavy dew you should be
able to collect about a pint an hour.
► Dig in dry stream beds because water may be
found under the gravel. When in snow fields, put
in a water container and place it in the sun out of
the wind.
 Water from plants.
► If unsuccessful in your search for ground or
runoff water, or if you do not have time to
purify the questionable water, a water-
yielding plant may be the best source. Clear
sap from many plants is easily obtained.
This sap is pure and is mostly water.
 Water from plants cont.
► Plant tissues. Many plants with fleshy
leaves or stems store drinkable water. Try
them wherever you find them.
► The barrel cactus of the southwestern
United States is a possible source of water.
► Use it only as a last resort and only if you
have the energy to cut through the tough,
spine-studded outer rind.
Figure 1-14. Barrel cactus as a
possible source of water.
 Water from plants cont.
► Roots of desert plants. Desert plants
often have their roots near the surface. The
Australian water tree, desert oak, and blood
wood are some examples. Pry these roots
out of the ground, cut them into 24-36 inch
lengths, remove the bark, and suck the
water.
 Water from plants cont.
► Vines. Not all vines yield palatable water, but try
any vine found. Use the following method for
tapping a vine--it will work on any species:
► Step 1. Cut a deep notch in the vine as high up as
you can reach.
► Step 2. Cut the vine off close to the ground and let
the water drip into your mouth or into a container.
► Step 3. When the water ceases to drip, cut
another section off the top. Repeat this until the
supply of fluid is exhausted.
 Water from plants cont.
► Palms. Burl, coconut, sugar and nipa palms
contain a drinkable sugary fluid. To start the
flow in coconut palm, bend the flower stalk
downward and cut off the top. If a thin slice
is cut off the stalk every 12 hours, you can
renew the flow and collect up to a quart a
day.
 Water from plants cont.
► Coconut. Select green coconuts. They can be
opened easily with a knife and they have more
milk than ripe coconuts. The juice of a ripe
coconut is extremely laxative; therefore, do not
drink more than three or four cups a day.
► The milk of a coconut can be obtained by piercing
two eyes of the coconut with a sharp object such
as a stick or a nail. To break off the outer fibrous
covering of the coconut without a knife, slam the
coconut forcefully on the point of a rock or
protruding stump.
 WILDLIFE
► Invertebrates such as ground-dwelling
spiders, scorpions, and centipedes, together
with insects of almost every type, are in the
desert.
► Drawn to man as a source of moisture or
food, lice, mites, and flies can be extremely
unpleasant and carry diseases such as scrub
typhus and dysentery.
 Scorpions
► Scorpions are prevalent in desert regions.
particularly active at night.
► Scorpions hide in clothing, boots, or
bedding, so troops should routinely shake
these items before using. Although scorpion
stings are rarely fatal, they can be painful.
► Scorpions are They prefer damp locations
and are easily recognizable by their crab-like
appearance, and by their long tail which
ends in a sharp stinger.
 Flies
► Fliesare abundant throughout desert
environments. Filth-borne disease is a major
health problem posed by flies. Dirt or
insects in the desert can cause infection in
minor cuts and scratches.
 Fleas
► Avoid all dogs and rats which are the major
carriers of fleas. Fleas are the primary
carriers of plague and murine typhus.
 Reptiles
► Reptilesare perhaps the most characteristic
group of desert animals. Lizards and snakes
occur in quantity, and crocodiles are
common in some desert rivers. Lizards are
normally harmless and can be ignored;
although exceptions occur in North America
and Saudi Arabia.
 Reptiles cont.
► Snakes, ranging from the totally harmless to the lethal,
abound in the desert. A bite from a poisonous snake under
two feet long can easily become infected. Snakes seek
shade (cool areas) under bushes, rocks, trees, and shrubs.
► These areas should be checked before sitting or resting.
Troops should always check clothing and boots before
putting them on.
► Vehicle operators should look for snakes when initially
conducting before-operations maintenance. Look for
snakes in and around suspension components and engine
compartments as snakes may seek the warm areas on
recently parked vehicles to avoid the cool night
temperatures.
 Sand Vipers:
► Sand vipers have two long and distinctive
fangs that may be covered with a curtain of
flesh or folded back into the mouth. Sand
vipers usually are aggressive and dangerous
in spite of their size.
► A sand viper usually buries itself in the sand
and may strike at a passing man; its
presence is alerted by a characteristic
coiling pattern left on the sand.
 Cobra’s
► The Egyptian cobra can be identified by its
characteristic cobra combative posture. In this
posture, the upper portion of the body is raised
vertically and the head tilted sharply forward. The
neck is usually flattened to form a hood.
► The Egyptian cobra is often found around rocky
places and ruins and is fairly common. The
distance the cobra can strike in a forward direction
is equal to the distance the head is raised above
the ground.
► Poking around in holes and rock piles is
particularly dangerous because of the likelihood of
encountering a cobra.
Figure 1-16. Sand viper and cobra
 Desert mammals
► Camels: The urine of the camel is very
concentrated to reduce water loss, allowing
it to lose 30 percent of its body weight
without undue distress.
► A proportionate loss would be fatal to man.
The camel regains this weight by drinking
up to 27 gallons (120 liters) of water at a
time. It cannot, however, live indefinitely
without water and will die of dehydration as
readily as man in equivalent circumstances.
 Desert mammals cont.
► Dogs: are often found near mess facilities and
tend to be in packs of 8 or 10. Dogs are carriers of
rabies and should be avoided. Commanders must
decide how to deal with packs of dogs;
extermination and avoidance are two options.
► Dogs also carry fleas which may be transferred
upon bodily contact. Rabies is present in most
desert mammal populations. Do not take any
chances of contracting fleas or rabies from any
animal by adopting pets.
► Rats: Rats are carriers of various parasites and
gastrointestinal diseases due to their presence in
unsanitary locations.
Time for a break?
 Section II. Environmental
Effects on Personnel
► There is no reason to fear the desert
environment, and it should not adversely
affect the morale of a soldier/marine who is
prepared for it. Lack of natural concealment
has been known to induce temporary
agoraphobia (fear of open spaces) in some
troops new to desert conditions, but this
fear normally disappears with
acclimatization.
 Environmental Effects on
Personnel cont.
► Remember that there is nothing unique
about either living or fighting in deserts;
native tribesmen have lived in the Sahara
for thousands of years.
► The desert is neutral, and affects both sides
equally; the side whose personnel are best
prepared for desert operations has a distinct
advantage.
Environmental Effects on Personnel
cont.
► The desert is fatiguing, both physically and
mentally. A high standard of discipline is
essential, as a single individual's lapse may
cause serious damage to his unit or to
himself. Commanders must exercise a high
level of leadership and train their
subordinate leaders to assume greater
responsibilities required by the wide
dispersion of units common in desert
warfare.
Environmental Effects on Personnel
cont.
► Every soldier/marine must clearly understand why
he is fighting in such harsh conditions and should
be kept informed of the operational situation.
► Welfare is an essential factor in the maintenance
of morale in a harsh environment, especially to the
inexperienced.
► Troops must be kept healthy and physically fit;
they must have adequate, palatable, regular food,
and be allowed periods of rest and sleep.
 HEAT
► The extreme heat of the desert can cause heat
exhaustion and heatstroke and puts troops at risk
of degraded performance. For optimum mental
and physical performance, body temperatures
must be maintained within narrow limits.
► Thus, it is important that the body lose the heat it
gains during work. The amount of heat
accumulation in the human body depends upon
the amount of physical activity, level of hydration,
and the state of personal heat acclimatization.
 HEAT cont.
► Unit leaders must monitor their troops carefully for
signs of heat distress and adjust schedules, work
rates, rest, and water consumption according to
conditions.
► If the body fluid lost through sweating is not
replaced, dehydration will follow. This will hamper
heat dissipation and can lead to heat illness. When
humidity is high, evaporation of sweat is inhibited
and there is a greater risk of dehydration or heat
stress. Consider the following to help prevent
dehydration:
 HEAT cont.
► Heat, wind, and dry air combine to produce a
higher individual water requirement, primarily
through loss of body water as sweat. Sweat rates
can be high even when the skin looks and feels
dry.
► Dehydration nullifies the benefits of heat
acclimatization and physical fitness, it
increases the susceptibility to heat injury,
reduces the capacity to work, and decreases
appetite and alertness. A lack of alertness
can indicate early stages of dehydration.
 HEAT cont.
► Thirst is not an adequate indicator of dehydration.
The soldier/marine will not sense when he is
dehydrated and will fail to replace body water
losses, even when drinking water is available. The
universal experience in the desert is that troops
exhibit "voluntary dehydration" that is, they
maintain their hydration status at about 2 percent
of body weight (1.5 quarts) below their ideal
hydration status without any sense of thirst.
► Chronic dehydration increases the incidence of
several medical problems: constipation (already an
issue in any field situation), piles (hemorrhoids),
kidney stones, and urinary infections. The
likelihood of these problems occurring can be
reduced by enforcing mandatory drinking
schedules.
 HEAT cont.

► Resting on hot sand will increase heat

stress--the more a body surface is in contact
with the sand, the greater the heat stress.
Ground or sand in full sun is hot, usually 30-
45 degrees hotter than the air, and may
reach 150 degrees Fahrenheit when the air
temperature is 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cooler sand is just inches below the surface;
a shaded trench will provide a cool resting
spot.
 HEAT cont.

► Atthe first evidence of heat illness, have

the troops stop work, get into shade, and
rehydrate. Early intervention is important.
Soldiers/ marines who are not taken care of
can become more serious casualties.
 ACCLIMATIZATION
► Acclimatization to heat is necessary to permit the
body to reach and maintain efficiency in its cooling
process.
► A period of approximately 2 weeks should be
allowed for acclimatization, with progressive
increases in heat exposure and physical exertion.
Significant acclimatization can be attained in 4-5
days, but full acclimatization takes 7-14 days, with
2-3 hours per day of exercise in the heat
 CLIMATIC STRESS
► Climatic stress on the human body in hot deserts
can be caused by any combination of air
temperature, humidity, air movement, and radiant
heat. The body is also adversely affected by such
factors as lack of acclimatization, being
overweight, dehydration, alcohol consumption,
lack of sleep, old age, and poor health.
► The body maintains its optimum temperature of
98.6 degrees Fahrenheit by
conduction/convection, radiation, and evaporation
(sweat). The most important of these in the
daytime desert is evaporation, as air temperature
alone is probably already above skin temperature.
 Radiant Light
► Radiant light comes from all directions. The sun's
rays, either direct or reflected off the ground,
affect the skin and can also produce eyestrain and
temporarily impaired vision. Not only does glare
damage the eyes but it is very tiring; therefore,
dark glasses or goggles should be worn.
► Overexposure to the sun can cause sunburn.
Persons with fair skin, freckled skin, ruddy
complexions, or red hair are more susceptible to
sunburn than others, but all personnel are
susceptible to some degree.
 Radiant Light cont.
► Sunburn is characterized by painful reddened skin,
and can result in blistering and lead to other forms
of heat illness.
► The sun is as dangerous on cloudy days as it is on
sunny days.
Sunburn ointment is not designed to give
complete protection against excessive exposure.
► Sunbathing or dozing in the desert sun can be
fatal.
 Wind
► The wind can be as physically demanding as the
heat, burning the face, arms, and any exposed
skin with blown sand. Sand gets into eyes, nose,
mouth, throat, lungs, ears, and hair, and reaches
every part of the body. Even speaking and
listening can be difficult.
► The combination of wind and dust or sand
can cause extreme irritation to mucous
membranes, chap the lips and other exposed skin
surfaces, and can cause nosebleed. Cracked,
chapped lips make eating difficult and cause
communication problems.
 Wind cont.
► When visibility is reduced by sandstorms to
the extent that military operations are
impossible, soldiers/marines should not be
allowed to leave their group for any purpose
unless secured by lines for recovery.

► Thefollowing are special considerations

when performing operations in dust or
sand:
 Wind cont.
► Contact lenses are very difficult to maintain in the dry
dusty environment of the desert and should not be worn
except by military personnel operating in air conditioned
environments, under command guidance.
► Mucous membranes can be protected by breathing
through a wet face cloth, snuffing small amounts
of water into nostrils (native water is not safe for
this purpose) or coating the nostrils with a small
amount of petroleum jelly. Lips should be
protected by lip balm.
► Moving vehicles create their own sandstorms and
troops traveling in open vehicles should be
protected.
 Wind cont.

► Scarves and bandannas can be used to

protect the head and face.
► The face should be washed as often as
possible. The eyelids should be cleaned
daily.
 WATER SUPPLY
► Maintaining safe, clean, water supplies is critical.
The best containers for small quantities of water
(5 gallons) are plastic water cans or coolers. Water
in plastic cans will be good for up to 72 hours;
storage in metal containers is safe only for 24
hours.
► Water trailers, if kept cool, will keep water fresh
up to five days. If the air temperature exceeds 100
degrees Fahrenheit, the water temperature must
be monitored. When the temperature exceeds 92
degrees Fahrenheit, the water should be changed,
as bacteria will multiply.
 WATER SUPPLY cont.
► If the water is not changed the water can become
a source of sickness, such as diarrhea. Ice in
containers keeps water cool.
► If ice is put in water trailers, the ice must be
removed prior to moving the trailer to prevent
damage to the inner lining of the trailer.
► Potable drinking water is the single most important
need in the desert. Ensure nonpotable water is
never mistaken for drinking water.
► Water that is not fit to drink but is not otherwise
dangerous (it may be merely oversalinated) may
be used to aid cooling. It can be used to wet
clothing, for example, so the body does not use
too much of its internal store of water.
 WATER SUPPLY cont.
► Use only government-issued water containers for
drinking water. Carry enough water on a vehicle to
last the crew until the next planned resupply. It is
wise to provide a small reserve. Carry water
containers in positions that-
► Prevent vibration by clamping them firmly to the
vehicle body.
► Are in the shade and benefit from an air draft.
► Are protected from puncture by shell splinters.
► Are easily dismounted in case of vehicle
evacuation.
 WATER SUPPLY cont.

► All unit leaders must understand the critical

importance of maintaining the proper
hydration status. Almost any contingency of
military operations will act to interfere with
the maintenance of hydration. Urine
provides the best indicator of proper
hydration. The following are considerations
for proper hydration during desert
operations:
 WATER SUPPLY cont.
► Water is the key to your health and survival. Drink
before you become thirsty and drink often, When
you become thirsty you will be about a "quart and
a half low".
► Carry as much water as possible when away from
approved sources of drinking water. Man can live
longer without food than without water.
► Drink before you work; carry water in your belly,
do not "save" it in your canteen. Learn to drink a
quart or more of water at one time and drink
frequently to replace sweat losses.
► Ensure troops have at least one canteen of water
in reserve, and know where and when water re-
supply will be available.
 WATER SUPPLY cont.
► Carbohydrate/electrolyte beverages (e.g., Gatorade) are
not required, and if used, should not be the only source of
water. They are too concentrated to be used alone. Many
athletes prefer to dilute these 1:1 with water. Gaseous
drinks, sodas, beer, and milk are not good substitutes for
water because of their dehydrating effects.
► If urine is more colored than diluted lemonade, or
the last urination cannot be remembered, there is
probably insufficient water intake. Collect urine
samples in field expedient containers and spot
check the color as a guide to ensuring proper
hydration. Very dark urine warns of dehydration.
Soldiers/marines should observe their own urine,
and use the buddy system to watch for signs of
dehydration in others.
 WATER SUPPLY cont.
► Diseases, especially diarrheal diseases, will
complicate and often prevent maintenance of
proper hydration.
► Salt, in correct proportions, is vital to the human
body; however, the more a man sweats, the more
salt he loses.
► Unacclimatized troops need additional salt during
their first few days of exposure and all
soldiers/marines need additional salt when
sweating heavily.
► Water must be tested before adding salt as some
sources are already saline, especially those close
to the sea.
 COLD
► The desert can be combine to produce dangerously cold.
The dry air, wind, and clear sky can bone-chilling
discomfort and even injury. The ability of the body to
maintain body temperature within a narrow range is as
important in the cold as in the heat.
► Hypothermia is the major threat from the cold in the
desert, but frostbite also occurs.
► Troops must have enough clothing and shelter to keep
warm.
► Troops maybe tempted to leave clothing and
equipment behind that seems unnecessary (and
burdensome) during the heat of the day.
 COLD cont.
► Some guidelines to follow when operating in the
cold are-
► Anticipate an increased risk of cold-wet injuries if a
proposed operation includes lowland or marshes.
Prolonged exposure of the feet in cold water
causes immersion foot injury, which is completely
disabling.
► Check the weather-know what conditions you will
be confronting. The daytime temperature is no
guide to the nighttime temperature; 90-degree-
Fahrenheit days can turn into 30-degree-
Fahrenheit nights.
 COLD cont.

► The effects of the wind on the perception of

cold is well known. Wind-chill charts
contained in FM 21-10 allow estimation of
the combined cooling power of air
temperature and wind speed compared to
the effects of an equally cooling still-air
temperature.
 CLOTHING
► Uniforms should be worn to protect against
sunlight and wind. Wear the uniform loosely. Use
hats, goggles, and sunscreen. Standard
lightweight clothing is suitable for desert
operations but should be camouflaged in desert
colors, not green.
► Wear a scarf or triangular bandanna loosely
around the neck (as a sweat rag) to protect the
face and neck during sandstorms against the sand
and the sun. In extremely hot and dry conditions a
wet sweat rag worn loosely around the neck will
assist in body cooling.
 CLOTHING cont.
► Combat boots wear out quickly in desert terrain,
especially if the terrain is rocky. The leather dries
out and cracks unless a nongreasy mixture such as
saddle soap is applied. Covering the ventilation
holes on jungle boots with glue or epoxies
prevents excessive sand from entering the boots.
► Change socks when they become wet. Prolonged
wear of wet socks can lead to foot injury. Although
dry desert air promotes evaporation of water from
exposed clothing and may actually promote
cooling, sweat tends to accumulate in boots.
 CLOTHING cont.
► Compared to the desert battle dress uniform
(DBDU) the relative impermeability of the
battle dress over garment (BDO) reduces
evaporative cooling capacity. Wearing
underwear and the complete DBDU, with
sleeves rolled down and under the chemical
protective garment, provides additional
protection against chemical poisoning.
However, this also increases the likelihood
of heat stress casualties.
 HYGIENE AND SANITATION
► Personal hygiene is absolutely critical to sustaining
physical fitness. Take every opportunity to wash.
Poor personal hygiene and lack of attention to
sitting of latrines cause more casualties than
actual combat.
► Hygiene and sanitation are covered in detail in FM
21-10.
 DESERT SICKNESS
► Diseases common to the desert include plague,
typhus, malaria, dengue fever, dysentery, cholera,
and typhoid. Diseases which adversely impact
hydration, such as those which include nausea,
vomiting, and diarrhea among their symptoms,
can act to dramatically increase the risk of heat
(and cold) illness or injury.
► Infectious diseases can result in a fever; this may
make it difficult to diagnose heat illness.
Occurrences of heat illness in troops suffering
from other diseases complicate recovery from both
ailments.
 DESERT SICKNESS cont.
► The following are additional health-related
considerations when operating in a desert
environment:
► The most common and significant diseases in deserts
include diarrheal and insect borne febrile (i.e., fever
causing) illnesses-both types of these diseases are
preventable.
► Most diarrheal diseases result from ingestion of water or
food contaminated with feces. Flies, mosquitoes, and other
insects carry fever-causing illnesses such as malaria, sand
fly fever, dengue (fever with severe pain in the joints),
typhus, and tick fevers.
► There are no safe natural water sources in the desert.
Standing water is usually infectious or too brackish to be
safe for consumption. Units and troops must always know
where and how to get safe drinking water.
 DESERT SICKNESS cont.
► Avoid brackish water (i.e., salty). It, like sea water,
increases thirst; it also dehydrates the
soldier/marine faster than were no water
consumed. Brackish water is common even in
public water supplies, Iodine tablets only kill
germs, they do not reduce brackishness.
► Water supplies with insufficient chlorine residuals,
native food and drink, and ice from all sources are
common sources of infective organisms.
Take a break.
Section III. Environmental
Effects on Equipment
 Environmental Effects on
Equipment
► Conditions in an arid environment can damage
military equipment and facilities. Temperatures
and dryness are major causes of equipment
failure, and wind action lifts and spreads sand and
dust, clogging and jamming anything that has
moving parts.
► Ten characteristics of the desert environment may
adversely affect equipment used in the desert:
 Environmental Effects on
Equipment cont.
► Terrain.
► Heat.
► Winds.
► Dust and sand.
► Humidity.
► Temperature variations.
► Thermal bending.
► Optical path bending.
► Static electricity.
► Radiant light.
► The relative importance of each characteristic varies from
desert to desert. Humidity, for example, can be discounted
in most deserts but is important in the Persian Gulf.
 TERRAIN
► Terrain varies from nearly flat, with high trafficability, to
lava beds and salt marshes with little or no trafficability.
Drivers must be well trained in judging terrain over which
they are driving so they can select the best method of
overcoming the varying conditions they will encounter.
► Wheel vehicles may be acceptable as they can go many
places that track vehicles can go; however, their lower
speed average in poor terrain maybe unacceptable during
some operations.
► Vehicles should be equipped with extra fan belts, tires,
(and other items apt to malfunction), tow ropes (if not
equipped with a winch), extra water cans, and desert
camouflage nets. Air-recognition panels, signal mirrors,
and a tarpaulin for crew sun protection are very useful.
 TERRAIN cont.
► Operators must be fully trained in operating and
maintaining their equipment. Some types of
terrain can have a severe effect on suspension and
transmission systems, especially those of wheel
vehicles.
► Increase the unit PLL of tires and tracks as sand
temperatures of 165 degrees Fahrenheit are
extremely detrimental to rubber, and weaken
resistance to sharp rocks and plant spines.
 HEAT
► Vehicle coding and lubrication systems are
interdependent. A malfunction by one will rapidly
place the other system under severe strain. In
temperature extremes, all types of engines are apt
to operate above optimum temperatures, leading
to excessive wear, or leaking oil seals in the power
packs, and ultimately, engine failure. Commanders
should be aware which types of vehicles are prone
to excessive overheating, and ensure extra care is
applied to their maintenance.
 HEAT cont.
► Ammunition must be out of direct heat and
sunlight. Use camouflage nets and tarpaulins to
provide cover. Ammunition cool enough to be held
by bare hands is safe to fire.
► Radiators require special attention. Proper cooling-
system operation is critical in high-temperature
environments. Check cooling systems for
serviceability prior to deployment. Local water
maybe high in mineral content which will calcify in
cooling systems. Distilled water is better since tap
water contains chemicals that will form a crusty
coating inside the radiator and will ultimately clog
it.
 HEAT cont.
► The major problem with radios in a desert
environment is overheating. The following steps
can help prevent overheating of radios:
► Keep radios out of direct sunlight.
► Place a piece of wood on top of the radio. Leaving
space between the wood and the top of the radio
will help cool the equipment. Operating on low
power whenever possible will also help.
► Place wet rags on top of radios to help keep them
cool and operational. Do not cover the vents.
 WINDS
► Desert winds, by their velocity alone, can be
very destructive to large and relatively light
materiel such as aircraft, tentage, and
antenna systems. To minimize the possibility
of wind damage, materiel should be sited to
benefit from wind protection and should be
firmly picketed to the ground.
 DUST AND SAND
► Keeping sand out of maintenance areas is critical
due to the strong possibility of sand or dust
entering the cylinders or other moving parts when
the equipment is stripped. Baggies, cloth, or
plastic can be used to protect open or
disassembled components from blowing sand and
dust.
► Dust and sand can easily cause failure of such
items as radio and signal distribution panels, and
circuit breakers, and cause small electrical motors
to burn out.
 DUST AND SAND cont.
► Radio is the primary means of communications in the
desert. It can be employed effectively in desert climates
and terrain to provide the reliable communications
demanded by widely dispersed forces. However, desert
terrain provides poor electrical ground, and a counterpoise
(an artificial ground) is needed to improve the range of
certain antennas.
► Some receiver-transmitters have ventilating ports and
channels that can get clogged with dust. These must be
checked regularly and kept clean to prevent overheating.
► Mobile subscriber equipment may require the deployment
of additional radio access units (RAU) AN/VRC-191. These
assemblages are the primary link for the mobile subscriber
radio telephone terminal (MSRT) AN/VRC-97s which are
located down to battalion level. The normal operating
range of the receiver-transmitter used with these radios
may only be 10 kilometers in the desert.
 DUST AND SAND cont.
► Dust and sand adversely affect the performance of
weapons. Weapons may jam or missiles lock on
launching rails due to sand and dust accumulation.
► Sand- or dust-clogged barrels lead to in-bore
detonations. Daily supervised cleaning of weapons
is essential.
► Particular attention should be given to magazines
which are often clogged, interrupting the feeding
of weapons.
► Paintbrushes are among the most useful tools to
bring to the desert; they are extremely effective in
cleaning weapons and optics.
 DUST AND SAND cont.
► Take precautions to prevent exposure of
floppy disks and computers to dust or sand.
Covering them in plastic bags is a technique
that has worked for several different units.
► Compressed air cans, locally purchased from
computer vendors, will facilitate the
cleaning of keyboards and other
components of computer systems.
 HUMIDITY

► Some deserts are humid. Where this is the case,

humidity plus heat encourages rust on bare metal
and mold in enclosed spaces such as optics. Bare
metal surfaces on equipment not required for
immediate use must be kept clean and very lightly
lubricated.
 TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS
► In deserts with relatively high-dew levels and high
humidity, overnight condensation can occur
wherever surfaces (such as metal exposed to air)
are cooler than the air temperature. Condensation
can affect such items as optics, fuel lines, and air
tanks. Drain fuel lines both at night and in the
morning (whenever necessary). Clean optics and
weapons frequently. Weapons, even if not
lubricated, accumulate sand and dirt due to
condensation.
 STATIC ELECTRICITY
► Static electricity is prevalent and poses a danger in the
desert. It is caused by atmospheric conditions coupled with
an inability to ground out due to dryness of the terrain. It
is particularly prevalent with aircraft or vehicles having no
conductor contact with the soil.
► The difference of electrical potential between separate
materials may cause an electrical discharge between them
when contact is made, and if flammable gases are present,
they may explode and cause a fire. Poor grounding
conditions aggravate the problem.
► Be sure to tape all sharp edges (tips) of antennas to
reduce wind-caused static electricity. If you are operating
from a fixed position, ensure that equipment is properly
grounded.
 STATIC ELECTRICITY cont.
► Establish a metal circuit between fuel tankers and
vehicles before and during refueling. Ensure the
fuel tankers and vehicles are grounded (for
example, by a cable and picket or by a crowbar).
Grounding of vehicles and equipment should be
accomplished in accordance with appropriate
operations manuals.
► Static electricity will also ruin circuit boards and
other electronic equipment.
 RADIANT LIGHT
► Radiant light may be detrimental to plastics,
lubricants, pressurized gases, some chemicals, and
infrared tracking and guidance systems. Items like
CO² fire extinguishers, M13 decontamination and
reimpregnating kits, and Stinger missiles must be
kept out of constant direct sunlight. Optics have
been known to discolor under direct sunlight
(although this is unusual), so it is wise to minimize
their exposure to the sun's rays.
End of the presentation.