APPENDIX B
COLD WEATHER DEPLOYMENT TIPS
B-1. Prevention categories
Preventing cold weather injuries depends on several factors, including prior cold weather experience; proper use of clothing, equipment, and supplies; and appropriate planning for all operational scenarios. In addition to implementing these measures, soldiers must be carefully observed for signs of distress in the cold and monitored for development of peripheral cold injuries and hypothermia. Clothing, shelter, nutrition, and rest/work cycles must be adjusted according to observations.
B-2. Weak link rule
When the first cold casualty occurs, assess the status of the whole unit.
B-3. Prior cold weather experience
a. Classroom training is not sufficient preparation for cold weather deployment; soldiers must learn to work in the cold before deployment to cold regions.
b. Training exercises in cold weather must initially be conducted for short periods under very controlled conditions, and progressively increase in duration and intensity to several days of mission-related tasks under supervision.
c. Training sessions are to be designed to provide practical experience under cold conditions in: proper use of cold weather clothing during both work and rest periods; efficient shelter construction (with external heat source); meal preparation; and use of other mission-related equipment which may function differently in the cold. Soldiers must be able to complete these tasks efficiently even when cold and fatigued.
(l) Soldiers with prior cold weather experience will dress effectively to avoid overheating and excessive cooling, be more efficient at conducting tasks in the cold, and have a better understanding of their own performance in the cold.
(2) Leadership will gain a better understanding of the capabilities of the unit and the function of equipment in the cold.
B-4. Clothing, equipment, and supplies
a. Soldiers must have access to the proper cold weather clothing, including items such as balaclavas, gaiters and goggles.
b. Layering principles must be followed for the clothing to be effective. This requires training and experience. Clothing must be kept clean and dry. Several changes of socks are necessary to keep feet dry and reduce the risk of trench foot.
c. Equipment and supplies used in cold weather must be tested