This document provides recommendations for minimizing heat load on soldiers during training events. It suggests doubling spacing between soldiers, providing shade whenever possible, and having overhead shelters and immersion cooling stations. High heat load events should start and finish before very hot weather, and events in very hot weather should have more breaks, shorter distances, lighter loads, and occur in cooler morning or evening times. Notes provide guidance on cleaning water troughs and avoiding marching through field showers. A table also lists water temperatures and the corresponding cooling times needed.

1. 4. Implement Controls: Minimizing Heat Load
• Change events:
• Avoid strenuous, back-to-back events.
• Double space formations (60” between each Soldier).
• Shade Soldiers whenever possible.
• Overhead shelters in training areas.
• Arm immersion cooling stations to reduce heat load.
• Cool showers in barracks at day’s end.
• Schedule high-heat load events (like Victory Road
Marches) so that they start and finish prior to the onset
of Category 4 weather.
• Modify events in Category 4-5 weather:
> Increase breaks; Synchronize rest breaks for timed
events.
> Shorten distance/adjust pace.
> Adjust uniform.
> Decrease load (remove backpacks, body armor,
equipment, helmets, decrease weight, etc.).
> Train during cool (early am or night) temperatures.
NOTE 1: A capful of bleach may be added to
each water trough to ensure water is clean.
Note 2: Marching Soldiers through field showers
is not recommended due to leg and foot
abrasions from marching in wet clothing.
Water Temp and Cooling Times
Temperature Cooling Time
> 80 F Replace water
71-80 F 12-15 minutes
55-70 F 8-12 minutes
45-54 F 5-8 minutes
35-44 F 3-5 minutes