Can you help give a few pointers on how our military workers can keep cool and warm?

Question

mine is freeze water in plastic soda bottles and wear it in the front pockets.

Answer 1

All the cooling tips are great, but Under Armor is a no go because they've been using (without going into too much detail) stuff in the IEDs that causes it to melt onto your body. Even if you don't catch on fire yourself, the heat from it will fuse the shirt to your skin and they have to surgically remove it. Anything other than cotton T shirts, Issued uniforms or nomex flight suits is prohibited by I MEF Fwd, and if your loved one is in a job where they have to leave the wire, advise them not to wear that trash. I never thought we'd get hit, but we did and I'm just glad to be here still. and try to get word to those of you at home on what would work and what won't .

Answer 2

Hydration hydration hydration! Nothing is worse on a hot day in you IBA than being dehydrated (except an IED or something).

True, the Under-Armor shirts do a better job at keeping you cool, but they work much better in a tropical environment. When put in an arid climate, these materials are somewhat uncomfortable. Nothing beats cotton. If you sweat too much, bring a spare undershirt.

To comment on an answer above, the BDU/ACU uniform is built like it is for a reason. Removing the top is not a good idea. The top is great for protecting the soldier from the elements. In fact, in the hot desert, layers of breathable clothing is better than taking it off. The sleeves are made so that they can be loosened to allow air flow. This will in turn cool the soldier.

If it's warmth you want, a healthy combination of Gor-Tex, Poly-Pros, and exercise will almost always do the trick.

Answer 3

Hi Lois. One of the best tips I ever received on keeping cool came from a construction worker in the desert of Az. Take a bandana, run cold water on it until soaked, squeeze it just enough that it won't drip everywhere & tie or wrap it around your neck. Your main artery is in your neck when it's cool the rest of your body is comfortable. It's amazing the difference it makes.

To keep warm (deserts get cold at night) wear a black T shirt under your cap. Cotton keeps you from sweating as bad, black holds in heat & layers keep you warmer. You lose something like 90% of your body heat through your head.

Your idea on keeping cool is alright but unless the pocket is near a major artery & the pants thick you risk freezer burn on the skin. So wrist, head & ankle bands done like the bandanna are best & can be quickly refreshed.

Answer 4

We don't, we just simply cope with the conditions, and if you don't hydrate properly you pass out or die. Sucks, but thats the way it is. Warmness isn't really an issue cause we're all issued some pretty high speed cloths, poly-pro's, gortext pants and jackets, ect and you can always put more clothes on. The heat is what sucks, especially when you gotta wear all that gear. The most important thing is to drink water.

Answer 5

I wish the government would issue some light-weight camous, or allow them to wear only their BDU issued T-shirts... those full BDUs in 80+ degree heat... or 140 degrees in Iraq is absolutely ridiculous! I always feel bad for 'em. I'm a military spouse stationed in Okinawa, Japan (HOT, HOT SUMMERS), and I was at the beach during a 90 degree day a couple weeks ago and I watched 2 men in full BDUs crossing the sand... I was just thinking how extrememly hot I was in my swim suit!

Anyways - no suggestions but it sounds like you've got a great idea!

Answer 6

A lot has to do with clothing. Where lightweight materials. Apparel like Under Armour is making leaps and bounds.

They do make things like cold packs for body Armour but relief is only temporary from the heat.

Soldiers have enough weight as it is and I think you will find most would rather be warm vs the added weight of carrying ice only to have it melt and make their clothes heavier.

Most importantly hydrate. Camel packs are becoming more common on soldiers. Properly hydrated body makes the body function more efficiently.

Answer 7

Keep a wet towel around the back of the neck will help cool you down some, but it is so hot there and I don't know the military guidelines are when it comes to this.

Answer 8

There are companies that make apparel to wear under clothing and body armor. Its called Cool-wik. They are kind of like a fine mesh t-shirt. They are designed to allow better airflow across the skin. I used to wear them under my BDUs and they did help. As for staying warmer, I swear by my poly-pros. Polypropelene is a dense material that acts like longjohns, but they are not as bulky and don't hamper movement.

Answer 9

Supervisors carefully monitor conditions and ensure adequate amounts of water are consumed during hot periods, and to layer clothing when cold. Often what to wear is dictated based on weather as is amounts of fluid as well as adequate rest periods.

Answer 10

There are neck coolers that can be purchased or you can even make them. They work well. I have horses and use them when I ride or am working on fences. A friend of mine does a lot of hiking and swears by them.

Hope this helps.