GTA 08-05-062 Healt h t h reat information and countermeasures

Army Guide

to Deployment 

Health Anyone who participates in any type of 

military operation should keep and refer 

to this pamphlet.
PREPARING TO DEPLOY

Pre-Deployment Medical Requirements and 

Screenings:

` Ensure possession of medical warning tags, eyeglasses, 

mask inserts, and hearing protection.

` Obtain a 180-day supply of prescription and other 

medications or enough for the duration of deployment, 

whichever is less (amount required may vary – confirm 

individual requirements with a health care provider, medical 

authority or Operations orders (OPORD)). 

` Receive all directed immunizations; initiate malaria 

chemoprophylaxis as directed.

` Complete all necessary forms, including DD Form 2795 and 

annual Periodic Health Assessment (PHA).

` Schedule initial visits and follow-up appointments with 

necessary medical personnel.

` Active Component personnel should complete a PreDeployment Medical Health Assessment (DD Form 2795) if 

required.

Refer to DA Form 7425, AR 40-501, MOD 10 to CENTCOM, 

the Department of the Army Personnel Policy Guidance, and 

http://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/197th/CRC/ for more 

complete information.

Clothing/Gear/Personal Hygiene items:

` Ensure uniforms, chemical protective clothing, protective 

masks (with lenses as needed) and other gear are in good 

condition and fit properly.

` Practice putting on/removing clothing, masks, and gear. 

Ensure clothing items and hair, do not interfere with proper 

wear.

` Soldiers can field treat their ACU’s** with insect repellent 

using standard military clothing repellent products: 

permethrin aerosol spray (must reapply after sixth wash) 

or IDA kit (preferred and good for life of uniform). Mark 

treatment date on the uniform.

` Treat bed nets with permethrin aerosol spray.

**Soldiers cannot treat their Flame Resistant Army Combat 

Uniforms (FRACU’s) or Nomex ACU’s with permethrin in the 

field. 

2 / Army Guide to Deployment Health
PREPARING TO DEPLOY 

Recommended/Additional Packing items: ` Cotton underwear (10 changes). ` Sun block (SPF 30 or higher), lip balm, unscented 

lotion, insect repellent.

` Birth control supplies (condoms, birth control 

pills - if using birth control pills, then continue as 

prescribed).

`Alcohol-based hand cleaner. 

`Anti-fungal foot powder, cream, and lotion (for relief 

of athlete’s foot and jock itch). 

` Toothbrushes (2) with vented cover, fluoridated 

toothpaste, dental floss.

` Yeast infection medication (two courses of vaginal 

treatment). 

`Feminine hygiene products (unscented tampons, 

sanitary napkins, panty liners; menstrual cramp 

pain reliever).

`Other medications or personal hygiene items (i.e., 

nail files, nail clippers, tweezers, band-aids). 

`Note: your preferred types of personal hygiene 

items may not be available at all locations. Obtain a 

180-day supply or enough for the entire operation.

Army Guide to Deployment Health / 3 
4 / Army Guide to Deployment Health

DURING DEPLOYMENT

Operational Safety 

In addition to understanding and applying routine safety 

procedures, use common sense during occupational and 

recreational activities to prevent accidental injury.

` Do not sleep under or between vehicles.

` Do not jump off of vehicles. Use hand holds and steps to 

climb down.

` Always use proper lifting techniques (lift with your legs, 

not your back). If a task is too hard, or a load too heavy or 

awkward to lift, then ask for help.

` Wear eye protection and respirators when needed.

` Wear hearing protection when exposed to loud noise.

` Wear safety equipment (eye and mouth protection) during 

recreational activities.

Hot Weather 

To avoid heat injuries:

` Drink water and maintain good nutrition to replace salt and 

minerals lost through sweating. Urine color should be no 

darker than light yellow.

` Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose fitting clothing.

` Protect yourself from exposure to sunlight and wind: work 

and rest in the shade when possible, construct shades/

windscreens and wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

` Follow Work-Rest/Water Consumption Table on page 13.

` Heat storke is deadly. Seek immediate medical attention if 

you or your buddy becomes confused, dizzy, or has stopped 

sweating while working in the heat.

Cold Weather 

To avoid cold injuries:

` Maintain good nutrition and drink plenty of fluids. 

` Remain inside well ventilated warming tents and drink warm 

liquids when possible.

` Use the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System 

(ECWCS): layer clothing, wear headgear to avoid heat 

loss from uncovered head, and wear polypropylene long 

underwear.

` Keep moving! If unable to walk or exercise vigorously, then 

keep hands and feet warm by frequently moving fingers 

and toes.

` If working outside or on guard duty, then insulate yourself 

from the ground with tree boughs or sleeping mats. Avoid 

the wind or construct windscreens to reduce heat loss. 

Watch for shivering.

` Seek immediate medical attention for loss of sensitivity 

in any body part.

Refer to the Wind Chill Temperature Table on page 14.
Army Guide to Deployment Health / 5 

High Altitude 

` Operations at 1,800 meters (6,000 feet) can impact unit 

and individual effectiveness. Signs of altitude illness include 

headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, 

and coughing.

Acclimatization:

` Staged ascent: Ascend to moderate altitude (1,200 - 

2,400m) and remain there for 4 days or more before 

ascending higher. When possible, Soldiers should 

stop at several altitudes to allow a greater degree of 

acclimatization.

` Graded ascent: Slow ascents allow partial acclimatization. 

Spend one or two nights at moderate altitude (1,200 - 

2,400m). At altitudes above 2,400m, sleep no more than 

300m above the previous night’s sleeping altitude.

Treatment: 

` The preferred method to treat any altitude illness is to 

evacuate the individual to a lower altitude. See GTA

08-05-060, A Soldier’s Guide to Staying Healthy at High 

Elevations, for more information.

Refer to the Elevation Measurements Table on page 15.

Personal Protective Measures

Basic Personal Protective Measures (PPMs) and good 

personal hygiene can significantly reduce personal discomfort, 

the chance of becoming pregnant, and the threat of getting and 

spreading infectious diseases (meningitis, flu, tuberculosis, 

colds) and sexually transmitted diseases (HIV, chlamydia, 

herpes).

USAPHC Technical Guide 281 - Guide to Female Soldier 

Readiness addresses the unique healthcare and environmental 

situations female Soldiers encounter to help ensure readiness 

and good health before, during, and after deployment.

Basic PPMs and personal hygiene include: 

` Clean hands thoroughly before touching your face, eating, 

and after using the latrine. Use alcohol-based hand cleaner 

if soap and water are not available.

` Wear clean, well fitting underwear (preferably cotton). 

Change underwear at least once daily; women using 

panty-liners should change them often, especially during 

menstrual cycles (liners are not a substitute for clean 

underwear).

` Use unscented health care products (soaps, deodorants). 

Scented products may cause skin irritation and attract biting 

and stinging insects.

` Trim your fingernails and toenails regularly.

` Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day.

DURING DEPLOYMENT
6 / Army Guide to Deployment Health

` Dry thoroughly after showering.

` Keep feet dry and use anti-fungal powder to avoid trench 

foot and athlete’s foot.

` Wear clean, dry uniforms; change socks at least once daily.

` Seek medical care for sores, discharge, swelling, or lumps 

in the vaginal area or on the penis; painful, uncomfortable or 

burning urination; lower abdominal pain, or menstrual cycle 

with heavy bleeding or lasting longer than 10 days.

` Avoid overcrowding in living areas – allow at least 72 

square feet of floor space per person when sleeping. 

Ensure good ventilation, sleep head-to-toe in staggered 

bunks.

` Cough and sneeze into your sleeve.

` Visit a healthcare provider or go to sick call if you 

experience flu-like symptoms or nausea, vomiting, or 

diarrhea.

` Dispose of trash, garbage, and human waste (Reference 

Field Sanitation Team guidance in FM 21-10).

Sexual Activity

Commanders may prohibit sexual activity during military 

operations to maintain good order and discipline, and to avoid 

sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and pregnancy.

` The best choice is to avoid sexual activity. 

` Always use condoms during sex, regardless of other 

measures you choose. Condoms reduce the risk of STDs 

and pregnancy.

` Do not reuse condoms – use a new condom during each 

sexual encounter. 

` Use an effective method of birth control every time. For 

example: the pill, birth control patch, birth control vaginal 

ring, diaphragm, condom, IUD.

Nutrition Guidelines

Good nutrition is a combat multiplier. Consuming adequate 

food and fluids each day is important to maximize physical 

and mental performance. They will provide you with energy to 

keep you alert for the long hours, strenuous work, and extreme 

environmental conditions you may encounter. Poor nutrition in 

extreme conditions (hot, cold, high altitude) can lead to fatigue, 

rapid weight loss, injury, illness, and dehydration.

` To get a balance of nutrients eat some of everything served 

by field kitchens or in your field ration.

` Eat whenever you have the chance, even when you don’t 

feel like it. Aim for 3 meals a day and plan for snacks. Avoid 

skipping meals and dieting.

` Drink fluids frequently, even when you are not thirsty. 

Monitor the color of your urine and watch for signs of 

dehydration.
Army Guide to Deployment Health / 7 

Vector-borne Disease Guidelines

In nearly all parts of the world, all year long, arthropods 

(insects, ticks, and mites) that can transmit diseases exist. 

Take the following measures to reduce the risk of diseases 

transmitted by biting arthropods, including mosquitoes 

(dengue, malaria, viral encephalitis), sand flies (sand fly fever, 

leishmaniasis), and ticks (Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain 

spotted fever, human ehrlichioses).

` Use the DOD Insect Repellent System to prevent bites from 

insects. This System combines the use of DOD-approved 

insect repellents for skin and clothing with properly worn 

uniforms.

` Minimize exposure to insects: wear your uniform with the 

sleeves down, wrist openings secured, and collar closed; 

tuck the pant leg into the boot or into the sock; wear uniform 

loosely, with an undershirt.

` Apply DEET in a thin layer over the forearms, upper arms, 

face, neck, ears, and other exposed areas. Do not apply to 

the eyes and lips, or to sensitive or damaged skin.

` Permethrin is for use on clothing and bed nets only. Do not 

apply permethrin directly to skin.

` Sleep or rest under a bed net treated with permethrin. Set 

up the bed net so that it does not touch the sleeping person. 

Always leave the bed net tucked under the mattress or 

sleeping bag. 

` Avoid contact with animals (alive or dead).

` Perform routine “buddy-checks” for ticks.

` Take malaria prevention medicine as directed. 

**Please note: Soldiers cannot treat their Flame Resistant Army 

Combat Uniforms (FR ACUs) or Nomex ACUs with permethrin 

in the field. Since 2010, deploying Soldiers are issued 

FR ACU-Ps (uniforms that have been factory treated with 

permethrin). If unsure of the uniform type, check the Use and 

Care Label on the inside of the garment.

Permethrin 

on 

Uniform

DEET on 

Exposed 

Skin

Properly 

Worn 

Uniform

Permethrin 

Treated 

Bed Net

Anti-Malarial 

Medication

as 

Prescribed

+ + + +
8 / Army Guide to Deployment Health

Hazardous Animals and Plants

Stay clear of buildings infested with rodents. Do not tolerate 

rodents in the unit area. Nesting and feeding rodents can 

contaminate food and they can spread serious life-threatening 

diseases such as Hantavirus or plague. 

` Do not allow trash or garbage to accumulate in unit areas.

` Seal openings 1/4-inch (the width of a pencil) or greater to 

prevent rodents from entering buildings.

` Do NOT inhale dust when clearing or cleaning unused 

areas (before sweeping, mist areas with water or, 

preferably, a disinfectant solution of 3 ounces of liquid 

bleach per gallon of water).

` Promptly remove dead rodents from the area (use 

disposable gloves or plastic bags over the hands when 

handling any dead animal, and place the dead animal in a 

plastic bag prior to disposal).

` Seek immediate medical attention if bitten or scratched 

by a rodent or other animal, or if you experience difficulty 

breathing or flu-like symptoms.

Animals and Plants

Animals can transmit rabies and other diseases.

` Avoid contact with all animals (dead or alive).

` Some snakes, spiders and other arthropods (including 

scorpions, centipedes, ants, bees, caterpillars, and wasps) 

have potentially dangerous venoms. 

` Assume that any snake you encounter is venomous and do 

not handle. 

` Seek immediate medical attention if bitten or stung by any 

animal or insect; untreated snakebites may cause serious 

illness or death within one hour.

` Some plants have thorns, stinging hairs, or toxic resins that 

may puncture the skin or cause skin irritation, rashes or 

infections. 

` Discourage pests by promptly and properly disposing of 

trash. 

` Do not eat or store food in living areas.

` Do not keep animal mascots or pets.

` Avoid sleeping on the ground. 

` Shake out boots, bedding, and clothing before use, and 

never walk barefoot. 

` Clean your skin and clothing with soap and water after 

contact with animals or harmful plants.
Foodborne and Waterborne Disease

DO NOT CONSUME UNAPPROVED FOOD, WATER, OR ICE

Food

Consuming food from unapproved sources or food items that 

have been improperly stored, prepared, held, or served can 

result in life-threatening illness. Reduce the risk of diarrhea, 

hepatitis A and E, and other illnesses by following basic 

personal protective measures:

` Only consume food, water and ice from U.S. militaryapproved sources.

` Avoid high-risk food (fresh eggs, unpasteurized dairy 

products, fruits/vegetables grown on or in the ground, 

uncooked vegetables, raw or undercooked meats).

` If non-approved foods must be consumed, then choose low 

risk foods like baked goods (bread), fruit grown on trees 

with thick peels (wash thoroughly with safe water before 

consuming), or boiled food (rice, vegetables).

` Wash your hands before handling food. If soap and water 

are not available, then use an alcohol-based hand cleaner. 

Army Guide to Deployment Health / 9 
10 / Army Guide to Deployment Health

Water

Water and ice may carry disease-causing organisms. 

Preventive medicine or veterinary personnel must inspect and 

approve ALL water supplies (water used for drinking, cooking, 

personal hygiene, and ice) before use. 

` IN AN EXTREME EMERGENCY SITUATION if you must 

use non-approved water (untreated lakes, rivers, streams, 

or questionable OCONUS municipal water supplies), then 

disinfect following one of the approved methods: 

` Use calcium hypochlorite at 2.0 parts per million (ppm) 

measured after 30 minutes contact time and optimally 

1.0 ppm chlorine residual at point of consumption. 

` Use Chlor-FlocTM or iodine tablets (follow label 

instructions). 

` Boil water (full boil) for 1-2 minutes (3 minutes at 

altitudes greater than 2000 meters or 6560 feet). Allow 

to cool and store in covered container. If the water 

appears cloudy, filter it through a clean cloth prior to 

boiling.

` Add two to four drops of ordinary household chlorine 

bleach (5-7%) per quart of water and wait 30 minutes 

before drinking.

` Only drink bottled water that has been approved by 

preventive medicine or veterinary personnel. Inspect all 

bottled water before drinking (using bottled water does not 

guarantee purity). Bottled water supplies should be obtained 

from Army-approved bottling facilities.

` NOTE: Bottled water does not generally contain a 

disinfecting residual. Opened bottles should be consumed 

at the time of opening and not held or stored for later 

consumption.

` If possible, store bottled water in a cool, dry facility. Avoid 

storing bottled water in direct sunlight. Use on a first into 

storage, first out for consumption protocol.

` Follow shelf-life guidelines. Most bottled water 

manufacturers now use date stamps. If stored properly, 

bottled waters generally have a 1-year shelf life.

Note: Canals, lakes, rivers, and streams may be contaminated 

with industrial chemicals/wastes, sewage, or animal wastes. 

Avoid unnecessary bathing, swimming or wading. If tactical 

situations require entering water, then cover all exposed skin 

and wear boots or shoes to avoid unnecessary contact with 

water. After exposure, dry vigorously and change clothing. 

Preventive medicine should conduct a sanitary survey of any 

natural bodies of water designated for swimming to ensure 

there are no wastewater sources impacting the water quality.
Army Guide to Deployment Health / 11 

Hearing Protection

You must use properly fitted hearing protection during military 

operations. Exposure to high-intensity noise, especially 

weapons fire, can cause permanent hearing loss. Good hearing 

is essential to mission success. The Combat Arms Earplug 

(CAE) protects you from the impulse noise from weapons fire 

and also allows clear communications and detection of missionrelated sounds, such as footsteps, when impulse noise is not 

present. Noise muffs and pre-formed or foam earplugs are also 

very effective at preventing noise-induced hearing loss, but they 

do not preserve your ability to maintain situational awareness in 

a tactical environment.

Oral Health

The risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases during 

deployments. High amounts of starch and sugar in rations and 

limited opportunity to brush make it difficult to maintain good 

oral health.

` Floss once a day. Brush twice a day with fluoride 

toothpaste. In difficult tactical environments brush or wipe 

teeth with a cloth at least once a day.

` You can brush without running water. Apply toothpaste to 

the dry toothbrush and brush all of your teeth.

` DO NOT rinse, eat or drink for 30 minutes after brushing. 

Spit several times to remove excess toothpaste.

` Limit consumption of sugary snacks or drinks to meal times. 

If you cannot brush your teeth after having sugary snacks or 

drinks, then rinse your mouth with water.

` Chew xylitol gum (included in MREs) 3-5 times a day, after 

meals or snacks.

` Avoid tobacco (tobacco causes gum disease, tooth decay, 

and oral cancer).

` When working outside, use lip balm with sunscreen (SPF 30 

or higher).
12 / Army Guide to Deployment Health

Stress

Deployment is stressful. Any Soldier can run into rough times. 

Common Combat Operational Stress Reactions include: 

anxiety, irritability, inability to focus or remember details, change 

in behavior, change in appetite, change in sleep patterns, 

feelings of despair, inability to sleep, jumpiness, cold sweats, 

and a lack 

of energy.

Certain actions can help you cope with combat stress:

` Drink plenty of fluids, maintain good nutrition, and stay 

physically fit.

` Sleep at least 7-8 hours during each 24 hour period, if 

possible.

` Learn effective relaxation techniques like playing cards or 

sports, keeping a diary, taking slow deep breaths, reading a 

book, or hanging out with friends.

` If things are out of control, talk to your immediate supervisor, 

unit leaders, Chaplain, medical care providers, mental health 

officers, or specialists in the Combat Stress Control teams.

` If you are worried that your battle buddy is thinking about 

committing suicide or hurting himself or herself, then act 

immediately! 

` ASK your battle buddy: “Are you thinking about killing 

yourself or someone else?”

` CARE for your battle buddy: Actively listening may 

produce relief from the pain. Calmly control the situation. Do 

not 

use force.

` ESCORT your buddy immediately to your chain of 

command, a Chaplain, a behavioral health professional, or 

a primary care provider. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR BUDDY 

ALONE.

` Get help immediately! A suicidal person needs 

immediate attention.
Army Guide to Deployment Health / 13 

Fluid Replacement and Work/Rest Guide

Heat 

Cat

WBGT Index, oF

Easy Work Moderate Work Hard Work

Work/Rest

(min)

Water Intake

(Qt/H)

Work/Rest

(min)

Water Intake

(Qt/H)

Work/Rest

(min)

Water Intake

(Qt/H)

1 78o - 81.9o NL 1⁄2 NL 3⁄4 40/20 3⁄4

2 82o - 84.9o NL 1⁄2 50/10 3⁄4 30/30 1

3 85o - 87.9o NL 3⁄4 40/20 3⁄4 30/30 1

4 88o - 89.9o NL 3⁄4 30/30 3⁄4 20/40 1

5 > 90o 50/10 min 1 20/40 1 10/50 1

» Easy Work = Walking on hard surface 2.5 mph <30 lb. load, Weapon maintenance, Marksmanship training.

» Moderate Work = Patrolling, Walking in sand 2.5 mph no load, Calisthenics.

» Hard Work = Walking in sand 2.5 mph with load, Field assaults.

» Note: MOPP gear adds 10°F to WBGT Index for easy work and 20°F for moderate and hard work.

» The work/rest times and fluid replacement volumes will sustain performance and hydration for at least 4 hours of work in the 

specified heat category. Fluid needs can vary based on individual differences (± 1⁄4 qt/hr) and exposure to full sun or full shade 

(± 1⁄4 qt/hr).

RESOURCES
14 / Army Guide to Deployment Health

Wind Chill Chart

30 minutes 10 minutes 5 minutes

» Frostbite Times 

Wind 

mph Temperature (°F)

Calm 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 -5 -10 -15 -20 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45

5 36 31 25 19 13 7 1 -5 -11 -16 -22 -28 -34 -40 -46 -52 -57 -63

10 34 27 21 15 9 3 -4 -10 -16 -22 -28 -35 -41 -47 -53 -59 -66 -72

15 32 25 19 13 6 0 -7 -13 -19 -26 -32 -39 -45 -51 -58 -64 -71 -77

20 30 24 17 11 4 -2 -9 -15 -22 -29 -35 -42 -48 -55 -61 -68 -74 -81

25 29 23 16 9 3 -4 -11 -17 -24 -31 -37 -44 -51 -58 -64 -71 -78 -84

30 28 22 15 8 1 -5 -12 -19 -26 -33 -39 -46 -53 -60 -67 -73 -80 -87

35 28 21 14 7 0 -7 -14 -21 -27 -34 -41 -48 -55 -62 -69 -76 -82 -89

40 27 20 13 6 -1 -8 -15 -22 -29 -36 -43 -50 -57 -64 -71 -78 -84 -91

45 26 19 12 5 -2 -9 -16 -23 -30 -37 -44 -51 -58 -65 -72 -79 -86 -93

50 26 19 12 4 -3 -10 -17 -24 -31 -38 -45 -52 -60 -67 -74 -81 -88 -95

55 25 18 11 4 -3 -11 -18 -25 -32 -39 -46 -54 -61 -68 -75 -82 -89 -97

60 25 17 10 3 -4 -11 -19 -26 -33 -40 -48 -55 -62 -69 -76 -84 -91 -98
Elevation Measurement Chart

Altitude Meters Effects of Acute Altitude Exposure

Low Sea level - 1200 (4000 ft.) None.

Moderate 1200 (4000 ft.) - 2400 (7870 ft.) Mild altitude illness and decreased performance may occur.

High 2400 (7870 ft.) - 4000 (13,125 ft.) Altitude illness and performance decrements are more common and 

greater.

Very High 4000 (13,125 ft.) - 5500 (18,000 ft.) Altitude illness and decreased performance is the rule.

Extreme 5500 (18,000 ft.) - and higher With acclimatization, humans can function for short periods of time.

Army Guide to Deployment Health / 15 
http://phc.amedd.army.mil 

1-800-222-9698

Distribution Unlimited

GTA 08-05-062

NOTICE TO READERS: Health threat information and countermeasures in this pamphlet are based on the most current information 

available at the time of publication. This document provides general information for maintaining health and performance during 

military operations. It does not replace Federal, Defense, Service or command policy and doctrine. Countermeasures and 

procedures are based on Army guidance, lessons learned and current trends.

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