Internally Peer Reviewed Key Issues Managing the Key Issues Points to Remember Proper nutrition is an often overlooked but critical component of successful operations in cold conditions. An important goal of cold weather training is to prevent hypothermia and avoid subsequent risk of disabling cold injury. Food plays a role in prevention of hypothermia since it is the primary source of fuel for body heat production.
Food also supports the high energy requirements of working in the arctic.
There is no better investment in the safety, well-being, efficiency, and morale of troops than providing plenty of hot, tasty food and warming beverages. This chapter provides guidance on the nutritional concerns likely to be encountered during cold weather operations and offers suggestions for coping with these issues. Remember that food ultimately fuels the heat-generating shivering response. Dehydration Military personnel often become dehydrated during cold weather operations. Dehydration can reduce appetite, impair the shivering response, and lead to lethargy and low energy levels.