3 Essential Pieces of Personal Desert Military Equipment
For the allied troops who have been securing the country of Iraq over the last decade and for those in the hot, dusty environment of Afghanistan, specialised personal equipment for the desert soldier is absolutely essential to maintain an efficient armed force.
Here are 3 of the most useful pieces of desert equipment for the individual desert soldier and why:
1. Water bottle
It goes without saying that the desert can be a very hot place indeed. When the body is placed under extreme stress, such as in a combat situation, it goes without saying that it will require more fuel. This includes food and possibly most importantly, water.
During the long Iraqi summer, individual temperatures on some days can easily reach 45°C or more, with an average temperature of up to 30°C or more. Heat exhaustion can be a defining issue during any military campaign, and so maintaining a personal water supply is essential to ensure a fighting force which can maintain a military strategy.
Troops are issued water bottles that are designed to be attached to the soldier’s personal kit system, and they are made to be durable and contain at least 1 litre of water. These water bottles are paired with a carrying pouch which reflects the army’s camouflage design and will have easy release buckles and fastenings for quick access.
2. Sleeping bag
The strange juxtaposition that anyone finds in the desert, including the military on night patrol, is that whilst the days can reach phenomenal temperatures, the nights can be incredibly cold and can fall below 0°C.
This makes a camouflaged and well insulated sleeping bag an absolute necessity for any foot-soldier.
3. Desert boots
Footwear is essential in any military situation however the desert carries specific challenges that must be overcome. The two key issues that need to be addressed are being able to keep the feet cool to prevent sweating and the resulting problems that arise because of moisture, such as chaffing, blistering and bacterial infections such as Athlete’s Foot.
Modern technology has meant that the military desert boots of today incorporate all sorts of essential features that enables the wicking away of moisture from the skin and helps the skin breath. They can also be designed to prevent sand from entering the boot and causing blisters, whilst giving the solider increased grip on sandy surfaces.
Whilst these are only 3 of the most essential items of personal desert military equipment, they can be considered some of the most essential to a successful military campaign.
Paul Banbury follows fashion and men’s footwear trends and recommends Magnum military desert boots for the casual wearer as well as the military user.
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