Comparison of Two Systems of Water Delivery for Use on Military Operations.
Abstract
This paper presents the results of a study comparing two systems of water carriage and delivery for use by infantry soldiers: A water bladder/tube and the current Army issue water bottles. The systems were compared for their effects on hydration status, thermal strain and acceptability, using a section of infantry engaged in simulated operations in a hot environment The bladder/tube system was found to have slight (but not statistically-significant) positive effects on hydration status, was neutral with respect to thermal strain, and was unanimously preferred to water bottles as the primary means of water carriage. Therefore, the bladder/tube system has operational advantages over water bottles, is more acceptable to soldiers and may have a positive effect on hydration status. It is concluded that further studies are needed, both to determine the suitability of water canteens as the means of carriage but with a tube for delivery, and to determine the optimal formulation for a hydration beverage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA366491
Entities
People
- Christopher H. Forbes-ewan
- Denys Amos
- James D. Cotter
- Wal-man Lau
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group