Loss of Military Performance due to Individual NBC Protection in a Tropic Environment (belasting en prestatieverlies door individuele nbc-beschermin gin de tropen)
Abstract
Introduction As part of the program `Passive protection against NBC weapons' research was performed into the effects of NBC protection on military performance. This was mostly done using laboratory experiments. To obtain more knowledge about working in the field under NBC protection a field experiment was performed in a tropical climate. Methods This study was performed during field trials of the project `protection factor in the field', which was performed within the framework of the Anglo Netherlands Norwegian Cooperation on Chemical Protection (ANNCP). These trials were conducted in Curacao on the Netherlands Antilles. In the course of the study measurements were performed on the physiology and performance of Dutch Marines working in NBC protective clothing. Due to the nature of the trials it was not always possible to perform the tests with an adequate number of subjects. Only descriptive research was therefore performed. Results Wearing a respirator during a speed-march results in an increased heart rate, a rise in core temperature and a reduction in speed. Wearing full NBC protection can result in a reduction of more than 30% in manual dexterity tasks. No relation was observed between the environmental temperature and the perceived comfort, thermal comfort or exertion when wearing full NBC protection. Wearing this equipment did not result in changes in the mood of the soldiers. Conclusion Using NBC protective clothing in a tropic environment is a heavy physiologic burden for soldiers. This can lead to measurable loss of military performance in the field. The effects on perceived strain and mood of the soldiers are less clear.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA462860
Entities
People
- P. A. Reffeltrath
- T. K. Tan