“Adapting to a Warming Climate: Strategies for Military Training and Operations”
The impact of climate change on military operations and training is becoming increasingly significant as global temperatures continue to rise. With extreme temperatures and intensifying weather patterns, Warfighters are facing a higher risk of heat-related illnesses and injuries that can hinder their ability to perform effectively in both training exercises and real-world military activities.
Dr. Adam Potter, a Research Physiologist in the Thermal & Mountain Medicine Division (TMMD) at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), emphasized the direct impact of climate change on military operations, stating that it poses increasing risks to the health of Service Members and has the potential to jeopardize missions.
Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be particularly dangerous for Warfighters, especially during strenuous operations like foot marches or running activities. Dr. Nisha Charkoudian, Chief of TMMD, highlighted the challenges faced by Warfighters in maintaining safe body core temperatures in higher ambient temperatures, particularly when wearing heavy gear that hinders sweat evaporation.
To address these challenges, the Army has developed sophisticated biophysical mathematical models that take into account environmental factors, human physiology, activity levels, and clothing to predict the potential impacts of increased temperatures and humidity on Warfighters. These models enable researchers to assess the relative risk of heat stress for individuals based on specific conditions and clothing worn.
In response to the changing climate, Dr. Charkoudian and Dr. Potter suggest implementing creative strategies to adapt military training and operations. One proposed approach is to investigate the potential benefits of reversing sleep-wake cycles during basic training in hot months to minimize heat-related injuries and enhance physical training and combat performance. While such changes may have logistical challenges, they could provide both physiological and tactical advantages.
Overall, the Army is exploring innovative ways to adapt to a warming climate and mitigate the health threats posed by extreme temperatures. By leveraging climate change as an opportunity to rethink traditional military operations, the Army aims to enhance military readiness and optimize Warfighter health and performance in a changing environment.
USARIEM, as a leading research institution in Warfighter health and performance, continues to focus on environmental medicine, physiology, physical and cognitive performance, and nutrition research to support the Army’s mission of optimizing Warfighter health and performance. Located at the Natick Soldier Systems Center in Massachusetts, USARIEM plays a crucial role in developing strategies to address the challenges posed by climate change on military operations and training.