Troops prepare for desert combat in many ways. When possible, soldiers acclimatize before arriving in the area of operations. Some individuals acclimatize more easily than others. In order to survive in desert operations, troops must fully understand the desert environment. To accomplish this, soldiers train under conditions that are similar to the conditions that exist in the intended area of operations. In order to become accustomed to hardship the troops’ exposure to outside influences should be kept to a minimum.
Much preparation is necessary for operations in a desert environment. Adaptation to the new environment depends upon the individual training skills of the troops. Units trained in the U.S. will have mastered the fundamental technical and tactical skills necessary for warfare in the desert. For those whose skills are below par, no amount of desert survival tactics will correct the situation.
The preparation for desert combat involves training in the following areas:
• Concealment techniques. Soldiers learn to camouflage themselves in the desert. Much attention is given to movement, color, and shadow.
• Communications. Good communications in desert terrain will is an important safety requirement. Operators should be well-trained and determined to maintain contact.
• NBC (Nuclear, biological, and chemical training). The troops wear protective garments. Use of protective clothing in severe desert heat is very uncomfortable, but it is necessary because flak vests, masks, etc., are often worn in combat.
• Weaponry. Troops practice firing in the worst heat of the day so they can get used to heat haze and mirages.
• Enemy strategies. Troops learn about possible enemy strategies and tactics; this is followed up with tactical exercises in the field.
• Desert navigation and navigation aids. Navigation aids vary in complexity and may include compasses, distance recorders, radars and Global Positioning Systems.
• Fratricide training. There are several fratricide requirements that troops are required to learn, including the use of location determinants and navigation devices.
Remember, much preparation is necessary for operations in a desert environment. Much preparation is necessary for operations in a desert environment. Adaptation to the new environment depends upon the individual training skills of the troops. Units trained in the U.S. will have mastered the fundamental technical and tactical skills necessary for warfare in the desert. For those whose skills have been neglected, no amount of desert survival tactics will correct the situation.
References:
http://m.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/may/12/soldiers-fight-mock-war-to-prepare-for-iraq/
http://www.armystudyguide.com/content/army_board_study_guide_topics/desert_operations/preparations-for-desert-o.shtml