Recomended Safety Precautions

1. Ice - We bought 60 pounds of ice for 12 men, which lasted until Sunday with plenty still not melted in the extra-large cooler which we covered with a wool blanket and kept in the shade all weekend.

I suggest every Unit bring approximately 5 pounds of ice per man. This will help with any heat exhaustion/stress that will probably occur. Better to have more than you need, just in case.

2. Water - It would be helpful to all Unit Leaders to be advised of where water can be obtained on Camp Roberts, e.g. where is the Water Point?

I suggest every Unit ensures a minimum of 1 gallon per person per day, which is really like drinking 4 canteens. That means anyone who attends should bring at least 3 gallons of water.

Unit Leaders may want to make sure their men are drinking a canteen of water every hour or two while fighting, anything less than 1 canteen per 1-2 hours will set-up someone for heat stroke.


3. Fires - With the cost of fighting forest fires (and embarrassment on Camp Roberts), really high, I suggest we not have any open camp fires.

I suggest only bringing/allowing propane/kerosene type stoves and/or any period-looking barbeques that contain the fire and sparks. Also, everyone should bring their entrenching tool in case of a fire from vehicles, rifle fire, etc. A fire extinguisher nearby to the open flame is not a bad idea either to have.


4. Shelter - We put up a 20 x 20 camo net over a tarp over our camp and this was barely adequate sun protection for the 12 of us who attended.

I suggest every Unit bring some kind of shelter to keep the hot sun off their troops.


5. Tobacco Use - Obviously, this should be discouraged during the event, for fire safety. Also, troops will be at a greater risk of heat stroke, if they use tobacco.

I suggest Unit Leaders encourage tobacco users to limit their use due to the hot weather.


6. Food - We all know it can be difficult to eat a full meal when it is hot.

I suggest Unit Leaders monitor their men and encourage all men to eat continually throughout the day, even if it is just a bite or two.
One of the late signs of heat exhaustion is a lack of appetite, if this happens, please ensure they consume more water until their appetite returns. A person having low blood sugar is more at risk of heat stroke than a person who isn't.


7. Electrolyte Fluids - One of the best ways to ensure hydration is the use of electrolyte powder added to water. There are many types that are similar in taste to the period powdered drinks that were issued. I prefer Vitalyte myself.

I suggest Unit Leaders encourage their members to bring some form of electrolyte powder.


8. Alcohol and Caffeine - Everyone knows Alcohol and Caffeine makes us urinate more, which ultimately dehydrates us. Dehydration can obviously lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

I suggest Unit Leaders encourage their troops to limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages and beverages which contain caffeine; such as coffee, tea, soda, etc., even if they "don't plan on fighting the next day".


9. Peeing - It sounds funny, but one of the best ways to ensure proper hydration, is to keep track of how often a person is peeing.

In the heat we will be in, it is important to be peeing at least once every 1-2 hours. If a guy hasn't peed in that time, they need to consume water (a messtin full of water or water and electrolyte powder is a good way to do this) until they begin to pee and then drink at least 1 more liter!


10. Start Time - Many of us in the RPS who were in the military, who trained or fought in hot weather, know that training/fighting in the cooler part of the day is preferred.

Thanks to Jeff Meyer FJR 5 for compiling this safety list.