sun water. rest. shade. The work can't get done without them.
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FIGURE 1: US. ARMY APPROACH FOR SETTING WORK/REST SCHEDULES

Work/Rest and Water Consumption Table
[Text Version]

Applies to average sized, heat-acclimated soldier wearing BDU, hot weather. (See TB MED 507 for further guidance.)

  • The work/rest times and fluid replacement volumes will sustain performance and hydration for at least 4 hrs of work in the specified heat category. Fluid needs can vary based on individual differences (± ¼ qt/hr) and exposure to full sun or full shade (± ¼ qt/hr).

  • NL = no limit to work time per hr.

  • Rest = minimal physical activity (sitting or standing) accomplished in shade if possible.

  • CAUTION: Hourly fluid intake should not exceed 1½ qts. Daily fluid intake should not exceed 12 qts.

  • If wearing body armor, add 5°F to WBGT index in humid climates.

  • If doing Easy Work and wearing NBC (MOPP 4) clothing, add 10°F to WBGT index.

  • If doing Moderate or Hard Work and wearing NBC (MOPP 4) clothing, add 20°F to WBGT index.
US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine Logos
CP-033-0404
Easy Work Moderate Work Hard Work
  • Weapon Maintenance
  • Walking Hard Surface at 2.5 mph, <30 lb Load
  • Marksmanship Training
  • Drill and Ceremony
  • Manual of Arms
  • Walking Loose Sand at 2.5 mph, No Load
  • Walking Hard Surface at 3.5 mph, <40 lb Load
  • Calisthenics
  • Patrolling
  • Individual Movement Techniques, i.e., Low Crawl or High Crawl
  • Defensive Position Construction
  • Walking Hard Surface at 3.5 mph, > 40 lb Load
  • Walking Loose Sand at 2.5 mph
    with Load
  • Field Assaults
Heat
Category
WBGT
Index, Fº
Easy Work Moderate Work Hard Work
Work/Rest
(min)
Water
Intake
(qt/hr)
Work/Rest
(min)
Water
Intake
(qt/hr)
Work/Rest
(min)
Water
Intake
(qt/hr)
1 78° - 81.9° NL ½ NL ¾ 40/20 min ¾
2
(GREEN)
82° - 84.9° NL ½ 50/10 min ¾ 30/30 min 1
3
(YELLOW)
85° - 87.9° NL ¾ 40/20 min ¾ 30/30 min 1
4
(RED)
88° - 89.9° NL ¾ 30/30 min ¾ 20/40 min 1
5
(BLACK)
>90° 50/10 min 1 20/40 min 1 10/50 min 1
For additional copies, contact: U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine Health Information Operations Division at (800) 222-9698 or CHPPM - Health Information Operations@apg.amedd.army.mil. For electronic versions, see http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/heat. Local reproduction is authorized. June 2004.