Also new for 2010 is a new Sword Beach location. The

new beach is south of Caen

and in an area that historically did not see much action. It‟s

for all purposes a new area. Sword Beach will now be the

largest of the 3 beaches. The Germans will fight like heck to

keep the Commonwealth

forces from securing it. This is going to be a great battle.

Both of these new areas, com-bined with the new points,

objectives and times will completely

change the game.

Winter Staf f Meeting sets tone for 2010 Both sides join for great meeting - New field improvements on track

Winter has dropped on Okla-homa like a British Airborne unit at Pegasus Bridge….you knew it was coming, but it still over-whelmed you when it hit. Tem-peratures dropped into the sin-gle digits, and lower, with the hills and valleys covered in snow.

While it may have slowed the actual work at the field, none of that slowed

the work being done off the field.

Plans are being finalized for all kinds of improvements; 1) Open two new areas

of the field, 2) Improve the availability of air, paint and water, 3) Re-design the

points/objectives/times, 4) Re-design the

flow of the game to relieve congestion at the center of the field and use other ar-

eas of the field, 5) Reduce congestion and confusion at the dead zones by add-

ing rally points...details soon! 6) Ex-

panded camping area and new park entrance

In addition there‟s a mountain of new,

exciting contests and marketing spe-cifically for players.

New roads have been put in around

Utah beach which allows access to the NEW Breacourt Manor (BCM). The new

BCM is NW of Utah beach in an area which has never been used. It‟s called

the “lost 40” and will be the scene of

intense battles in the morning as the US Airborne fights for control of this

key position. It is very historically accu-rate.

Thanks to hard work and long hours

from both the German and Allied lead-

ership, the winter meeting was a big

success. Both sides came together in a

spirit of goodwill and cooperation to

work together to make this event even

better. Big thanks to Andy, John and

the entire German leadership for their

attitude and effort in everything

they’re done for both the Summer and

Winter meetings. The event is better

because of it.

5 mon ths and coun t i ng J une 7 -13 , 2010

D-Day 2010 - January edition

Above: At least June in Oklahoma

isn‟t like this, although in June we

may wish it was

Left: Recent photo of the new

Sword Beach. The beach area is to

the left of the ravine, the „ocean‟ is

to the right. The new area is noth-

ing like the old Sword Beach.

Expect the fighting to be intense,

the terrain to be brutal and the

weather to kick butt. Start prepar-

ing now. Get in shape.

This is also the time to recruit your

friends, relatives, teammates and

new people from your local field.

We need your help.

If your looking to help your unit in

a leadership role be sure to contact

us or your unit CO. There are posi-

tions available in individual units,

gunner positions in tanks, within

the Allied staff and others.

January 2010

Volume 2

2

Recommended Equipment

(This list of recommended gear was de-

signed specifically for the 82nd Airborne

and the 82nd Pathfinders...but it may work

for you and your unit).

There are pieces of gear that every

member of the elite 82nd Airborne / 82nd

Pathfinders will need to be successful at

D-Day. Some things are obvious, others

are less so, like a watch or map.

82nd Uniform – A key aspects of the

game is to maintain unit integrity

throughout the day. The 82nd takes the

field as a unit and leaves the field as a

unit. Your 82nd uniform helps make

that happen, helps maintain unit cohe-

siveness and identify friend from foe.

The 82nd Airborne‟s recommended uni-

form is Woodland MARPAT BDU pants

and the 82nd t-shirt. Woodland MARPAT

is easily found and works great in the

woods of Oklahoma. It‟s not required

but it is strongly recommended. Arm-

bands are available from the 82nd HQ.

Our uniform will help you stay with the

82nd and help maintain unit integrity,

and it lets our opponents know exactly

who they are facing.

Properly working paintball gun and

hopper – Make sure your gun is work-

ing 100%. Replace “O” rings, lube if

required. Understand your weapon

completely, make sure every screw is

tight. Make sure your gun and hoppers

have new properly installed, new bat-

teries if applicable. Make sure your hop-

per is properly secured to your gun. If

your gun goes down you let down your

unit. A backup gun and hopper, ready

to go, back at camp is a nice option.

HPA or CO2 Air Tanks – The 82nd is

often tasked with missions and objec-

tives that are far from reliable resupply

for long periods of time. A large air tank

is recommended. Many people carry a

back-up air tank, especially for CO2. It

is usually easier to find HPA refills ver-

sus CO2 on the field, so a backup bottle

for CO2 is more critical. Carry back-up

“O” rings as well.

Ammunition – You‟ll need enough

paint to take the battle to our oppo-

nents with speed and violence. You‟ll

need to balance the amount of paint

you carry versus the weight. Carry a

couple more pods than you have air to

shot.

Paint tickets - This is your means of

resupplying ammunition (paint) on the

field. You must buy these beforehand

(Friday or earlier). A plastic bag will

help keep them secure and dry.

Camelbak or other hydration blad-

der – This is a required piece of

gear for all members of the 82nd Air-

borne when deployed to the field. A 3-

liter bladder is recommended. The heat

and humidity of Oklahoma can take you

down. Dehydration, heat exhaustion

and heat stroke are all very real possi-

bilities. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Make sure your bladder and drinking

tube are clean. Sports drinks will foul

your bladder if not properly cleaned.

Watch – The D-day game is scored on

points for objectives at specific times.

You need to know the time in order to

know where and what you should be

doing. It‟s a key piece of gear. Synchro-

nize your watch before taking the field

D-day Map – The field is large.

You need to know where you are,

where you need to be, and how

you are going to get there. It will

help you locate dead zones and

resupply points. The field will see

big changes in 2010 of objective

locations, points and times. You‟ll

need your map to link back up

with the 82nd or lead your team-

mates to the next objective. Lami-

nate it, print it on waterproof pa-

per, or keep it in a plastic bag. The

humidity will destroy it otherwise.

Compass – It‟s easy to get lost

or confused, even for veterans.

The 82nd is often required to be deep in

the woods, and moving where there are

few trails or roads. A small lightweight

compass can make it easier for you to

link back up with your unit, direct your

troops to the proper locations, or com-

municate information.

Boots - not tennis shoes. The D-day

field is rugged and littered with sharp,

loose rocks. You need a good pair of

comfortable, broken-in boots. You do

not need, or want, insulated boots. You

want boots with good ankle support.

Smoke Grenades - 1 or 2 are recom-

mended. They‟re big and you‟ll need to

figure out where and how to carry

them, but they are extremely useful.

The 82nd uses lots of them.

Rags or towels – You‟ll need some-

thing to cleanup and wipe off when

you‟re in the DZ. You‟ll be out there all

day, you may need more than one.

Points/objectives/times card –

Points, objectives & times will all have

major changes in 2010. You‟ll need this

to understand game flow and know

where to be & at what time. It‟s a criti-

cal tool when combined with your Op

order. Laminate it, print it on water-

proof paper, or keep it in a plastic bag.

The humidity will destroy it otherwise.

Squeegee – Your choice, there are

many styles. But have a secure, easy

access location for it.

A few bucks - Some dead zones have

food or drink for sale. A few dollars are

easy to carry and a quick snack or drink

just might be what it takes to keep you

hydrated and on the field. Bulk water,

to refill your hydration bladder, is avail-

able at many locations on the field at

no charge, but bring your own to start.

Radio w/headset – GMRS/FRS radios

are great to keep you in touch with

your squad, regiment and our division.

Most are 22 channels with 38 sub

tones. A good headset will greatly en-

hance the usefulness of your radio.

Make sure it has fresh batteries. Deter-

mine how you will carry the radio. Prac-

tice with it before Saturday‟s game.

Some leaders within the 82nd will also

be using VHF radios and also need a

method to mount them to your gear.

Snacks – nuts, granola bars, beef

jerky, dried fruit or power bars. What-

ever will help you stay on the field.

Contact Steve or Travis at

srisken623@aol.com or

tsposey@hermeticswitch.com for

more information on the 82nd.

Register here for the

82nd Airborne Division: 82nd Airborne Division

Register here for the

82nd Pathfinders: 82nd Pathfinders

3

The 101st ‘Screaming Eagles’

Airborne Division

We have a rich history, both in the real

world and at Oklahoma D-Day.

The “real world” Division

The German successes with airborne as-

saults lead the United States and Allied

Forces to form their own airborne units. A

U.S. Army Test Platoon was established in

June 1940. The name of this platoon was

later changed to the 501st Parachute Battal-

ion, when it was reorganized as the first

permanent US Army airborne infantry unit

in September 1940.

As the airborne program expanded the 82nd

Airborne Division was activated. Airborne

units, at this time, usually consisted of one

parachute infantry regiment (PIR) and two

glider infantry regiments (GIR) when first

activated. The 82nd Airborne Division was

first organized with 17,000 men, but later

half of these men would remain in the 82nd

and the other half would become the 101st

Airborne Division.

There were several different types of units

that made up the 101st when first formed;

there were the glider infantry regiments the

401st and the 327th and a parachute infan-

try regiment the 502nd. At first the 101st

was organized as a reserve unit, but on Au-

gust 15, 1942 the division was disbanded

and reconstituted as part of the active duty

Army, at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana. The

first division commander, Major General

William C. Lee, was quoted saying "The

101st has no history but it does have a

'Rendezvous with Destiny'."

The 101st was moved to Fort Bragg, North

Carolina in October 1942. At Fort Bragg

they started training for their future mis-

sions. During the training, at Fort Bragg, a

rivalry between the parachute and glider

elements developed. The paratroopers re-

ceived extra pay or "parachute pay" for their

dangerous duties while the glider troops had

equally dangerous duties, but received no

extra pay.

The division participated in the first test of

their abilities at Fort Bragg when they par-

ticipated in local maneuvers. Closely fol-

lowing these maneuvers, the 101st left for

Tennessee to take part in the Tennessee

Maneuvers. At the same time as these ma-

neuvers, the 506th PIR was attached to the

division. During the impressive perform-

ance by the "Screaming Eagles", MG Lee

was injured in a glider incident. He would

later remark “Next time I'll take a para-

chute." These maneuvers also showed the

true capabilities of the U.S. Airborne

Forces, and proved that the glider troops

deserved and would receive extra pay for

their hazardous duty.

In 1944, the 101st was then ordered to de-

ploy overseas to England to continue train-

ing. Later in January 1944 the division re-

ceived the attachment of yet another para-

chute regiment, the 501st. The 101st then

went through another change when MG

Lee, their first Commanding General, had a

heart attack. In February 1944, he was sent

back to the States and former commander of

the 82nd, Brigadier General Maxwell D.

Taylor, took command of the 101st.

Then in the early months of 1944, the divi-

sion lost the 401st GIR to the 82nd, when

they were permanently transferred. The

101st Airborne Division then continued its

training until June 6,1944 when the division

joined their first campaign, the The 101st

Airborne Division then continued its train-

ing until June 6,1944 when the division

joined their first campaign, the Normandy

Invasion ( D-Day!).

Oklahoma D-day Division

The Oklahoma D-Day 101st Airborne has 4

divisions each one with its unique command

style and structure.

The 327th is run in a VERY military fash-

ion.

The 506th is run is a more relaxed military

fashion.

The 502nd is composed of former Germans

and hard charging recball type players.

The 401st is our Psychward, where all the

crazy fun loving players who are nuts mi-

grate too. They fly the banner of Sunny the

CoCo Puff bird for a reason.

The players in the 101st are expected to ar-

rive early in the week, by Tuesday if at all

possible. This allows them to attend the

daily training sessions, get to know their

unit, make friends and play in the mini-

games and get to know the playing style of

the 101st.

The 101st plays all day Saturday as one unit.

There is always a possibility that the 101st

will be scattered at the start of the game and

the 101st players will be expected to form

mixed units and head to rally points that are

predetermined, there they reform in regi-

ments and proceed with the game plan and

attack the first objective.

The 101st players are expected to be on the

field all day long, we pack our lunches,

water and anything else we are going to

need and do not leave the game until the

final horn sounds. In 2009 we were the only

Allied unit to have 90% unit integrity at the

end of the game.

The 101st player will need to be in good

physical shape, as stated we are scattered at

game on and will have to hike to get to our

first objective. After that first victory, we

stay together and go where needed on the

field. In 2009 the 101st started at gate one

on the map, took Caen, fought up to Cole-

ville in the center of the field and then

turned around and fought our way back to

Caen after it fell back into German hands,

and then after taking the points, fought back

up to Coleville for the rest of the day. We

did this all as one unit.

The 101st also has its share of former mili-

tary players and last year had 4 real 101st

troopers just back from Afghanistan. We

are also the host unit for Jake McNiece an

original WWII 101st Airborne Pathfinder.

He and his wife Martha come to the event

each year to talk about his WWII experi-

ence.

The 101st is a serious group of paintball

players with room for almost every kind of

person. We take this game seriously and

intend to win whenever we take the field.

You if you choose the 101st will be part of

a larger group of players. This is what

makes the game fun for most of our 200+

players.

Most of them have played in this unit for

over 5+ years.

Contact Eric Engler, Commanding Officer

101st Airborne, for more information:

information@englerpaintballguns.com

The Stars and Stripes will be distributed

monthly via email with the paper copy

printed and distributed in June at the field.

Look for articles on other unit in future

editions.

If you’re interested in a leadership role

within a unit contact that unit’s CO. If

you’re interested in a position within the

Allied TOC or support groups contact

Steve at srisken@charter.net We have roles

for players and non-players too.

4

The Office of Strategic Services was established by a Presidential military order issued by President Roosevelt on 13 June 1942. Under the command of Major General William 'Wild Bill' Donovan the OSS collected and ana-lyzed strategic information required by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and also con-

ducted special operations not assigned to the Armed Forces. One of the greatest OSS accomplish-ments during World War II was its penetration of both Germany and Ger-man held territory by OSS opera-tives. Some of those who took on that task also worked behind enemy lines

with French resistance members, to disrupt German communications and lines of supply during the Allied D-Day landings. The OSS at D-day is a recent addition to Oklahoma D-day and first came into being three years ago. At that time it generally worked off the field. Two years ago in 2008, the first contingent of OSS took the field, working closely with their counterparts off field. While specific details are never fully dis-closed, they proved invaluable against the Germans in multiple operations. In 2009 the OSS expanded operations against the Germans in multiple areas including a new anti-tank element. Their successes were well documented (i.e. 3 tank kills), lessons were learned and

plans developed for 2010. For the OSS in 2010, Operation Jed-burgh10 has already begun. Members of the OSS detachment, under the aus-pices of the Allied Command, will act independently of other Allied units, much as their counterparts did in World War Two.

Contact Andy at adorsai@aol.com for information, screening and placement

4th Infantry Division

The 4th ID has a story and history unique to the rest of the Allied forces. The 4th Infantry Di-vision arrived in the United Kingdom in early 1944. It took

part in the Normandy Invasion landings at Utah Beach on June 6th 1944, with the 8th Infantry Regiment of the 4th Di-vision being the first surface-borne Al-lied unit to hit the beaches at Nor-mandy. It relieved the 82d Airborne Divi-sion at Sainte-Mère-Église and then the 4th cleared the Cotentin peninsula and took part in the capture of Cherbourg on 25 June. After fighting in July, the division broke through the left flank of the German 7th Army, helped stem the German drive toward Avranches, and by the end of August had moved to Paris, and gave French forces the first place in the lib-

eration of their capital. During the lib-eration of Paris in WWII, Ernest He-mingway took on a self-appointed role as a civilian scout in the city of Paris for his friends in the 4 ID. He was with the 22nd Infantry Regiment when it moved from Paris, northeast through Belgium, and into Germany. The 4th then moved into Belgium to attack the Siegfried Line and made several penetrations. It shifted to Luxembourg, only to meet the German winter Ardennes Offensive head-on (Battle of the Bulge) starting on 16 December 1944. Although its lines were dented, it managed to hold the Germans. Counterattacking in January, it overran German positions and crossed the Rhine on 29 March. At Oklahoma D-Day the 4th ID is also one of the first sea-based units to hit the beaches. It’s mission, just like in 1944, is to take Utah Beach. The Ger-mans always have the area filled with grenades, heavy weapons, artillery, tanks and 100’s of infantry. At game on, the beach explodes with smoke and

pyro explosions. Organized chaos en-sues. Hundreds of Allied players and tanks storm ashore and fight to take the German trenches and gun emplace-ments. It’s an amazing battle that al-ways has the most press coverage Mission: Take Utah Beach, followed by a push to German HQ at Colleville.

The 4th ID is the key unit to taking Utah Beach and getting American tanks off the beach. Come join us! Contact Cam or Galen for more information CO Cam Farris - camfarris@gmail.com XO: Galen Berry - rev.berry@juno.com

www.englerpaintballguns.com/

5

Icom F-3011 VHF or F-4011 UHF radio

with desk top charger

2 year factory warranty

5 watt VHF 136-174 MHz (4 watt UHF)

16 Channels / Free programming

Rugged Construction : built to take harsh use

Tested to MIL-STD 810 specifications and IP54 rating for dust protection & water resistance.

Lithium-Ion battery 2000 mAH

$150.95

2010

ICOM High-gain, long range VHF antenna

Longer range on transmit and receive

Brand new in package

10.5” Injection molded

Hard to find, but exactly what our customers have been

asking for to extend range and performance of Icom’s

Land Mobile Commercial radios. No adapter required

F3S F30G F3161 F70 F3GS F50/V F3011 F3061

$22.95

NEW

Tactical MOLLE Radio Pouch

Olive Drab, used

Padded protection for your radio

Open top design for easy access

Part of Eagle Industries DFLCS load carrying kit issued to USAF Security Forces and USAF Special Operations

NEW

USED

Sawyer Permethrin Military Style Insect Repellent

Kills ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers, mites, and 55 other insects.

Perfect for Oklahoma D-day’s woods and grasslands

Effective minimum 6 washings or 6 weeks

Treats clothing. Do not apply to skin

Use ad directed. Soak clothes for 2 hours

Kit Includes: One 6 oz bottle of Permethrin Solution 1 Resealable treatment bag, plastic gloves

$6.99

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Pryme „behind-the-head‟ Tactical Headset

Perfect for extended wear.

Outside ear design reduces fatigue

Noise canceling boom microphone.

Works with goggles, secure fit,

Behind-the-head design, will not move

Large, quick to find PPT

Connectors for most radio models - 2 year warranty

$74.99

New Icom Replacement Batteries

New replacement batteries for

all Icom radio models.

Li Ion

NiCd

NiMH

AA Battery Cases

Batteries available for other

radio brands

Fits most Cobra, Icom, Maxon, Midland and Yaesu radios with 2-pin top mounted jack

Heavy Duty - Professional Grade

3.5mm Earphone jack

Other models available for other radios

Observer Speaker Microphone

Low Cost

Lightweight and small

High quality electrets condenser-style speaker microphone

Quality audio on transmit and receive

Spring loaded, 360 degree clothing clip

3.5mm earphone jack

$52.95most models

Pryme SPM-2100 Trooper Speaker Microphone

Pryme SPM-2100 Trooper Speaker Microphone

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Prices vary by

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www.tacticalcommunications.biz 770 833 4301

History of he German 716th ID

In remembrance of the all involved in World

War 2 and those on the day June 6 1944. We

honor the fallen with pride and embrace the

ones who came home living. Each year we

gather with friends and companions to play a

game founded on this day. As with all events

in war there are two sides. This is the same

with our game with out that we would be

shooting at trees and that would not be as

much fun. So with the obvious “duh” state-

ment done for the day I follow with a little

history...try not to fall asleep.

Formed in 1941 of less than par standards for

German soldiers 3 battalions that make up

the 716 Static Infantry Division under Major

General Wilhelm Richter, have been on many

deployments in France between then and

1943. The unit was finally placed on the coast

line defending Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword

beaches. Even with the numbers of the unit

approaching 8000 the 60 mile span was

spreading the German unit very thin. As the

war progresses the unit in March of 1944 was

condensed to the “Caen zone” a 30 mile

stretch of land including Sword beach and

Pegasus bridge. These men were not trained

in mobile tactics and were in rough shape

and low on artillery the decision was made to

have the panzer 21st armored division back

up the 716ID defenses.

The 716ID and all other units in the Caen

areas main goal is to slow the process of the

allied troops coming in off of sword beach.

The attacking units were the British 3rd infan-

try division and British 6th airborne. During

the battle though fought hard and with all the

might the Germans had the British did prevail

in taking the beach, Pegasus bridge and fi-

nally the town of Caen.

Regardless of how history was played out we

have a change to embrace history but learn

form it at the same time. History is real and

war is hard, not many walked off the battle

lines. Paintball is great in that we do get to

walk off the field. Play your game on the field

defend our post well, charge that hill, rain a

volley on to the other side. Off the field,

laugh and have fun. Remember this is a

game. Red or blue you are still a paintballer.

“Covert” - Executive Commander for the

716ID

6

Words of Caution from a Combat Medic:

Heat injuries and hydration

Many military campaigns have been lost due to lack of heat acclimatization and subsequent heat illness; take for instance King Edward and his

armor clad knights who allegedly lost the final battle for the holy land to the well ventilated and acclimated Arab horsemen. As all of us who

have been to D-Day before, we know the Oklahoma weather is one of the greatest obstacles to overcome while on and off the field. In this

short piece I plan to outline the basic predisposing risk factors, heat related injuries, as well as how to treat these injuries.

Some of the factors which make an individual more prone to a heat related injury are age, general health, predisposing medical conditions, fatigue, and medications.

Persons at the extreme ages are more likely to succumb to heat injuries. Small children have a large body surface area, especially the head, and have a very limited ability to

compensate for major changes in temperature. Older people lose the ability to internally regulate their temperature; they get colder or warmer quicker and with less aware-

ness than younger individuals. Anyone who has serious medical conditions (congestive heart failure, diabetes, and thyroid disease) especially if the person is undernourished

is more susceptible to environmental influences. When people exert themselves for long periods of time and become fatigued they are more likely to exercise poor judgment

in potentially dangerous environmental situations, it also may impair the individual’s ability to operate normally increasing their potential for injury. Both prescription and

over the counter medications may predispose persons to heat injury, many common medications such as antihistamines (allergy), cold medications, atropine, and diuretics

impair the body’s ability to sweat and dissipate heat, heat intolerance is a common side effect of these drugs. Prior heat injuries also make a person more susceptible to heat

related illnesses.

Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are among the two more common types of heat related injuries. A heat cramp is a muscle cramp or spasm of the arm, leg, or abdo-

men muscles caused by a lack of water and salt in the body. The individual’s skin may be moist or dry. Treatment for heat cramps includes moving the individual into the

shade, loosening their clothing (belts, equipment, and waistline, anything on their head), provide oral hydration with an electrolyte solution. If the person is nauseated you

could be dealing with heat exhaustion which can coexist with heat cramps. Heat exhaustion is a systemic reaction to prolonged heat exposure and is due to sodium depletion

and dehydration. Symptoms include profuse sweating with pale, moist, and cool skin, headache often with weakness and fatigue, thirst, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea

(with or without vomiting), and confusion.

Treatment begins by moving the individual to a cool shady area, loosen or remove the patients clothing and boots. provide oral hydration if tolerated. If the person

doesn’t tolerate oral hydration get them to the aid station for the medics to take care of, the person will probably need IV hydration which can’t be performed by anyone who

isn’t trained and licensed. Heat stroke is most serious heat related injury someone can get while at D-Day. Heat stroke usually involves excessive exposure to strenuous

physical activity under hot conditions. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that will result in death if treatment is delayed; it has an 80% fatality rate if left untreated. Sweat

may or may not be present, red (flushed) hot usually dry skin, headache, dizziness, nausea, altered mental status (confusion, bizarre, or combative behavior), weakness, and

rapid weak respirations and pulse. First thing you need to do is grab a bystander and have him go for a medic immediately. As soon as this is done begin cooling measure

while waiting for and during transportation. Remove the person from the environment, remove their clothing and begin active cooling measure immediately. Mist the person

with water and fan them with whatever is available. Wrap the person in ice sheets (basically just sheets that sit in a cooler of ice water) if available, apply ice packs to the

groin and pits.

There are several things you can do in order to prevent yourself from becoming a heat casualty while at D-Day. First: hydrate hydrate HYRDATE. Drinking an ade-

quate amount of water is the single most important thing that you can do, if you wait until you’re thirsty to take a drink you’ve waited too long. I recommend purchasing a

Camelbak hydration pack of some sort (the bigger the better). You end up drinking more and more often when you’re carrying 3 liters on your back. You can also buy some

form of electrolyte powder and mix it right in your camel back. Getting in shape is also a great way to decrease your risk of heat in-

jury. If you’re on a beach unit (as I am) you know how tiring it can be running up and down a hill all morning. If you’re working out

before D-Day your body will be able to stand more abuse and physical exertion than without, keeping you from becoming fatigued and

that much closer to a heat causality. Try and eat a good breakfast and lunch the day of the big game. Your body is going to need the

energy, I tend to carry out a handful of energy bars with me and munch on them while sitting in the DZ. If you’re starting to feel fa-

tigued don’t be afraid to take a break, pop a squat in the shade, hydrate and give your body a chance to catch up with you. You’ll find

that several short breaks will keep you in the game longer than pushing yourself to the brink then sitting out the afternoon from fatigue.

Try and lay off the alcohol as much as possible (this will probably fall on quite a few deaf ears), alcohol will dehydrate you

and greatly increase your chances for heat related injuries. If you happen to enjoy a few cold ones be sure to drink more water than you

normally would, drinking water after copious amounts of alcohol is also a great way to lessen the effects of a hangover. Tobacco users

should also be mindful to drink extra water. In closing, you are in charge of maintaining your own body, don’t let your comrades down

by being taking out by the heat, drink water, drink some more water, and lastly, drink more water!

Josh Westphal

68W Combat Medic USARNG

Questions, comments, gripes, and complaints can be addressed to me at joshwest26@hotmail.com

6– Liter Camelbak