Satellite Remote Sensing of Heat Stress During Reserve Training at Fort Hood

Abstract : Weather effects on soldiers have a profound impact on military operations in climatic extremes. In hot regions, soldier performance limits and drinking water requirements are crucial factors in mission planning and tactical options. The ability to quantify heat stress levels across an entire operational area would provide an information resource for optimizing soldier performance in high mobility Airland scenarios. Preliminary tests of satellite remote sensing methods currently under development (SBIR contract No. DAMD 17-86-C-6004), were conducted during reserve training operations at Fort Hood, Texas in June 1988. Data were obtained from the AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) and TOVS (TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder) instruments aboard NOAA polar orbiting satellites. WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) index values derived form satellite data are compared with contemporary surface level measurements and heat casualty rates. Results and salient issues in further development of this capability are described. Keywords; Performance human; Stress physiology; Heat stress physiology.