442ndRCT Soldier's Forum

Guys,

At the request of a member to post this, here are some tips to help you out. (mods, please feel free to move it if you wish)

Fellas,

Here are some guidelines.

Foot care:

Good socks. Fox River Blister Guards are what I have been using for years.http://www.foxsox.com/Catalog/SockDetai ... 78&c=BLACK

You can get them in TAN and GREEN. 'nuff said.

Sock liners. Thin liners worn inside of your socks. Fox River or similar. NO COTTON!!!

Foot powder: Gold Bond medicated is the best. Put some in your socks daily. The best thing to do is pre-powder your socks before the battles. Put a set in your spare gear bag in a ziplock. Change them daily or if they get wet.

Blisters: These are preventable. If you have new boots, get some Moleskin and place a LARGE patch over the "hot spot" you have or even think you have. If you want help, see one of us at the start and we will set you up.

If you have a blister: If it's small, you can leave it intact. If it gets in the way, it should be decompressed with a small STERILE needle after the area is cleaned with providone-iodine. Let it dry, then put on some Bacitracin and bandage with a knuckle band aid or Spenco Second Skin. Cover with another dressing, then put on DRY, CLEAN, socks. Again, we can help you out with this.

If you have multiple blisters, dress them and stay off your feet.

Above all, keep it clean and dry.

Broken in boots and good socks will stop this from happening. Don't wear new boots to the field!!!

Cough, Colds, Flu etc. You know what you like best. Bring your stuff with you. We have supplies but you might not like what we have. Remember, this stuff will dehydrate you. If you are really sick, don't come out. You'll infect the rest of the mob. If you do get sick in the field, let your SL know and we can keep you occupied.

Hydration: We harp on this each time, yet there are always casualties. Drink WATER! Sport drinks are OK, but not full packs of GookinAid, etc. You have to cut the packet in half with water. Too much will make you sick. It's made for Athletes who run all day, not for weekend warriors. Not a good idea in an aluminium canteen.

Bottom line: Full canteens. Pre-hydrate three to four days prior to the mission. Just make sure you are peeing clear. If you imbibe in booze, it's ONE FULL GLASS of WATER per drink!!! Alternate.

Food: Make sure you stay away from a weekend of sugar. Don't rely on a cup of coffee and a doughnut for breakfast. You are already behind the curve. When you plan your meals, bring an apple or something. Stick it in your bag and eat it with your lunch/supper, etc.

Showers: Take one at least on Sat after the battle. Shower shoes IN the shower and then let your feet air dry. Don't go to bed dirty. Always a good idea to baby powder your shorts and T shirt. Keeps you drier and more comfy. If you can't hit the showers, take a sponge bath (Woman who has relations for money's bath) in your helmet. Wash the feet, groin, armpits.

Bedding: Wash the sheets when you get home. Don't stuff them in your footlocker then use them again months later.

Cuts and stuff. Keep them clean. Don't just pour some alcohol hand cleaner on it. It should be washed off with some soap and water. Put a bandaid on it. Again, see the Corpsman and we'll fix you right up.

Sanitation: Clean. Wash your mess kits. Don't leave stuff in them. Try to keep your spoon clean, wash it as soon as you can.
After you go to the bathroom, WASH YOUR HANDS!!! Don't wipe and walk out of the latrine. You wouldn't believe what you are leaving on your hands and spreading to the rest of the team. Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer with you at all times.

I'm sure you wouldn't want someone serving you at a restaraunt going to the bathroom and then serving you food.

Pain meds. Some of you are on some meds for chronic conditions. You need to let us know if it's something heavy. Don't lend meds to someone else.

Medical problems: Some of us have preexisting conditions. If there is something you want to let me know about, don't post it on the forum, email me. It's confidential and won't be shared.

Headaches. These can be an indicator of dehydration/hang over. Drink water and if you need it, take some Ibuprofen/Tylenol/ASA, whatever you like best. You should always have some food in your stomach when you take them.

Contact Lenses: Keep them clean, don't pop them out and spit on them and put them back in. Carry a small case and some lubrication drops. You should have a pair of glasses (period) for back up. http://www.eyeglasseswarehouse.com/20th ... asses.html for example.

Poison Oak: It's there. Some of you get it really bad, some not at all. Tech-Nu is the best. Take a COLD soapy shower first, then warm it up. You can use topical stuff on it. Benadryl will help with the itching. If it's a bad case, go see your Physician.
WASH YOUR UNIFORM AND GEAR when you get home. I know dirty is cool, but if you get Poison Oak resin on it, it will keep reinfecting you.

Avoid jumping in or crawling through it. Remember, there are always two ways to reach your goal.

Foot support: Spenco or Gel liners. Get a set, cut them to fit the BOOT, and then leave them in. Put some powder in there before you wear them. Liners will help you avoid blisters, sore feet, back and neck problems.


Doc

Thanks Doc. Good info from someone who possesses great knowledge in the area. Thanks.

I'll second what he said

thanks doc

I think it is very cool how we collectively get and share information with some of the other Allied units. The more we do this the more our "on-the-field" operations will benefit

It's all about helping each other out. Doesn't matter if you all are the "B" team... Hahaha!

But seriously, glad to be able to help you all out. Lessons learned are no good unless we spread the wealth. I'll post updates when they come.

doc101 wrote:It's all about helping each other out. Doesn't matter if you all are the "B" team... Hahaha!

But seriously, glad to be able to help you all out. Lessons learned are no good unless we spread the wealth. I'll post updates when they come.

"Hey Mac, we been in this war since Africa... last I heard it took you fancy baggy pantsed boys 2 years to get involved "

*cough* woah what happened there... a little in character methinks

Nah Doc we like ya's, especially you show a lot of genuine and medical concern for all the guys on the field. A true healer indeed.

Good info Doc, likes to leave the event healthier then before I left!

barcelonablom wrote:

doc101 wrote:It's all about helping each other out. Doesn't matter if you all are the "B" team... Hahaha!

But seriously, glad to be able to help you all out. Lessons learned are no good unless we spread the wealth. I'll post updates when they come.

"Hey Mac, we been in this war since Africa... last I heard it took you fancy baggy pantsed boys 2 years to get involved "

*cough* woah what happened there... a little in character methinks

Nah Doc we like ya's, especially you show a lot of genuine and medical concern for all the guys on the field. A true healer indeed.

Well... you boys had it easy in Africa. Sun, surf, lots of good weather. HAHAHA!

doc101 wrote:

barcelonablom wrote:

doc101 wrote:It's all about helping each other out. Doesn't matter if you all are the "B" team... Hahaha!

But seriously, glad to be able to help you all out. Lessons learned are no good unless we spread the wealth. I'll post updates when they come.

"Hey Mac, we been in this war since Africa... last I heard it took you fancy baggy pantsed boys 2 years to get involved "

*cough* woah what happened there... a little in character methinks

Nah Doc we like ya's, especially you show a lot of genuine and medical concern for all the guys on the field. A true healer indeed.

Well... you boys had it easy in Africa. Sun, surf, lots of good weather. HAHAHA!

If ya count out the sharks, the burning sun, the I-ties, the Jerries, and the bullets, it was a blast

good info doc -thanks!