Definitions.—Hygiene is a science whose laws have to do with the preservation of the health. Sanitation is an art whereby man endeavors to carry out the laws” of hygiene. Health is a normal condition of body and mind. Disease is any departure from a state of health. Military hygiene—sometimes referred to as the “care of troops”—embraces hygiene and sanitation in their relations to an army. In modern military usage, the adjective sanitary is applied not only to hygienic procedure but also to troops and organizations of the Medical Department.
Scope of Military Hygiene.—The practice of military hygiene covers all points which relate to the public health of a civil community—and something more. Public health concerns itself with everything which may unfavorably affect the physical condition of individuals in such a community; in other words, it has to do with man and his environment. This involves a consideration of soil, air, water, climate, habitations, ventilation, heating, care of the person, food, clothing, exercise, occupation, habits, parasites, communicable diseases, disinfection, disposal of refuse, sanitary laws, and vital statistics. The “something more” is the set of conditions incident to the march, the camp, and battle, which greatly modify the circumstances and increase the difficulties met in the application of sanitary procedures.
Military Failure Due to Preventable Diseases.—Prior to the present world conflict, in all the wars of history (with the doubtful exception of that between the Russians and Japanese in 1904) much more disability and many more deaths have resulted from disease than from wounds. Campaigns which should have succeeded have frequently failed because of the utter breakdown of armies from preventable diseases such as cholera, plague, typhoid, typhus, small-pox, malaria, dysentery, and yellow fever.
Results of Preventive Measures.—Up to recent years a high percentage of disease and death during war time has been accepted as unavoidable, but the great increase in knowledge of the causes of disease has given us weapons with which to fight these, and the application of sanitary principles has resulted in a marked diminution in many affections now shown to be preventable. The annual death-rate for that half of the United States which keeps reliable statistics has decreased nearly 20 per cent. in the last generation. The average length of life at present is about forty-five years, and it is estimated that methods of disease prevention (so-called prophylaxis), if properly applied, can add fifteen years to this.
The Soldier and Disease Prevention.—Soldiers are specialists in a certain branch of human endeavor, the practice of which entails additional risks and creates the necessity for care in avoidance thereof. The risks of battle cannot be avoided, but those of the march and the camp can, as will be shown, be entirely escaped or greatly lessened by the exercise of reasonable caution.
Dependence of Soldiers—‘The men who compose an army are drawn from civil life, in which each individual has, to a greater or less extent, independent control of his time, choice of occupation, selection of food and dwelling place, and general sanitary care. After enlistment, soldiers lose most of this independence; they are housed, clothed, fed, and exercised under regulations which it is beyond their power to amend; they are moved from one point to another, differing perhaps very widely in climatic and other conditions, under orders which they may not presume to question; their hours for sleep, meals, work, and recreation are fixed for them without consultation with them or without regard to individual or communal preference’ (Harrington).
In our military system the absolute dependence on the will or neglect of a superior has been especially prone to result in disease conditions, because of the ignorance and inexperience of militia, volunteers, and drafted men suddenly called into active service. The officers may have little or no knowledge of the care of troops, while the men exhibit a recklessness and disregard for the laws of health peculiarly national. The American soldier, unless firmly commanded, displays the utmost indifference to the ordinary rules of decency. He deposits his excrement where he happens to be; he drinks of any liquid he encounters which may be dignified by the name of water; he throws his wastes indiscriminately upon the camp ground, heedless of the fact that putrefactive changes will shortly make them offensive; he gleefully seeks opportunities for alcoholic and sexual excesses; and, in defense of his heaven-born liberties, he may decline to mend his ways because he enlisted to fight and not to perform menial occupations.
Improvidence of Soldiers.—Experience teaches us that we cannot expect the enlisted man to care for himself, so we must be ‘guide, philosopher, and friend’ to him. A Confederate leader (Wise) has well said, ‘To appreciate fully the truth that “men are but children of a larger growth,” one must have commanded soldiers. Without constant guidance and governance and punishment they become careless about clothes, food, ammunition, cleanliness, and even personal safety. They will at once eat or throw away the rations furnished for several days, never considering the morrow. They will cast aside or give away their clothing because to-day is warm, never calculating that the next day they may be suffering for the lack of it. They will open their cartridge-boxes and dump the contents on the roadside to lighten their load, although a few hours later their lives may depend upon having a full supply. When they draw their pay, their first object is to find some way to get rid of it as quickly as possible. An officer, to be really efficient, must add to the qualities of courage and firmness those of nurse, monitor, and purveyor for grown-up children, in whom the bumps of improvidence and destructiveness are abnormally developed.’
Enforcement of Sanitary Regulations.—When sanitary regulations are promulgated for the guidance of enlisted men, it is often desirable to let them know the reasons therefor. Most of our men are intelligent, thinking individuals, and if their reason is appealed to, compliance is apt to be more thorough than when a mere command is given, without explanation. On the other hand, the issuance of an order by no means ensures compliance. Every order must be followed up, to see that it is carried out promptly and habitually. For this purpose inspections must be made early and often. If a disposition to shirk is observed, delinquents must be punished. Unless the system of inspection and responsibility is thorough and complete and duties of subordinates dovetail or overlap, work will be neglected because certain things are nobody’s business.
A medical officer is on the staff of his commander in an advisory capacity. This relation should not be lost sight of. Recommendations of sanitary officers should be heeded and enforced by commanders. That one who promptly and firmly supports his sanitary adviser soon finds the sanitation of his camp or garrison maintained at a high standard by those most directly responsible, namely, the company commanders.
Key Takeaways
- Military hygiene and sanitation are crucial for maintaining troop health and effectiveness.
- Preventive measures can significantly reduce disease rates in military settings.
- Officers must actively enforce sanitary regulations to ensure compliance among troops.
Practical Tips
- Educate soldiers on the importance of personal hygiene and sanitation practices.
- Implement regular inspections and follow-up to ensure adherence to sanitation protocols.
- Provide clear explanations for sanitary regulations to encourage voluntary compliance.
Warnings & Risks
- Failure to enforce sanitary regulations can lead to high disease rates among troops.
- Improvidence in soldiers' behavior, such as improper disposal of waste, can have serious health consequences.
- Lack of proper guidance and governance can result in careless attitudes towards hygiene and safety.
Modern Application
The principles outlined in this chapter remain relevant today for modern survival preparedness. While the specific diseases discussed may differ, the importance of preventive measures, education, and enforcement remains critical. Modern readers can apply these lessons to prepare for emergencies by ensuring proper sanitation practices, educating themselves on hygiene protocols, and maintaining a high level of discipline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did the chapter define military hygiene?
Military hygiene is defined as embracing hygiene and sanitation in their relations to an army. It involves applying scientific laws of health preservation and sanitary arts to maintain troop health.
Q: What are some key factors that contribute to disease among soldiers according to the chapter?
Key factors include a lack of personal control over daily routines, ignorance and inexperience among officers, and a tendency for soldiers to disregard hygiene due to their dependence on military regulations.
Q: Why is it important for medical officers to be advisory rather than directive in the chapter?
Medical officers should advise commanders but not issue direct orders. This approach ensures that recommendations are heeded and enforced by commanders, leading to better sanitation practices among troops.