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Water

Categories: PRACTICE MARCH OR "HIKE"
Military Handbooks: The Plattsburg Manual

Fill your canteen each evening, as the water wagons sometimes do not

reach camp before the morning march is commenced. Excessive water

drinking on the march is the besetting sin of the inexperienced soldier.

One swallow of water calls for another. Soon your canteen is empty. Your

stomach feels uncomfortable. You are still thirsty. If it is necessary

to replace some of the water of the body which is lost by perspiration,

and this is often necessary, first gargle out the mouth and throat and

spit the water out; then take a swallow or two, but be careful not to

drink to excess. Injudicious and excessive water drinking fills the

hospital ambulances and auto trucks with men who should be in ranks. One

half a canteen of water is sufficient for you on any march you will have

to make. After you arrive in camp and have cooled off a little, drink as

much water as you desire, but do so slowly.



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