Fatigue Management

O verview
Soldiers on operations will usually tell you that the hardest part of soldiering
is the continual work over extended periods. Fatigue is the product of intense
and prolonged emotional strain, poor and inadequate diet, strenuous physical
exertion, unfavourable environmental conditions and sleep loss.
"How yer goin', mate?"
"Buggered. You?"
"Buggered."
That was the word for all of us.
Henry ‘Blue’ Steward
RMO 2/16th Inf Bn, Kokoda Track, Aug-Sep 1942,
Recollections of a Regimental Medical Officer
Unintentionally falling asleep while on operations can have serious
consequences - hence the severe sanctions for falling asleep on piquet. Yet the
problem persists. Commanders must adopt techniques to manage fatigued
soldiers other than threat of punishment. They must also recognise several
other costs associated with chronic fatigue, including substandard
performance, poor decisions and ‘friendly fire' incidents. These costs can be
reduced if proper attention is paid to sleep needs and the prevention and
management of fatigue. A thorough knowledge of both sleep and the effects of
fatigue are essential aspects of fatigue management.
Exhausted sentries will fall asleep, no matter what.
Commanders need to be frequently aroused to check and
prevent this. But what if the arouser has fallen asleep?
Savage punishment is no remedy. It's a complex problem.
There has to be some sleep.
Lewis Keeble, MC
Canadian Company Commander during the Normandy Campaign
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