What should soldiers do if they are unaccustomed to the heat?

Gradually acclimatizing to the heat is essential for soldiers who may not be accustomed to high temperatures. This approach allows the body to adjust to the heat stress by slowly increasing exposure over time, which helps to improve physiological responses, such as sweating and cardiovascular stability. Acclimatization can lead to improved performance and reduced risk of heat-related illnesses, ensuring that soldiers remain effective and safe during demanding training or operational activities.

While training harder might seem like a way to build resilience, it can actually be counterproductive and increase the risk of heat-related stress injuries if the body isn't given the chance to adapt. Skipping training altogether would hinder the soldiers’ readiness and fitness, while training only in shaded areas does not provide the necessary exposure needed to properly acclimatize. Therefore, the best approach is to gradually adapt to the heat conditions to promote both safety and effectiveness in training.