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KITGUM, Uganda — With Natural Fire 10 just a couple of weeks away, the set up of the life support area for troops participating in the exercise is in full swing –
an area where safe drinking water is a premium and healthy living conditions are a priority.
“Hygiene issues are huge here. Right now it’s a very rustic environment. Soldiers have to ensure they practice good personal hygiene on a regular basis,” said Maj. Ken Spicer, a specialist with the Center for Health Promotion and Preventative Medicine – Europe.
Spc. Brandon Johnson, a water treatment specialist with the 240th Quartermaster Company, 391st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, said the importance of clean water for hygiene is absolutely critical.
“I’m purifying shower water and latrine water for the exercise,” Specialist Johnson said. “You don’t want to get an infection from bad water, and you don’t want to get sick from bad water.”
Major Spicer said the prevention of waterborne diseases is an interesting issue.
“First, we have to find a water source, which we have. The water gets purified through a reverse osmosis water purification unit, and it’s treated with chlorine. It’s disinfected with chlorine that kills the bacteria,” he said.
From there, Major Spicer said the water has to be transported to a holding container. Throughout the process, the water is treated to ensure it remains disinfected and maintains an acceptable chlorine level so Soldiers can use it for showering and shaving.
During the exercise, the joint U.S. forces will use containerized showers and latrine units. Those units will get their water from the hard work of water treatment specialists from the 240th QM Co.
Natural Fire 10 is a training exercise that offers an opportunity for East African community partner nations and the U.S. military to work together during a humanitarian assistance mission. Working together, all parties will learn from each other to increase regional capabilities to respond to complex humanitarian emergencies.
