Special Operations Forces Medical Handbook

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site with a sign that labeled: CLOSED SOAKAGE PIT, date and unit (security permitting).
h. Closing Latrines: Close a latrine when it is filled to within 1 foot of the ground surface or when it is
abandoned. Spray the contents of the pit, the sidewalls and the ground surface surrounding the pit
with a residual pesticide. Fill the pit up to the ground surface with successive 3-inch layers of earth.
Pack each layer down and spray it with pesticide before adding the next layer of dirt. Mound the latrine
pit over with at least 1 foot of dirt and spray it again. Indicate the location of the latrine with a sign
marked: CLOSED LATRINE, date and unit (security permitting).

3. Liquid Waste:
   a. There are two main types of liquid waste: kitchen and bath. The devices most commonly used to
   dispose of liquid waste are: soakage pits, soakage trenches, evaporation beds, and grease traps.
   b. Use soakage pits for all water facilities (i.e., under water trailer faucets, Lyster bags, and handwashing
   devices).
   c. Rules for construction, maintenance, and closing of liquid waste disposal devices:


4. Do not dig pit or trench into ground water table to avoid contamination.


5. Place one site adjacent to the mess kit laundry to avoid spillage.


6. Dig drainage ditches around each pit/trench to prevent surface water runoff from flowing into the
   soakage pits or trenches.


7. Police the soakage pit/trench area as needed.


8. Use an approved residual pesticide on the pit/trench contents and the surrounding ground area
   to control insects.


9. When the pit/trench becomes clogged, close it by covering it with 1 foot of compacted dirt and mark
   it with a sign indicating the type of pit, date closed, and unit (security permitting).


10. Garbage and Rubbish (Refuse) Disposal:
    a. Dispose of garbage and rubbish by burial or incineration.
    b. Collect refuse produced by personnel in: a 32 gallon galvanized can with cover, a 55 gallon drum with
    improvised cover, or in plastic bags (rubbish only).
    c. Incinerate combustible refuse when the tactical situation and local policy permits. Incinerate refuse in
    a barrel or inclined plane incinerator. Burial methods depend on the amount of refuse to be buried-
    small amounts (1 - 2 barrels) can be buried using a pit, but large amounts will need to be placed in
    a sanitary landfill on the local economy.

Field Water Purication

1. Treat and disinfect all sources of water other than US Military Installation or Quartermaster produced or
   approved water in the field.


2. Minimize the possibility of water-borne illness by selecting proper sources.


3. Water consumed by personnel will come from four possible sources. These sources are prioritized in the
   order in which they should be chosen for use:
   a. Fixed Facility (closed pipe system with treatment)
   b. Water Production Points (portable units, i.e., (ROWPU - Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit)
   c. Bottled water
   d. Emergency (raw water from the five natural sources below) from


4. Surface water (lakes, rivers, streams)


5. Ground water (wells, springs)


6. Rain water


7. Ice


8. Snow


9. Easy access to large quantities of water will usually make surface water the best emergency source.
   When selecting a water source for a Special Operations unit, consider certain factors:
   a. Military Situation: Does the site provide cover and concealment? Is the site accessible to soldiers?
   Can water be extracted with available equipment? Can the source be used without interference from
   the enemy? Is the water source accessible under all weather conditions? Is the site a safe distance
   from targets?