Medical aspects of Persian Gulf operations: environmental hazards

Deployment of troops to the countries surrounding the Persian Gulf will result in exposure to a unique and dangerous environment. The austere and hostile environment is marked by extremes of temperature, dangerous snakes and scorpions, and hazardous marine conditions, in addition to the problems that will be faced by those potentially in combat. Proper education and training prior to deployment, reinforcement by the leadership, and common sense prevention measures will prevent most environmental casualties from occurring.