A brief survey of chemical defense, crew rest, and heat stress/physical training issues related to Operation Desert Storm.

A brief questionnaire was administered to 148 soldiers, over two-thirds of whom were aviators, at the conclusion of Desert Storm. Questions were asked about chemical defense, work/rest schedules, an aspect of pharmacological support, and heat stress/physical training during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Follow-up face-to-face interviews also were conducted with some respondents. Some of the most noteworthy findings concerned (1) training issues and side effects related to pyridostigmine bromide, (2) problems with chemical defense clothing, (3) suggestions for improving crew rest, and (4) facts about the ways in which heat-related difficulties were minimized.