Heat risk is more than the temperature on a weather app. Humidity, direct sunlight, limited airflow, workload, uniforms and protective equipment can all increase the risk of heat illness.

WBGT: More Than Temperature
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, or WBGT, is used to assess heat stress risk because it accounts for environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, radiant heat and air movement.

Heat risk increases when personnel are:

• Working in direct sunlight
• Performing strenuous or prolonged outdoor work
• Wearing body armor, MOPP gear, bunker gear or other protective equipment
• Working on pavement, concrete, the flightline or other heat-reflective surfaces
• New to the area, returning from leave or not acclimatized to hot weather

Heat flags help communicate the current heat risk level and guide decisions for outdoor work, physical training and events. The flag level is based on WBGT, not just the forecast temperature.

Use the examples below to help identify the appropriate workload level before applying work/rest and fluid replacement guidance.

Easy work
Low-exertion tasks that require light movement or limited physical effort.

Examples: weapon maintenance, marksmanship training, drill and ceremony.

Moderate work
Sustained physical activity that may include movement, lifting, crawling or digging.

Examples: patrolling with a 30-pound load, low crawl, high crawl or digging a defensive position.

Heavy work
Strenuous activity that requires sustained effort, heavier loads or faster movement.

Examples: patrolling with a 45-pound load, four-person litter carry or jogging 4 mph.

Very heavy work
High-intensity activity that requires maximum or near-maximum effort.

Examples: two-person litter carry, movement under direct fire or obstacle course activity.

Uniforms, body armor and protective equipment can increase heat stress by making it harder for the body to cool itself. Leaders and supervisors should consider required clothing and gear when planning outdoor work, training, ceremonies and events.

Normal duty uniforms
OCPs, overalls and long-sleeved civilian work clothes do not require an added WBGT adjustment.

Body armor
Body armor adds heat burden and should be factored into work/rest and hydration planning.

Second layers and protective gear
MOPP gear, firefighting bunker gear and other layered protective equipment can significantly increase heat risk, especially during moderate, heavy or very heavy work.

Alternate duty uniform guidance
Personnel should follow commander, supervisor and local uniform guidance for alternate duty uniform decisions during hot weather.

Heat illness can progress quickly. Use the graphic below to compare common signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

If symptoms appear, move the person out of the heat, begin cooling immediately and seek medical attention.

Call emergency services immediately if someone shows confusion, altered mental status, loss of consciousness, stops sweating with hot skin, or appears severely ill during heat exposure.

Many homes in Germany are designed without active cooling, and instead stay cooler through shading, ventilation and nighttime cooling.

Use the graphic below for simple ways to reduce indoor heat during warmer weather. 

During periods of elevated heat risk, some services, events or outdoor operations may be adjusted to protect personnel, customers and mission readiness.

Potential impacts may include changes to outdoor events, physical training, outdoor customer service points, maintenance operations, community activities and some Force Support Squadron facilities or restaurants.

Before visiting FSS facilities, restaurants or scheduled events, check the latest updates from Ramstein FSS and the Ramstein Air Base Bulletin.