Safeguarding readiness during winter

FORT RUCKER, Ala. — It's an annual ritual: With fall in full force and winter approaching, the days get shorter and the temperature slowly drops. As cooler weather approaches, it's crucial that Soldiers understand the importance of protecting themselves to avoid becoming a cold weather injury statistic.

"Cold weather injuries are preventable," said Army Maj. David W. DeGroot, deputy chief for clinical investigation, Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii. "Knowing how to wear and use cold weather clothing, especially under a variety of weather and activity conditions, is one of the best ways to help combat cold weather injuries."