Principles of camp siting

Principles of camp siting

1. Safe comfortable environment

2. Make the best use of available area

   • Camp layout in a grid system Set boundary Grid can be expanded Avoid area used by troops less than 2 mths before
   • Area and real estate available
     • Enough space and future expansion

3. Topography and location

   • Towns and local inhabitants Wind Space for expansion Duration
   • Look for a gentle slope Natural drainage Consider flood hazards Avoid flat areas and swamps
   • Environmental impact

4. Soil type

   • Sanitation Water pipelines Road and construction Living environment (dust, mud) High water table problems (latrines etc)

5. Availability of water

   • Water source as close to camp as possible Quality and quantity Type of source

6. Access

   • Approaches (metalled roads) Main traffic route Vehicles, weight limits Camp circuit
   • Logistics supply
     • Air drop - allows supply to remote areas, expensive and requires large scale support Road - security issues for convoy but allows cheaper and more accurate supply

7. Vegetation

   • May require fuel for cooking Wood and grass for shelter Vector problems
   • Utilising existing facilities
     • Tactical considerations Duration Construction type Safety of facility Size of buildings Information about facility Drainage Power supply Water supply Removal of bodies Booby traps etc

8. Environmental heath hazards

   • Vector borne diseases Use of rivers for bathing and laundry Pests Over crowding Catering Climate

9. Political and security issues

10. Social, legal and cultural issues

11. Camp layout

    • Facing prevailing wind Sleeping accommodation at the front Sanitary facilities downwind Night sanitation appliances Ablutions downstream of water point Communications Work areas

12. Immediate action points

    • Localise defecation Develop appropriate exceta disposal system Establish inspection and reporting system Establish effective services for disposal of other waste

13. Waste disposal requirements

    • Must be easy to keep clean Hand washing Fly proofing Degree of privacy At least 30m from ground water sources At least 1.5m from water table Must be accessible Security