What group of soldiers is most likely to suffer from heat injuries?

The answer identifies overweight soldiers as the group most likely to suffer from heat injuries. This is grounded in physiological factors; overweight individuals are more prone to heat-related conditions because their bodies generate and retain more heat during physical exertion. Excess body fat acts as insulation, making it harder for the body to dissipate heat through sweating and other mechanisms. This can lead to an increased risk of heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke, especially during demanding training or operations in hot and humid environments.

Additionally, other factors that contribute to heat injuries in overweight soldiers include lower cardiovascular fitness levels, which can impair their ability to regulate body temperature effectively during physical activity. Maintaining adequate hydration and acclimatization is crucial for all soldiers, but those who have excess weight may find it more challenging, increasing their vulnerability to heat-related issues.

While individuals accustomed to heat, trained in desert survival, or even new recruits may face heat stress, they generally have adaptive mechanisms or training strategies in place to better cope with heat exposure. In contrast, overweight soldiers lack those advantages, making them a higher risk group for heat injuries.