Have you stopped sweating even though it is 95 degrees and you are dressed from head to foot in wool and carrying 25 pounds of gear? Has it been a while since you peed, and was the urine bright yellow or orange? Are you starting to feel dizzy, nauseous, and maybe a little confused? Well then, dummy, you are suffering from dehydration and may be approaching heat stroke. You have not been drinking enough water and Gatorade. You could die. Stop, shout for your corporal, sergeant, or the medical steward. Let your file mate know what is wrong. Gear-down, rest, and get some water in you. Missing a battle is not worth losing your life!

For you new guys: You should be aware that the Co. A, 3rd Maine Ladies, led by Mother Mallet, hold the reenactment community's record for stripping a fully geared-up soldier down to his skivvies (36.58 seconds). If these wonderful women think you are in trouble because of the heat or dehydration, they will leap upon you, wrestle you to the ground, and strip you nearly naked in front of thousands of your comrades in arms. Actually, they will do this to any soldier belonging to any regiment. So if you want to avoid this embarrassing fate, use some common sense, listen to your NCOs, stay hydrated, and pay attention to what your body is telling you.