CLASSIFICATION AND COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF DEVICES FOR DRYING MILITARY FOOTWEAR

This article highlights the importance of drying footwear for military personnel, explores different methods and devices for drying footwear, and identifies the criteria to consider when choosing one. The analysis of current research shows that the issue of drying footwear has not received sufficient attention in military guidance documents. The relevance of the article lies in the need to systematize information about the types of devices for drying military footwear, their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. The purpose of this article is to recommend the best models of shoe dryers for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and to include them into the standards for the combat supply. This will help to maintain the hygiene and health of servicemen, increase their comfort and combat capability, and extend the service life of their footwear. The study of existing devices for drying footwear allowed us to classify them according to various criteria: power supply type, principle of operation, design, installation method and additional functions. Mechanical devices, although easy to use, do not provide fast drying, especially in high humidity conditions. Electric devices, in particular those with forced air circulation and heating elements with a positive temperature coefficient, have proven to be much more efficient. The problem of «wet feet» in the military can cause negative consequences for health and combat capability The correct choice and employment of devices for drying military footwear will help to avoid the development of diseases such as fungal infections, ulcers, and «trench foot». Based on the results of the study, the main requirements for shoe dryers which can be used by military personnel during combat missions were identified. Keywords: military footwear, drying footwear, shoe dryers, classification, the issue of «wet feet», «trench foot».