My brother was stationed in Kuwait several years ago (waypoint to be deployed to Iraq). During the summer they had days where the temperature was around 140F (60C). The mean in August is 131F (55C) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuwait#Geography_and_climate
Think about how hot that is for a moment. Now imagine having to do heavy physical activity in it, moving large equipment, carrying 80 pounds of gear, hiking everywhere, etc... Your odds of developing heat stroke are extremely high.
Having a cool place to relax and recover in is absolutely necessary. Otherwise, plenty of soldiers would be suffering and/or dying. The overall shape of the military stationed there would decline, and would lose that advantage over their enemy.
Think about how hot that is for a moment. Now imagine having to do heavy physical activity in it, moving large equipment, carrying 80 pounds of gear, hiking everywhere, etc... Your odds of developing heat stroke are extremely high.
Having a cool place to relax and recover in is absolutely necessary. Otherwise, plenty of soldiers would be suffering and/or dying. The overall shape of the military stationed there would decline, and would lose that advantage over their enemy.