5 Ways Troops Go to the Bathroom While in Field

Everyone has to hit the head (bathroom) at least a few times a day. If you don't, you should probably consult with a doctor ASAP. But for troops in the field, using the restroom might not always be as easy as just visiting the nearest toilet.

In fact, some forward-deployed troops don't even have access to running water, so flushing their waste away through a series of pipes isn't simply impractical.

So, how do troops make a number one or two while in the field? Well, keep reading and be slightly amazed!

1. “Piss pipes”

This might sound like some new way to smoke tobacco, but it's far, far from it. These public urinals are constructed from large pipes that are halfway buried. This way, all the human pee collects several feet underground instead of pooling on the surface. 

2. Cat holes

You know how cats sometimes burr small holes in the kitty litter before dropping the payload? Well, the military adapted that idea when it comes to human waste disposal and created what are known, aptly, as "cat holes."

According to field manuals, proper cat holes are 12-inches long, 12-inches wide, and 12-inches deep. This method of waste disposal is meant to be temporary and quickly covered up if a squad needs to get on the move. 

3. WAG Bags

Have you ever made brown in a Ziploc bag? Well, if you have, that's exactly what it's like taking a dump in a WAG bag — except this one has a bunch of biodegradable odor neutralizers inside.

Since holding a WAG bag open while taking care of business isn't easy, use some sort of container (like a bucket) to keep the bag open.

4. Straddle trenches

Remember the cat hole we talked about earlier, and how they're made for temporary use? Well, the straddle trenches are like that — only permanent. To properly use the straddle trench, squat over the rectangular hole and release.

According to Army regulations, the trenches are supposed to be 1-foot wide, 2 1/2-feet deep, and 4-feet long. 

5. Porta-Johns

Yes, we have "Porta-sh*tters" located on the frontlines. For the most part, they're located on the larger FOBs. To keep these maintained, allied forces pay local employees, who live nearby, to pump the human discharge out of the poop reservoirs. 

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