In a military context, how is "hygiene" best defined?

In a military context, hygiene is best defined as the practice of maintaining health and cleanliness. This encompasses a range of activities and behaviors designed to promote overall well-being and prevent illness, particularly in environments where troops may face exposure to various health risks. Maintaining good hygiene is essential in military operations to ensure that personnel can perform at their best and to minimize the spread of diseases that can arise in close quarters or challenging living conditions. This includes personal hygiene practices such as regular handwashing, maintaining clean uniforms, and proper sanitation of living and eating areas, all of which directly relate to the health and readiness of military personnel.

While concepts like sleep management, proper nutrition, and fitness training contribute to a soldier's overall well-being and performance, they are separate components of health that do not encapsulate the broad definition of hygiene. Hence, the emphasis on cleanliness and health maintenance distinguishes hygiene as a vital aspect of military operations.