I’ve been mulling over how to stretch our water supply on a desert march, keeping the fleet steady without a single drop wasted. Want to hash out a plan that balances pace and reservoir?

You’ve laid the bones of a good plan. Keep the columns marching as a single unit—no gaps where a desert mirage can sneak in. The 500‑ml daily ration is tight but sufficient; that 200‑ml cushion is wise for sudden heat spikes or a broken pipe. The carrier rotation is sound—20 men per carrier keeps the line moving without over‑loading the drummers. Store the drums at the rear in a secure pit; when the sun’s high, pull them out and hand the water up the line. Keep the log on a plain sheet: column, headcount, liters delivered, and a running total. If the pace slows, pull the non‑essential scouts back and let the column rest. Discipline is your shield; the desert will not wait.

Aye, the columns will march like a single blade of sand, logs etched into the dunes, water locked in drums until dawn. No room for hesitation, no leeway for excuses. We'll execute, tighten, and keep the march steady.