APPENDIX H
NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL OPERATIONS
This appendix addresses nuclear, biological, and chemical defense; mission-oriented protection postures; and detection, monitoring, and unmasking procedures. NBC weapons produce casualties and disrupt operations. Platoons must be prepared to operate in an NBC environment during any operation.
NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL DEFENSE FUNDAMENTALS
To defend against NBC weapons, soldiers must apply the three fundamentals of NBC defense: avoidance, protection, and decontamination. FM 3-100 contains a general discussion of NBC defense measures. FMs 3-3, 3-4, and 3-5 also contain detailed information.
CONTAMINATION AVOIDANCE
The first fundamental of defense against NBC weapons is contamination avoidance. If soldiers can avoid contamination, they decrease the need for protection.
Take Passive Measures
Use concealment so the enemy cannot find you, or disperse so you make a poor target. You can also harden your position by improving its cover. Other passive measures include operations and communications security.
Detect and Identify Hazards
Monitor for contamination. Reconnoiter and survey specific areas to determine contamination status. Listen to higher and supported unit nets for reports of contamination or enemy NBC use. Enemy intentions may be discerned by identifying the type of agent. Also identification gives the platoon an idea of what type of decontamination support is required. If the agent is nonpersistent, weather will reduce it to nonthreatening levels in minutes or hours. There is no need to request decontamination units for nonpersistent agents. Decontamination will consist of an operator spraydown using a decontaminating solution applied with an M11 or M13 portable decontamination apparatus. Periodic monitoring with chemical detection paper (M8 and M9) and the M256 chemical detection kit will identify any agent present in threatening concentrations. In a nonpersistent agent attack, the unit may only have to remain in MOPP 4 for 30 minutes or less.
Use the NBC Warning and Reporting System
When a hazard is detected, pass the alarm locally. Mark the contaminated area with NATO standard US markers and report to higher headquarters using standard NBC reports.
Limit Contamination
Cover mission-essential equipment using readily available material. Restrict personnel movement in the contaminated area.
Move From the Contaminated Area
The unit must move if the tactical situation allows. This reduces the overall contamination hazard; however, carefully avoid spreading contamination during movement.
PROTECTION
The second fundamental of defense against NBC weapons is protection. It is required when contamination cannot be avoided. See FM 3-4 for a detailed discussion of personnel and selected equipment protection. There are four broad groups of activity that can be emphasized as protective measures. They are hardening positions, personnel using MOPP, reacting to attack, and using collective protection.
CONTENTS
Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense Fundamentals
Mission-Oriented Protection Posture
DECONTAMINATION
The third fundamental of defense against NBC weapons is decontamination. Decontamination reduces the contamination hazard by removing or neutralizing hazardous levels of NBC contamination on personnel and materiel. The extensive time and logistical support needed to perform deliberate decontamination operations mandates avoiding contamination, if possible.
NUCLEAR DEFENSE
Nuclear weapons are tremendously powerful, but defensive measures can be taken to reduce their effectiveness. The more information known about nuclear weapons, the more effective the defense and the greater the chances of survival.
DEFENSIVE ACTIONS BEFORE A NUCLEAR ATTACK
Cover is the best protection against a nuclear attack. Fighting positions, armored vehicles, heavy structures (concrete, stone, and brick) culverts, and other underground areas provide excellent protection. Light-skin and wheeled vehicles offer very little protection. Weapons, individual equipment, clothing, supplies, ammunition, explosives, petroleum products, and other flammables should be safeguarded. These items should be secured in one of the protected areas listed above. Nuclear defense levels for possible, likely, and imminent conditions are described in the Nuclear Defense Levels illustration.
When operating in a radiologically contaminated area, vehicles should be buttoned up, sandbagged, and the cargo covered. If the mission permits, personnel should be closely monitored to ensure compliance with operational exposure guides. The radiation exposure status should be updated.
DEFENSIVE ACTIONS DURING A NUCLEAR ATTACK
Immediately secure cover using a prone position and protect exposed skin until blast waves have passed and debris has stopped falling. Stay calm, check for injuries, check weapons and equipment for damage, and prepare to continue the mission.
DEFENSIVE ACTIONS AFTER A NUCLEAR ATTACK
Once the attack has ended, forward an NBC-1 nuclear report; consolidate and reorganize the AD position. Improve protection against possible fallout by seeking overhead cover for vehicles and begin continuous monitoring. If the radiation dose rate reaches a hazardous level, request permission to move.
NUCLEAR FIRST AID
Various injuries may result from nuclear attack. Soldiers must be prepared to administer first aid as described in the following paragraphs.
Damage can range from minor cuts and broken bones to severe lacerations and critical damage to vital organs. First aid treatment will be the same as that used for conventional combat casualties suffering similar injuries.
Thermal Radiation Injuries
The intense heat generated by a nuclear detonation burns skin, clothes, and equipment. Injuries can be caused by direct exposure, reflected exposures (from clouds and ground), and from secondary sources such as burning debris. These burns are categorized as first, second, and third degree. First-degree burns should heal without special treatment and there will be no scar formation. Casualties of a second-degree burn, which resembles a severe sunburn with blistering, are treated as burn casualties to prevent infection. These casualties may require evacuation. In third-degree burns the full thickness of the skin is destroyed. The casualty should be treated and evacuated.
Eye Injuries
Thermal radiation's effect on the eyes fall into two categories: temporary blindness (dazzle) and permanent blindness. Individuals suffering permanent damage should be evacuated as soon as possible. Individuals who are temporarily blinded will recover with time but will require assistance until their sight returns.
Radiation
Individuals may react differently to radiation exposure; but generally, individuals can be expected to react similarly to certain dose ranges as shown in the Radiation Dose Levels illustration.
Symptoms of radiation exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, dry heavy nausea, depression, and mental disorientation. At lower dose levels incapacitation and lethargy occur due to a loss of physical mobility or mental disorientation. At high-dose levels, shock and unconsciousness are the early symptoms.
Mechanical injuries such as broken bones, internal injuries and burns are more serious when the casualty has received minor doses of radiation. Every effort should be made to identify casualties who have been exposed to radiation.
RADIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION
Platoons exposed to radiation must measure the total dose using the IM-93 dosimeter and send dosimetry (exposure) reports to the commander. Commanders must identify units that exceed the operational exposure guidance.
Team members contaminated by radioactive dust or debris perform partial decontamination by brushing, wiping, and shaking debris from their bodies and gear. Contaminated vehicles are partially decontaminated by brushing or washing. This procedure limits the spread of contamination and reduces radiation hazard. Early decontamination is necessary to diminish the cumulative effects of radiation.
CHEMICAL DEFENSE
Chemical agents are used to kill, injure, or incapacitate personnel. The effects produced by these agents are dose-dependent. Through the use of various delivery systems, enemy forces can initiate and sustain large-scale chemical warfare operations.
DEFENSIVE ACTION BEFORE A CHEMICAL ATTACK
Make sure all personnel have their protective mask available and that it fits and functions properly. All personnel should be wearing protective clothing according to the designated MOPP level. The M-8 automatic alarm should be put into operation for chemical monitoring and detection.
DEFENSIVE ACTION DURING A CHEMICAL ATTACK
Mask and give the alarm. Get into MOPP 4 as soon as possible. Use chemical agent detector paper and M256 chemical detector kits to determine type of agent and forward an NBC-1 report; continue the mission.
DEFENSIVE ACTION AFTER A CHEMICAL ATTACK
Certain defensive actions must be taken following a chemical attack. Perform individual decontamination as required, treat casualties, then complete basic individual decontamination.
BIOLOGICAL DEFENSE
Biological agents consist of microorganisms and toxins. Microorganisms are germs that cause diseases. Toxins are poisons produced by plants, animals, or microorganisms. Biological agents, including toxins, can cause death and disease. It is not necessary for biological agents to kill to be effective. Their purpose may only be to reduce the ability of our forces to fight.
DETECTION
Biological attacks are difficult to detect. Sunlight reduces the effects of biological agents. Based on this, the most likely time for a conventional biological attack is in the evening and early morning hours. Some toxins are not sensitive to environmental factors and could be employed in any type of environment.
BIOLOGICAL DEFENSIVE ACTIONS
The best defense is to observe preventive measures such as keeping immunizations up to date, maintaining personal hygiene, eating and resting regularly, and providing rodent and insect control. Keep cuts or scratches covered and germ-free by using soap, water, and first aid. Insects carry biological agents, prevent insect bites by keeping clothes buttoned, covering skin, and using insect repellent.
After an attack, you must assume everything has been contaminated. Only eat rations that have remained sealed. Wash the outside of food and water containers before opening. Use only water from quartermaster water supply points. In emergencies, boil all water for at least 15 minutes or use water purification tablets. Do not use water exposed to toxins or spore-forming microorganisms.
MISSION-ORIENTED PROTECTION POSTURE
Protective actions against biological and chemical agents depend on the threat, mission, situation, and weather. As with nuclear protective actions, chemical and biological protective actions fall into three categories: action before the attack, during the attack, and after the attack.
MOPP LEVELS
MOPP levels are established by the commander depending on the risk of NBC attack. Commanders use MOPP analysis to determine appropriate MOPP levels based on the tactical situation.
Standardized MOPP levels allow commanders to easily increase or decrease levels of protection. Commanders can raise or lower the amount of protection through five levels of MOPP--MOPP 0 through MOPP 4. Commanders may not implement a MOPP level lower than that set by higher headquarters.
The BSFV platoon must understand and apply MOPP levels, when required, for protection and survival. See the Standardized MOPP Levels illustration. See STP 21-1-SMCT for further guidance on wearing MOPP gear.
PROCEDURES BEFORE ATTACK
The Individual and Unit Actions illustration describes individual and unit actions that must be completed at different MOPP levels prior to an attack. Specific postures are subject to modification by commanders to permit mission accomplishment.
SUPERVISION OF MOPP
Leaders must check their soldiers for proper fit and seal of the protective mask and proper fit of protective clothing. Soldiers must assume stressed positions (bending, twisting, and stretching) to check fit. Compliance with the MOPP level should be checked regularly. Stress and fatigue can be reduced by rotating heavy work requirements. Allow frequent rest periods, make maximum use of mechanical aids, and provide adequate water supply.
DECONTAMINATION
Decontamination is essential in preventing casualties and combat degradation in a contaminated environment. In the past, when a unit was contaminated, it was withdrawn from battle and went through an 18-hour decontamination to remove all traces of contamination. Tactically and logistically, this approach may not be feasible.
METHODS OF DECONTAMINATION
There are three methods of decontamination. When the battle situation dicataes that the unit cannot withdraw to decontaminate, the following methods can be used.
Individual Decontamination
Individual decontamination begins within one minute of contamination and is conducted using individual or unit vehicle supplies and equipment (M11 or M13 decontamination apparatus, M258A1 decontamination kit). STP 21-1-SMCT provides further information.
Hasty Decontamination
Hasty decontamination operations are the function of teams or squads using equipment found within battalion-size units. Hasty decontamination reduces the spread of contamination on people or equipment and may allow relief from MOPP 4. Hasty decontamination consists of MOPP gear exchange and vehicle washdown. Both should be done within six hours of contamination.
Deliberate Decontamination
Deliberate decontamination operations require detailed planning. More manpower and resources are needed than in hasty decontamination. Detailed troop decontamination may also require external support for decontaminants and shower facilities.
TECHNIQUES OF DECONTAMINATION
Seven decontamination techniques are used to support the three types of decontamination. These seven techniques are fully explained in FM 3-5. They are--
- Skin decontamination.
- Personal equipment wipedown.
- Operator spraydown.
- MOPP gear exchange.
- Vehicle washdown.
- Detailed troop decontamination.
- Equipment decontamination.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
