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Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defense J-1

Appendix J

Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defense

The technology to produce and deliver chemicaland biological agents and weapons of massdestruction is widely available. This technologyprovides military and nonmilitary leaders inunstable regions with a means to deter moretechnically advanced nations. Weapons of massdestruction can radically change the flow ofbattle, shift the balance of combat power, andplace a superior force at risk. Areas targetedwith these weapons may remain hazardous fordays, even weeks after an attack. Additionally,nuclear reactor and chemical production facilityaccidents or sabotage can release radiological orchemical contaminants that can threatenfriendly forces and military operations.

OVERVIEW

J-1. Enemy forces may threaten sustainment areas toseize and maintain the initiative, while degrading oreliminating a unit’s flexibility and capability to supportoperations. Sustainment area activities are lucrativetargets for enemy NBC attacks. Attacking sustainmentnodes weakens the main battle area's force effectivenesswithout adversely affecting an enemy’s immediatemaneuver. To achieve these aims, threat activities insustainment areas target key critical support andlogistic facilities. These facilities include—

• Special-weapons storage sites and deliverysystems.

J-2 Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defense

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• C2 facilities.• Air defense artillery sites.• Air bases.• Seaports.• MSRs.

HAZARD DETECTION AND REPORTING

J-2. The best units to perform NBC reconnaissance arethose units with the M93 NBC Reconnaissance System(FOX). Planners consider the disadvantages ofconducting NBC reconnaissance with HMMWV-equipped units. The disadvantages of using a HMMWVinclude the following:

• The crew conducts operations in MOPP 4 whilein contamination.

• The vehicle stops to conduct survey anddetection.

• The vehicle has difficulty keeping up with themaneuver force over rugged terrain.

• The readings obtained using an M256A1 kit,detector paper, and a chemical agent monitor(CAM) are not as reliable as readings from theM93 (FOX).

J-3. Planners use the IPB and the METT-TC todetermine the type of NBC reconnaissance techniqueand the type of equipment to be used for the NBCreconnaissance.

J-4. Early detection of NBC hazards is required fortimely warning of units and personnel in the affectedareas. NBC reconnaissance is an active contaminationavoidance measure that provides commanders withinformation on NBC hazards in an AO.

J-5. NBC reconnaissance contributes to the overallintelligence collection effort and consists of the following

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five critical tasks: detecting, identifying, marking,reporting, and sampling. The four types of NBCreconnaissance include search, survey, sample, andsurveillance.

J-6. MP may be tasked to conduct NBC reconnaissancewhile conducting other reconnaissance operations. Theyare equipped to detect and identify radiological andchemical hazards, mark the contaminated area, andreport the hazard. They are not equipped to collect orhandle samples.

J-7. NBC surveillance activities are planned to supportthe intelligence collection effort. MP conduct NBCsurveillance by monitoring MSRs, critical facilities, andkey terrain. They employ NBC detector equipment andmeasures that include the following:

• M8A1 automatic chemical agent alarm system.• AN/VDR-2 RADIAC set.• CAM.• Visual observation for unexplained artillery or

spray.• M256A1, M8, and M9 paper.

J-8. If MP observe the indications of an NBC attack,they may be ordered to conduct an NBC survey to definethe boundaries of the contamination, locate and markclean bypass routes, and occupy OPs to observe thedesignated area. MP conduct an NBC survey, on order,t o o b t a in de t a i l e d i nfo rm a ti o n co n ce r ni ng acontaminated area, including the location of the generalboundaries of the contaminated area and the intensity ofthe contamination (nuclear) or the type of agent(chemical).

J-9. MP locate the boundaries and place warningmarkers around the contaminated area at all the entrypoints. They report information using an NBC 4 reportand inform the road users of the contaminated area, and


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direct the traffic to alternate routes to avoid thecontaminated area.

J-10. At al l eche lons, MP provide continuousinformation to higher HQ using NBC 1 and NBC 4reports (Figure J-1). These report formats provide arapid means of disseminating information. Use the NBC1 report to record the initial use and subsequent dataconcerning enemy NBC attacks. The initial NBC 1report precedence is flash and all others are immediate.Table J-1, pages J-6 through J-10, gives an explanationof the various lines in an NBC report.

J-11. Use the NBC 4 report for radiation dose ratemeasurements. Usually, the unit submits two reports—one on initial contact and another for peak dose rate.Measure radiation dose rates in the open, 1 meter abovethe ground. If radiation dose rates are taken inside avehicle or a shelter, at least one outside reading isnecessary to determine the correlation factor. Otheritems of the report are optional. Refer to FM 3-3 for moreinformation about NBC reports.

J-12. As MP move throughout an AO, they monitor forthe presence of an NBC hazard, mark contaminatedareas, send NBC reports through operational channels,and direct traffic around or through hazards to ensurethat the troops and the supplies get where they areneeded on the battlefield.

CONTAMINATION MARKING

J-13. Mark contamination so that unsuspectingpersonnel will not be exposed to it. When detecting orsuspecting NBC hazards, mark all likely entry pointsinto the area and report the contamination to higherHQ. The only exception to this policy occurs whenmarking the area would help the enemy. If thecommander makes this exception, report the hazard toprotect friendly units.

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Figure J-1. Example of NBC 1 and NBC 4 Reports

NBC 1 Report(Observer's Report)

NBC 1(Nuclear) Report

NBC 1(Biological) Report

NBC 1(Chemical) Report

B. NB062634 B. LB206300 B. LB200300

C. 90-degree grid D. 200410Z D. 201405Z

D. 201405Z E. 200414Z E. 201412Z

G. Aircraft F. LB206300, actual F. LB206300,estimated

H. Surface G. Aerial spray G. Bomblets

J. 60 H. Unknown H. Nerve

L.15 degrees V. Airburst

NOTE: Line items B, D, H, and either C or F should always bereported. Use other line items if the information is known.

NBC 4 Report(Reconnaissance, Monitoring, and Survey Results)

NBC 4(Nuclear) Report

NBC 4(Chemical) Report

Q. LB123987 H. Nerve V

R. 35 Q. LP200300, liquid

S. 201535Z S. 170610Z

NOTES:

1. Line items H, Q, R, and S may be repeated as often as necessary.

2. In line R, descriptive words, such as initial, peak, increasing,decreasing, special, series, verification, or sumary may be added.


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Table J-1. Explanation of Line Items in NBC Report

Line NuclearChemical and

BiologicalRemarks

A Strike serialnumber

Strike serial number Assigned by the NBCcenter

B Position of theobserver

Position of theobserver

Grid coordinates(universal transversemercator [UTM] orplace).

C Direction of theattack from theobserver, toinclude the unitof measure

Direction of theattack from theobserver

Nuclear: Use degreesmagnetic north (DGM),degrees true north(DGT), degrees gridnorth (DGG), milsmagnetic north (MLM),mils true north (MLT), ormils grid north (MLG)Chemical: Measureclockwise from the gridor magnetic north (indegrees or mils)

D DTG ofdetonation

DTG for the start ofthe attack

Nuclear: Use Zulu time.Chemical: Designatetime zone used.

E NA DTG of the end ofthe attack

Designate time zoneused.

F Location of thearea attacked

Location of the areaattacked

Use grid coordinates (orplace). State whetherthe location is actual orestimated.

G Suspected orobserved eventand the meansof delivery orkind of attack

Kind of attack State whether the attackwas by artillery, mortars,rockets, missiles,bombs, or spray.

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H Type of burst Type of agent andtype of burst

P = persistentNP = nonpersistent

Nuclear: Specify air,surface, or subsurface.Chemical: State whetherby air, ground, or sprayattack.

I NA Number ofmunitions or aircraft

If known.

J Flash-to-bangtime

NA Use seconds.

K Crater presentor absent andthe diameter

Description ofterrain andvegetation

Nuclear: Sent in meters.Chemical: Sent inNBC 6.

L Cloud width atH+5 minutes

NA State whether measuredin degrees or mils.

M Stabilized cloudtop or cloudbottom angle orcloud top orbottom height atH+10 minutes

NA Nuclear: State whetherthe angle is cloud top orcloud bottom andwhether it is measuredin degrees or mils.Chemical: State whetherthe height is cloud top orcloud bottom andwhether it is measuredin meters or feet.

N Estimated yield NA Sent as kilotons.

O Reference DTGfor estimatedcontour line notH+1

NA Use when the contoursare not plotted at H+1.

P For radarpurposes only

NA None

Table J-1. Explanation of Line Items in NBC Report (Continued)


BiologicalRemarks


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PA NA Predicted hazardarea (coordinates)

If the wind speed is 10kilometers per hour orless, this item is 010(the radius of the hazardarea in kilometers).

PAR Coordinates ofexternalcontours of theradioactivecloud

NA Six-digit coordinates.Letter R identifiesRADAR set.

PB NA Duration of thehazard in the attackand hazard area

State in days, hours,minutes, and so forth

PBR Downwinddirection of theradioactivecloud and theunit of measure

NA DGM, MLM, DGT, MLT,DGG, or MLG. The letterR identifies a RADARset.

Q Location of thereading

Location of thesampling and thetype of sample

Nuclear: UTM or theplace.Chemical: UTM or theplace. State whether thetest was air or liquid.

R Dose rate oractual value ofdecay exponent

NA State the dose rate incentigray per hour(cGyph).

S DTG of thereading

DTG contaminationdetected

State the time of theinitial identification testsample or when thereading was taken.



BiologicalRemarks

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T H+1 DTG DTG of the latestcontaminationsurvey of the area

NBC 5 and NBC 6reports only.

U 1,000-cGyphcontour line

NA Plot in red.

V 300-cGyphcontour line

NA Plot in green.

W 100-cGyphcontour line

NA Plot in blue.

X 20-cGyphcontour line (30cGyph contourline is used byother NATOforces)

Area of actualcontamination

Nuclear: Plot in black.Chemical: Plot in yellow.

Y Direction of theleft and rightradical lines

Downwind directionof the hazard andthe wind speed

Nuclear: Directionmeasured clockwisefrom grid north (GN) tothe left and then rightradial lines (degrees ormils, state which), fourdigits each.Chemical: Direction isfour digits (degrees ormils) and the windspeed is three digits(kilometers per hour).



BiologicalRemarks


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PROCEDURES FOR MARKING

J-14. Face markers away from the contamination. Forexample, if markers are placed 50 meters from the

Z Effective windspeedDownwinddistance of Zone1

Cloud radius

Unit of measurefor eachcategory

NA Three digits—effectivewind speed (kilometersper hour)Three digits—downwinddistance of Zone 1(kilometers or nauticalmiles)Two digits—cloud radius(kilometers or nauticalmiles) (the wind speedis less than 8 kilometersper hour, this linecontains only a three-digit radius of Zone 1[kilometers])

ZA NA Significant weatherphenomena

Air stability: Two digits

Temperature incentigrade: Two digits

Humidity: One digit

Significant weatherphenomena: One digit

Cloud cover: One digit

ZB Used to transmitcorrelationfactors ortransmissionfactors

Remarks foradditional chemicaland biologicalattacks only.

Include any additionalinformation.



BiologicalRemarks

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outside edge of a contaminated area to mark aradiological hot spot, they face away from the point ofthe highest contamination reading. Place markers atroads, trails, and other likely points of entry. When timeand mission permit, use additional markers. Thedistance between the signs varies. In open terrain, placethem farther apart than in hilly or wooded areas.Soldiers should be able to stand in front of a marker andsee the markers to the left and right of it.

J-15. Units discovering a marked, contaminated area donot have to conduct elaborate, time-consuming surveys.The new unit checks the extent of the contamination andalters its plans if necessary. If the size of the hazard hasexpanded or decreased, relocate the signs. If the hazardis gone, remove the signs and report changes to higherHQ.

TYPES OF MARKERS

J-16. US forces use standard NATO markers to make iteasier for allies to recognize the hazards. These markersare in the standard NBC marking set. Colors andinscriptions on a marker indicate the type of hazard.Other contamination information is written on the frontof the sign.

RADIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION DETECTIONAND MONITORING

J-17. Conduct radiological monitoring using an AN/VDR2, and start on the order of the commander or as setb y t he S O P . M a rk t h e a re a w it h ra di o l o g i ca lcontamination markers. Report radiation dose rates andthe times and locations of the readings to higher HQusing the NBC 4 nuclear report. All units startcontinuous monitoring when–

• Moving from one area to another on thebattlefield.


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• Getting a fallout warning.• Knowing that a nuclear burst was reported,

seen, or heard.• Detecting radiation of 1 centigray per hour by

periodic monitoring.• Being ordered by the unit commander.

J-18. Continuous monitoring stops on order from thehigher HQ or when the dose rate falls below 1 centigrayper hour, except for units on the move.

TECHNIQUES FOR MONITORING

J-19. Use both direct and indirect techniques whenconducting radiological monitoring. Refer to FM 3-3 formore information on radiological monitoring.

Direct Monitoring

J-20. The direct technique is the simplest and the mostprecise. The soldier must—

• Stand at the desired location.• Hold the RADIAC meter waist high and turn it

slowly 360 degrees. Refer to TM 11-6665-251-10.• Record the highest reading on DA Form 1971-R.• Take the reading in the open, at least 10 meters

from buildings or large structures, if possible.

Indirect Monitoring

J-21. Use the indirect technique inside shelters orvehicles. The soldier must—

• Stand at the center of the shelter.• Hold the RADIAC meter 1 meter above the floor

and slowly rotate it 360 degrees.• Record the highest reading.• Take all readings from one selected position

when monitoring from inside a vehicle orshelter.

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SURVEY TEAM

J-22. MP may be tasked to perform as part of a surveyteam. When essential contamination information cannotbe obtained from monitoring reports, a radiologicalsurvey may be required. Radiological surveys aredirected efforts to learn the extent and intensity ofradiological contamination. A survey requires a controlteam and one or more survey teams. The HQ directingthe survey usually provides the control team. In a teamassigned to a survey—

• The team leader monitors the RADIAC meterand provides C2.

• The driver operates the vehicle.• The gunner provides security.

J-23. The control team instructs the survey teams onwhat to do. The MP team leader ensures that each teammember receives the following information from thecontrol team:

• Purpose. The survey determines the presenceand the level of fallout or induced radiation nearground zero, in a specific area, along a route, at aspecific location, or any combination of these.

• Start and finish times. The times during which asurvey will be conducted.

• Survey execution. The route to be followed andthe locations where readings are to be made orthe distances needed between the readings aregiven.

• Radiation safety precautions. The control teamtells the survey team the turn-back dose. Thedose rate is monitored on the AN/VDR2. If theturn-back dose rate is reached as the surveyteam travels forward, the team immediatelyleaves the fallout area by the same route used toenter it, unless instructed otherwise. If the doserate decreases as the survey team moves ahead,the team continues to perform its mission.


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• Recording limitations. The survey team will notconvert inside readings to outside readings.Record readings in the dose rate column only.

• Communications. The method and times to beused to communicate survey data to the chain ofcommand.

• Special instructions. Any special instructions formarking the contaminated areas or specialsecurity precautions.

CHEMICAL AGENT DETECTION

J-24. During routine operations, MP may detectchemical agents while making periodic checks forcontamination. Or as previously discussed, teams maybe tasked to conduct a chemical reconnaissance along anMSR or in a given area after an enemy attack. Somechemical agents are odorless, colorless, tasteless, andinvisible. Teams must use chemical agent detectionequipment and materials to be certain that all chemicalagents are detected.

PREPARATION

J-25. When assigned a mission or a task to locate andmark a suspected contaminated area, MP leaders mustensure that they prepare properly for the mission.Preparation for any NBC reconnaissance mission beginswith the inspection of personnel and equipment. As aminimum, each squad must have the fol lowingequipment on hand:

• M8 paper.• M9 paper.• M256 and M256A1 detector kits.• M8A1 alarm.• CAM.• Marking kit.• M13 decontamination apparatus (DAP).

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• M291 decontamination kit.• MOPP gear.• Mark 1 nerve agent auto injector kit (NAAK).• VS-17 marking panels.

J-26. In addition to ensuring that the proper equipmentis on hand, leaders must ensure that alarms and paperare properly mounted and functional and that allexternal equipment is stowed. The platoon leaderincludes a rehearsal of NBC reconnaissance techniqueswhen preparing the mission. The platoon leadercoordinates with the unit chemical officer for any specialinstructions, ensuring that thorough decontaminationsupport is available at the conclusion of the mission.

RECONNAISSANCE

J-27. When detecting for chemical contaminationduring NBC reconnaissance, the MP leader—

• Ensures that all members of the party wearMOPP 4 with M9 paper attached to theirprotective clothing and vehicle.

• Drives along the route until the chemical agentalarm sounds. By the time the alarm sounds, theteam may be some distance from where theagent was first encountered. Keep this in mindwhen selecting the area to be searched.

• Gives special attention to shell craters, low-lyingpatches of woods, defiles, ravines, streambeds,a nd a re as co v e r e d w i t h hi g h g r a s s o runderbrush.

• Has one MP remain in each vehicle to providesecurity and to monitor the radio.

• Has other patrol members dismount and checkfor contaminants.

• Ensures that one person uses M8 detector paperon the tip of a stick.


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• Ensures that one person operates the M256 chemicalagent detector kit. (Refer to TM 3-6665-307-10 fordetailed operating instructions for the M256, andrefer to FM 3-6 for more information.)

J-28. When MP find chemical contamination, they markthe area with NBC markers. They service the automaticchemical agent alarm to ready it for further operation.MP must be outside the contaminated area when thealarm is serviced. TM 3-6665-312-12&P providesinstructions for operators and organizational personnel.MP r e mo u n t t h e vehi c l es an d con ti nu e th ereconnaissance. While moving, they send an NBC 4report by radio and follow this procedure each time ac he m ic al a g e n t i s de t e c t e d . T h e g o a l o f th ereconnaissance is to define the contaminated area onlyto the degree necessary to provide friendly forces withthe information needed to avoid the area.

BIOLOGICAL AGENT DETECTION

J-29. For warning of biological attacks or contaminationoutside a unit's immediate area, the unit relies onwarnings relayed through its chain of command fromdivision level or higher units. MP help provide warningof biological hazards by their reports of area activityp as s e d o n f r o m th e i r r o u t e , zo n e , a n d a r e areconnaissance.

J-30. Be alert to any sign that biological agents are beingused. Promptly report any unusual occurrences of sicknessin troops or civilians. Report any unusual actions ofanimals, birds, or large numbers of dead animals or birdsnot likely to have been caused by combat. Observe thetypes of weapons and munitions used during attacks.Compare them to the known characteristics of enemybiological attacks. Refer to FM 3-3 for detailed informationon biological agent detection, identification, and defense.

J-31. Biological attacks are most likely to occur at nightor during extended twilight to avoid toxin exposure to

FM 3-19.4


direct sunlight. (Direct sunlight degrades biologicalagents.) Cloudy and foggy days are also favorable for theuse of biological agents.

J-32. Watch for the following indications that abiological attack has occurred:

• A low-flying aircraft that appears to beproducing a mist or a spray.

• The use of any type of spray device.• The use of ammunition that does not seem to

have any immediate effect, such as a bomblet.• Unusual types of bomblets.• Insect swarms that suddenly appear after an

aircraft drops containers that do not seem tohave any immediate effects.

SELF-DEFENSE MEASURES

J-33. MP not only provide early warning for units in thesustainment area, but they also employ NBC defensemeasures to protect their own forces. NBC defense is abalance of the following three principles:

• Avoidance.• Protection.• Decontamination.

AVOIDANCE

J-34. Avoiding NBC attacks and hazards is the key toNBC defense. Avoiding contamination involvesbypassing contaminated areas and avoiding detection bythe enemy. If forces avoid detection, they are less likelyto be targeted for attack and will not need to applyprotection and decontamination. FM 3-3 providesdetailed guidance on conducting contaminationavoidance procedures.

J-35. NBC contamination avoidance is especially criticalfor light forces. Leaders conduct risk assessments to


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determine what protective measures they will direct.Refer to FM 3-4 for detailed information on conducting arisk assessment.

PROTECTION

J-36. A unit may become contaminated because of directNBC attack or because the mission causes them to entera contaminated area. In either case, NBC protection isan integral part of operations. Avoidance and protectionare closely related. Techniques that work for avoidancealso provide protection. There are four broad groups ofactivity that comprise protective measures and includethe following:

• Hardening positions and protecting personnel.• Assuming MOPP.• Reacting to attack.• Using collective protection.

J-37. Refer to FM 3-4 for detailed guidance onconducting NBC protective procedures.

DECONTAMINATION

J-38. The extent and timing of decontamination dependon the tactical situation, the mission, the degree, thetype of contamination, and the resources available.Refer to FM 3-5 for detailed guidance on conductingdecontamination operations.

J-39. The primary purpose of decontamination is to stoperosion of combat power and to reduce the number ofcasualties. Combat power drops as soon as personneldon MOPP gear. The mask restricts the field of visionand reduces observation and target acquisition ability.Communication is more difficult. Mobility is reducedbecause personnel reduce their physical work rate toa v o i d h e at s t r e s s . T h e l o n g e r a u n i t r e m a in scontaminated, the greater the chance of NBC casualties.The three levels of decontamination are immediate,operational, and thorough.

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Immediate Decontamination

J-40. Immediate decontamination is a basic soldiersurvival skill carried out by soldiers as soon as possibleafter they discover they are contaminated. Its basicpurposes are to minimize casualties, save lives, andlimit the further spread of contamination. Personneltreat any contact between chemical or biological agentsand bare skin as an emergency. Some agents can kill ifthey remain on the skin for longer than a minute. Thebest technique for removing or neutralizing these agentsis to use the M291 skin decontamination kit. Leadersmust ensure that their soldiers are trained to executethis technique automatically, without waiting for orders.

J-41. Begin personal wipe down within 15 minutes ofcontamination. The wipe down removes or neutralizescontamination on the hood, mask, gloves, and personalweapon. For chemical and biological contamination, usem it t s f ro m t he M 2 95 in di v id ua l e q ui pm e ntde co nta mina ti on ki t ( IED K ) . Fo r rad i ol og i calcontamination, wipe off the contamination with a clothor simply brush or shake it away.

J-42. Begin the operator’s spray down of the equipmentimmediately after completing the personal wipe down.The spray down removes or neutralizes contaminationon the surfaces that operators must touch frequently toperform their mission. For chemical and biologicalcontaminat ion, use on-board de contaminat ionapparatuses, such as the M11, the M13, or the M295IEDK to decontaminate surfaces where DS2 cannot beapplied.

NOTE: Wash decontamination solution number 2(DS2) off surfaces no more than 30 minutes afterapplication. If necessary, use 5-gallon water cansor other water sources to assist in removing DS2.

J-43. For radiological contamination, brush or scrapeaway the contamination with whatever is at hand orflush it with water and wipe it away.


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Operational Decontamination

J-44. Operational decontamination allows a force tocontinue fighting and sustain its mission after beingcontaminated. It limits the hazard of transferringco nt am ina ti o n by r em o v ing m os t o f t he g ro s scontamination on equipment and nearly all thecontamination on soldiers. This speeds the weatheringprocess and allows clean areas (people, equipment, andte r ra i n) to s t ay c l e a n. F o l lo w in g o p e ra t io n aldecontamination, soldiers who have removed sources ofvapor contamination from their clothing and equipmentunmask temporarily in hazard-free areas to eat, drink,and rest.

J-45. Accomplish operational decontamination using theassets of the parent unit. Make use of the followingdecontamination techniques:

• Vehicle wash down.• MOPP gear exchange.

J-46. Conduct these procedures at the same time. Theyare best performed at squad level. Vehicles andpersonnel that are not contaminated should not gothrough either technique. Conduct vehicle wash down asfar forward as possible. It is normally performed usingthe power-driven decontamination equipment (PDDE)crew with assistance from the squad decontaminationcrew. It is most effective if started within 1 hour aftercontamination.

J-47. The two steps in vehicle wash down are as follows:Step 1. Button up the vehicle and secure theequipment.Step 2. Wash down the vehicle and the equipmentwith hot, soapy water for 2 to 3 minutes.

J-48. Because speed is important, do not check vehiclesfor contamination after vehicle wash down. Remove onlygross contamination.

FM 3-19.4


Thorough Decontamination

J-49. Thorough decontamination reduces contaminationto negligible risk levels. It restores combat power byremoving nearly all contamination from the unit andindividual equipment. This allows troops to operateequipment safely for extended periods at reduced MOPPlevels. A contaminated unit conducts detailed troopdecontamination (DTD) under the supervision of thechemical unit. Ordinarily, the chemical unit selects a site,sets it up, and performs the detailed equipmentdecontamination (DED) with assistance from theconta minat ed unit . A s mal l r isk from resi dua lcontamination remains, so make periodic contaminationchecks after this operation.

J-50. Conduct thorough decontamination as part of anextensive reconstitution effort in brigade, division, andcorps support areas. Support sites at lower levels cannotprovide the quantities of decontamination resources(water, decontaminants, and time) required for such anextensive process. In some cases, a contaminated unitcould conduct a thorough decontamination operation withorganic decontamination assets, but support from achemical unit is usually required.

J-51. After thorough decontamination, the unit movesinto an adjacent AA for reconstitution. Support elementsfrom the brigade, division, or corps support areasreplenish combat stocks, refit equipment, and replacepersonnel and equipment. The newly reconstituted unitleaves the AA fully operational and fit to return to battle.

J-52. Thorough decontamination does the best job ofgetting rid of contamination and its hazards, but it isoften not possible. It requires large quantities of valuableresources that may not be immediately available. Thenext best solution is to decontaminate only what isnecessary to sustain the force and continue to fight.


FM 3-19.4

MILITARY POLICE LEADERS' RESPONSIBILITIES

J-53. MP leaders ensure that all soldiers understandthe concepts of NBC defense and the skills necessary tosurvive an attack. Individual NBC skills include–

• Recognizing hazards and taking cover.• Using protective measures and MOPP gear.• Knowing avoidance measures, first aid, and

decontamination.

J-54. MP commanders also designate and train special-purposeteams. These special-purpose NBC teams include the following:

• Chemical agent detection teams.• Radiological survey and monitoring teams.• Decontamination teams.

J-55. To assist with NBC defense, MP commanders relyon the unit NBC officer and the NBC NCO. They—

• Provide technical assistance to the commanderon NBC defense training and operations.

• Coordinate unit NBC defense activities.• Give NBC defense instructions to achieve basic

operating standards of proficiency for the unitand individuals.

• Plan and supervise NBC defense trainingaspects of operational training exercises andmaneuver.

• Supervise the preparation of unit NBC defenseSOPs.

• Supervise the operation and maintenance ofNBC material.

• Determine by dosimetry or calculation (asappropriate) the total dose of radiation and thetime spent in radiologically contaminated areasto avoid exceeding command exposure guidance.

• Prepare fallout prediction patterns.

FM 3-19.4


• Plan NBC reconnaissance and advisecommanders on the best routes to cross or by-pass an NBC contaminated area.

• Plan and coordinate decontamination within theunit.

• Maintain records of the unit's radiationexposure.

• Estimate downwind hazards for chemicalattacks.

• Report NBC data to the next higher HQs.• Analyze the unit’s vulnerability to an NBC

attack.• Evaluate individual and unit competence in

NBC defense, and advise the commander on theunit’s ability to survive and continue operationsin an NBC environment.

• Advise the commander on all matters pertainingto unit NBC defense.

MISSION-ORIENTED PROTECTIONPOSTURE LEVELS, ALARMS, AND SIGNALS

J-56. Soldiers on the integrated battlefield face acombination of NBC and conventional attacks.Individual and unit protection against chemical attackor contamination hinges on effective use of MOPP gearand on individual proficiency in basic NBC skills. All MPmust be familiar with the standard MOPP levels shownin Figure J-2, page J-24, and Table J-2, page J-25.

J-57. When an NBC attack is recognized, every soldierreceives the warning and assumes the appropriateMOPP level. Those in immediate danger need warningsthey can see or hear. The alarm or signal must be simpleand unmistakable for quick and correct reaction. Unitsnot immediately affected need the information toprepare for the hazard or to change plans.


FM 3-19.4

J-58. Mark the contaminated area if an NBC hazardhas been located. The NBC Warning and ReportingSystem (NBCWRS) and the contamination markerscontribute to the warning procedures for follow-onforces. In the immediate area of contamination, severalmethods (or a combination of methods) will allow quickreaction by all platoon members.

J-59. These methods include vocal alarms (shout ofGAS), the M8A1 alarm, nonvocal alarms (horn blast orbanging of metal-to-metal objects), and visual alarms(most commonly, hand-and-arm signals). The tacticalsituation may not allow for audible alarms; therefore,the platoon SOP should clearly detail the visual signalsfor contamination.

BIOLOGICAL DEFENSE

J-60. The key protective measure against a biologicalattack is maintaining a high order of health, personal

Figure J-2. Illustrated MOPP Levels

MOPP1

MOPP2

MOPP3

MOPP4

Maskonly

MOPPzero

MOPPready

FM 3-19.4


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FM 3-19.4

hygiene, and sanitation discipline. Biological attacks arehard to detect. If an attack occurs, chances of survivalare better if soldiers are healthy, physically fit, keep allimmunizations up to date, and maintain good personalhygiene. Keep your body clean to prevent ingestion ofbiological agents. Keep small cuts or scratches coveredand germ-free by using soap, water, and first aidmeasures. Since insects carry biological agents, keepclothes buttoned and your skin covered to prevent insectbites.

NUCLEAR ATTACK DEFENSE

J-61. MP can defend themselves against nuclear attackbefore, during, and after the event.

DEFENSE BEFORE A NUCLEAR ATTACK

J-62. The best defense against a nuclear attack is to digin. Prepare unit defensive positions, which vary fromindividual foxholes to improved positions, whenever thetactical situation permits. Keep individual weapons,equipment, clothing, and other issue items in vehicles.Secure equipment because the blast wave will convertunsecured items into lethal missiles. Disperse andprotect supplies, explosives, and flammable materials.Turn off all electronic equipment and remove antennasfrom vehicles.

J-63. Reverse slopes of hills and mountains give somenuclear protection. The initial radiation, heat, and lightfrom the fireball of a nuclear blast tend to be absorbedby hills and mountains. Using of gullies, ravines,ditches, natural depressions, fallen trees, and caves canreduce nuclear casualties.

DEFENSE DURING A NUCLEAR ATTACK

J-64. Defense during a nuclear attack is eitherdismounted or mounted. When taking dismounted

FM 3-19.4


defensive actions, never run for cover. Immediately dropflat on the ground (face down) or to the bottom of afoxhole, with your head toward the blast. Cover exposedskin as much as possible and close your eyes. Remaindown until the blast wave has passed and debris hasstopped falling. Stay calm, check for injury, checkweapons and equipment for damage, and prepare tocontinue the mission.

J-65. MP in vehicles should exit and move away fromthe vehicle and take dismounted defensive actions.

DEFENSE AFTER A NUCLEAR ATTACK

J-66. Once the attack ends, forward an NBC 1 nuclearreport, organize survivors, secure and organizeequipment, assist casualties, improve protection againstpossible fallout, and begin continuous monitoring. If theradiation dose rate reaches a hazardous level afterfallout is complete, be prepared to move, on order, to aless hazardous area.

Fallout Warning

J-67. The first person to detect the arrival of fallout isusually the radiological monitor operating a RADIACmeter. As soon as he notes a dose rate of 1 centigray perhour or higher, he warns unit personnel. All personnelhearing the warning relay it to others. If the missionallows, move into a shelter with overhead cover and staythere until given an all clear signal or until directed tomove. If the mission does not allow the unit to takecover, decontamination becomes more important andperhaps more difficult.

Supervision of Radiological Monitoring

J-68. Perform radiological monitoring routinely with aAN/VDR-2 RADIAC meter to determine the presenceand intensity of a radiation hazard. MP leaders mustensure that their teams are properly trained on this


FM 3-19.4

equipment. The two types of monitoring is periodic andcontinuous.

J-69. Periodic Monitoring. Periodic monitoring (onceevery hour) assures the platoon that the area is notcontaminated or, if applicable, provides a warning whencontamination is detected after the platoon arrives.Periodic monitoring is initiated under the followingconditions:

• After the first use of nuclear weapons in thetheater of war.

• When the platoon is out of contact with higherHQ.

• When ordered by higher HQ.• When the platoon stops continuous monitoring.

J-70. Continuous Monitoring. Continuous monitoringis the surveillance for radiation in the platoon’s area orposition. Initiate continuous monitoring when any of thefollowing situations occur:

• When a nuclear detonation is observed orreported in the area of operations.

• When an NBC 3 report is received and theplatoon is in the predicted area of contamination.

• When ordered by higher HQ.• When a dose rate of 1 centigray per hour is

recorded in periodic monitoring.

Supervision of Tactical Dosimetry Operations

J-71. Each MP team is issued a dosimeter. Selectedsoldiers wear them. Check all dosimeters to be used forthe operation. Turn in dosimeters for recharging if theydo not read zero. If a charger is not available, note theoriginal reading. Ensure that the dosimeter readings arereported accurately. Collect readings at least once daily.Average these readings, round to the nearest 10, andreport the average and the radiation exposure status(RES) to higher HQ.

FM 3-19.4


J-72. Use individual actions for nuclear defense whenoperating in or crossing radiologically contaminatedareas. Close vehicles tightly and cover cargoes withtarps or tenting. Mission permitting, keep the speeddown to prevent dust. Vehicles should maintainadequate following distances to stay out of the dustraised by preceding vehicles.

J-73. After the unit exits a contaminated area, checkpersonnel, equipment, and cargo for contamination anddecontaminate them, if necessary. Monitor dose ratesclosely to ensure compliance with operational exposureguidance (OEG). Update the RES if appropriate.

CHEMICAL ATTACK DEFENSE

J-74. MP must be prepared to defend themselves before,during, and after a chemical attack.

DEFENSE BEFORE A CHEMICAL ATTACK

J-75. The best defense before a chemical attack ispreparation. Use protective procedures. Ensure that allpersonnel have protective masks available, and ensurethat each mask fits and functions properly. All personnelshould wear the proper protective clothing according tothe MOPP level designated by the commander. Protectall equipment and supplies from liquid chemicalcontamination by keeping them organized and covered.

J-76. Emplace an M8A1 automatic chemical agentalarm. The M8A1 is the primary means of detecting anupwind chemical attack. The system provides twoessential elements of survival: detection of a toxic agentcloud and early warning to the troops in the monitoredposition. The platoon leader decides where to place thechemical alarm. Place the detector units no more than150 meters upwind from the platoon’s perimeter orposition. Space the available detector units about 300meters apart, and ensure that each detector unit isconnected to the alarm unit by telephone cable (WD-1).


FM 3-19.4

Position the alarm units near radiotelephone assets; thismakes it easy to alert the unit of an attack. Blowing sandor dust, rain, sleet, snow, temperatures below 40 degreesFahrenheit, and tropical conditions can affect theoperation of the alarm.

J-77. If an NBC hazard cannot be avoided, soldiers mustbe prepared to protect themselves and equipment fromthe effects of exposure. Base the type and degree ofprotection required on the unit’s mission and the hazard.Note that the line between contamination avoidance andprotection is not distinct; many actions contributeequally to both.

DEFENSE DURING A CHEMICAL ATTACK

J-78. Give the alarm. All unmasked soldiers put on theirprotective masks and other MOPP gear. All personnelmove inside their vehicles and close all doors andhatches, if applicable. This aids in the protection fromgross liquid contamination. The platoon leader directsthe use of M256A1 detector kits and the CAM todetermine the type of agent, and he submits an NBC 1report. The platoon then continues the mission.

DEFENSE AFTER A CHEMICAL ATTACK

J-79. Forward an NBC 1 chemical report, treatcasualties, perform immediate decontamination asrequired, and mark the contaminated area.

SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OF CASUALTIES

J-80. Potential adversaries may have access to a widevariety of biological and chemical agents on the modernbattlefield. These agents can be dispensed alone or withother carriers or agents. Casualties resulting fromexposure to biological or chemical agents require medicaltreatment as quickly as possible.

FM 3-19.4


J-81. The first step in the treatment process is usuallyappropriate self-aid and buddy-aid measures. Thesevary depending on the agent. Soldiers mask to preventinhaling or ingesting additional agents and removeagents from exposed skin by washing with soap andwater or using the M291 kit. They use buddy-aidprocedures to observe each other for early symptoms oftoxic exposure and provide medical assistance.

J-82. The platoon leader selects separate casualtycollection points for contaminated and noncontaminatedca s ua l t i e s t o pr e v e nt cr o s s c o nt a mi na t io n .Decontaminate al l contaminated casualt ies asthoroughly as the situation allows before beingevacuated. The platoon includes the number ofcontaminated patients in its casualty evacuationrequest. This allows the evacuation team to send theproper number of vehicles for pickup.

J-83. Chemical agents fall into four major categories:nerve, blister, blood, and choking. The primary routes ofattack on the body are through the respiratory systemand the skin. These agents are especially dangerousbecause they can kill or incapacitate quickly. The first,and most important, step in dealing with themeffectively is to recognize symptoms so that propertreatment can be administered. Table J-3, page J-32,shows protection and detection measures, symptoms,and treatment and decontamination procedures forchemical agents.

UNMASKING PROCEDURES

J-84. Soldiers unmask as soon as possible except when abiological or chemical attack is expected. Use theprocedures outlined in the following paragraphs todetermine if unmasking is safe.

J-85. If an M256 or M256A1 detector kit is available,use it to supplement unmasking procedures. The kit


FM 3-19.4Ta

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FM 3-19.4


does not detect all agents; therefore, use the properunmasking procedures, which take about 15 minutes. Ifall the tests with the kit (including a check for liquidcontamination using M8 detector paper) have beenperformed and the results are negative, use thefollowing procedures:

• The senior person selects one or two soldiers tostart unmasking procedures. If possible, theymove to a shady place. Bright, direct sunlightcan cause pupils to constrict, giving a falsesymptom.

• The selected soldiers unmask for 5 minutes andthen clear and reseal their masks.

• The leaders observe the unmasked soldiers for10 minutes. If no symptoms appear, requestpermission from higher HQ to signal all clear.

J-86. The leaders watch the soldiers for possible delayedsymptoms. Always have first aid treatment immediatelyavailable in case it is needed.

J-87. If an M256 or M256A1 kit is not available,unmasking procedures take about 35 minutes. When areasonable amount of time has passed after the attack,find a shady area and use M8 paper to check the area forpossible liquid contamination. Conduct unmaskingusing the following procedures:

• The senior person selects one or two soldiers.They take a deep breath and break their maskseals, keeping their eyes wide open.

• The soldiers clear and reseal their masks after15 seconds. The leaders observe them for 10minutes.■ If no symptoms appear, the same soldiers

break the seals, take two or three breaths,and clear and reseal their masks. Observethem for 10 minutes.


FM 3-19.4

■ If no symptoms appear after 10 minutes, thesame soldiers unmask for 5 minutes andthen remask.

■ If no symptoms appear after 10 minutes, theleaders request permission from higher HQto signal all clear. He continues to observesoldiers in case delayed symptoms develop.

J-88. Give the all-clear signal by word of mouth throughthe chain of command. Higher HQ initiates the all-clearsignal after testing for contamination proves negative. Ifrequired, use standard sound signals, such as acontinuous, sustained blast on a siren, a vehicle horn, ora similar device. When all clear is announced on theradio, it must be authenticated before compliance. Thecommander designates the specific all-clear signal andincludes it in the SOP.

nuclear, biological, chemical defense - the black vault 3-19.4 nuclear, biological, chemical defense...

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