USE OF CWU-77/P CHEMICAL DEFENSE COVERALLS

File: aaamd_01.txt
Page: 01
Total Pages: 2
SUBJECT:  USE OF CWU-77/P CHEMICAL DEFENSE COVERALLS

FROM: DOS                                    			  5 FEB 91

SUBJ: Use of CWU-77/P Chemical Defense Coveralls


 TO: LGS
       ADO
       DO
       IN TURN

1. HQ TAC has begun shipping (1000 so far) CWU-77/P chemical
defense coveralls directly to the units even though the coveralls
have not completed the full testing cycle and specific
contamination control area (CCA) processing procedures have not
been developed. The limited information we have about the
coveralls is contained in a letter originated by Human Systems
Division/YAG (attachment 2). Our specific concerns (mostly
highlighted in attachment 2) are:

   a. Lt Gen Horner did not ask for an interim solution for
groundcrew ensemble use during Operation Desert Storm (see
attachment 1).

   b. Liquid protection testing on the CWU-77/P has not been
completed.

   c. CCA processing procedures have not been developed.

   d. The CWU-77/P's recommended use is in high temperature
areas where there is a reduced threat of liquid contamination.
Our air base chemical threat consists of liquid contamination and
the vapor hazard resulting from those droplets. It is
impractical at this time to attempt distributing coveralls to the
base population by guessing who will be working or transiting
outside at the time of attack.

   e. If liquid contamination is detected on the CWU-77/P,
preliminary testing shows the coverall must be replaced within
two hours to prevent operationally significant skin symptoms from
occurring. We do not feel confident that this requirement is
logistically or operationally feasible at the present time.

   f. The CWU-77/P is not compatible with the Multiman
Intermittent Cooling System (MICS) currently deployed at most
locations.

   g. My Disaster Preparedness staff and base-level Disaster
preparedness personnel do not have sufficient information to
develop comprehensive training outlines for training the base
population. The availability of instructors and feasibility of
releasing personnel to attend training sessions may also present
problems.