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Discussion. Initial deployment guidance stated that MAC aircraft 
would not transport chemically contaminated patients. However, as 
time passed, discussions within the ALCC began to focus on the 
possibility of operating in a chemically-contaminated environment. 
MACR 55-130, Chapter 20, provided some guidance for such operations 
in C-130s. However, the majority of AECMs were not familiar with 
those provisions. Although the AECC took the initiative to send a 
number of AE personnel- to the Medical Management of Chemical 
Casualties Course, the mere threat of having to perform AE duties in 
a contaminated environment without definitive training proved to be a 
major source of anxiety for many AECMs. 
 
Recommendation. We need to place greater emphasis on the potential 
for AECMs to operate in a chemically-contaminated environment. 
Training at home units or at a centralized AE course would better 
serve our personnel than to wait until they are deployed throughout 
an AOR where opportunities for effective training would be greatly 
reduced. ~ 
 
(12) Dissemination of Numbered Directives. 
 
Observation. A series of numbered directives was prepared and 
distributed by the AECC, but they were not forwarded to all AE 
elements. 
 
Discussion. To ensure standardized operations, the AECC tasked the 
Training and Standardization Section to prepare and distribute 
numbered directives on a variety of topics. The directives were to be 
distributed to all AE elements to which they pertained. 
Unfortunately, due to an oversight on the part of the AECC and some 
of the AECEs, they were not disseminated to the deployed AELTs. 
 
Recommendation. All AE elements must be included on distribution 
lists for correspondence from the AECC. If the units are mobile and, 
therefore, unable to be reached through the postal system, other 
provisions must be made to keep them in the loop. These could include 
datafax machines and high-speed modems. 
_ 
e. Supplies/Equipment. 
 
(1) Personal Equipment. 
 
Observation. Many ARC personnel arrived in the AOR without required 
clothing or personal equipment. 
 
. Discussion. This problem, which has been addressed many times in 
the past, is still not resolved. Many personnel deployed without such 
items as oxygen masks (AECMs), gas masks, protective vests, and 
weapons. Many were told that they would be properly equipped once 
they got into the theater) Others arrived with chemical warfare 
defense equipment marked "For Training Use Only". Sending improperly 
equipped personnel to an exercise is 
 
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