File: 970903_oct1_0030.txt
Page: 0030
Total Pages: 106

NBC Defense

mor@toring for certifications 7Concem over possibility of losing momentum in the
assault helped shape decisions by conunanders to continue fighting if hit with agents. A
"fight dir-ty" policy was adopted and it was determined that fron(-Iine units would
conduct hasty decontamination when it was practical. Hasty deconterrdnation is
considered to be a rapid MOPP gear exchange for personnel and the rapid washdown of
contaminated equipment. 28

(S) Ist MARDFV realized its battalions were incapable of complete self
decontarrlination. At best a battalion typically could decontaminate a company.
Through field experimentation, Ist MAFLDIV developed a provisional decon platoon
concept. This platoon was formed and put in general support of the division. Ets
n-Lission was to provide a mobile decon capability to augment task force hasty
equipment deco 'ntamination, MOPP gear exchange, and chen-tical casualty
decontamination. Upon their arrival, lst MAPDIV cross trained 2d MAPDIV NBC
specialists on their concepts and techniques. 2d MARDRV quickly organized provisional
decontamination units at the regimental level to support maneuver battalions. 2d
MAP,D[V envisioned pushing provisional decon support down to the regiments would
provide better decontan-dnation response.

(S) Appendix F-5 is a diagram of the 8th Marines concept for regimental decon
support to a maneuver battalion. Provisional decon units were organized and trained
for both day and night operations. Night time decon operations were especially difficult
and required a great deal of innovation. One example of innovation was placing
different color chemlight sticks in the different concentrations of decontaniinaeion
solution for discrimination between concentrations and to see the level of solution
remaining.

(S) Even hasty decon operations are a major logistical burden. Water, storage
ranks, deconrarunants, decon systenls, extra suits, gloves, boors, engineer tape, buckets,
and other equipment were necessary (see photograph, Appendix G-9). Yet, Ist and 2d
MAFLDIV, although not tested by actual contamination, were ready and mobile loaded to
provide fle)dble response to support maneuver battalion decon operations

(S) Because of the special handling and toxicity associated with standard Marine
Corps decontarrdnates, Decon Solution No. 2 (DS2) and Super Tropical Bleach (STB)
were not used. instead, Ist and 2d MARDEV units planned to use calcium hypocworite
([iTH) and chlorine bleach for decontamination. Unlike DS2 and STB, HTH and

27FM 3-5, NBC Decontamination
2@-M 3-5, NBC Decontamination