File: 970903_oct1_0032.txt
Page: 0032
Total Pages: 106

NBC Defense

plug fouling, blown gaskets, an d obtaining parts. A major concern for the MEF was,
given the high usage of LDS for non-NBC n-dssions, whether the systems would be
operational for decon n-dssions during the ground war. For forward units the additional
requirement to carry mo-gas for the LDS was a deniment. In one vivid example, near
Al Jaber Airbase, the ist Light AxTnored Infantry (LA[) battalion's trailer of mogas
exploded. By losing the mogas, the battalion lost their capability to conduct
decontamination with the LDS. The LDS was the only item of equipment in the
battalion that ran on mogas.

(S) A major concern for the MEF was the decontamination of chen-Lically
contaminated casualties. The mission of chemical casualty decontan-Lination was not
anticipated by either the NBC or medical commur@ries. Their was no clear policy on
responsibility. NBC doctrine did not provide much guidance. The medical conununity
worried whether they could handle the anticipated influx of nonchen-dcal combat
casualties, without addressing NBC. Many medical personnel did not want to handle or
operate on concanunated casualties because of fears for secondary loss of surgeons and
medical staff. This is not an unrealistic view considering the great amount of casualties
expected and the value of a surgeon in saving many lives. The aviation conuiurdty
faced the problem of possibly having to land in contaminated areas and evacuate
contarti.inated casualties. No one could allay the fears that contan-Lination would spread
and affect a pilots' ability to fly. There were valid concerns by the 3rd MAW over its
ability to decontaminate aircraft and the effect of agents on pilots.

(S) Prior to G-day, I MEF issued procedures for handling and decontamination of
contaminated casualties. Responsibilities for casualty decontan-dnaeion and procedures
were established by unit Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Appendix F-7 and F-8
depict the standard concept for casualty decontamination site set-up developed by 2d
MARDEV. Through training and exercise of chemical casualty sites, medical and NBC
personnel discovered new equipment needs such as mesh Utters to allow drainage of
decon solution off a chemical casualty. The US Army reportedly had a stock of mesh
litters that were ideally suited to this type operation. Instead, Marines and corpsman
resorted to use of field expedients for casualty decon sites. These ranged- from comm
wire wrapped around cur-up cots to bed springs from Camp 15. Estimates at one of the
most elaborate clierrdcal casualty sites were that they could ordy handle around 200
contaminated casualties without re-supply of water and chlorine. In general front-line
units were prepared for chen-dcal casualty handling and decontamination. However, it
is probable that established sites could have been quickly saturated by large numbers of
chen-dcal casualties.

(S) In a way, decontamination operations of a sort were conducted by Marines in
SWA. After consolidation, the number one priority of commanders was survivability
and improving positions. in evacuating their positions the Iraqis left hundreds of dead
23W