File: 970903_oct1_0058.txt
Page: 0058
Total Pages: 106

NBC Defensc
NNW

(S) Chen-dcal casualty decontamination and handling procedures were not well
developed or exercised by Marine forces prior to SWA.

(U) The M17, Lightweight Decon System (LDS) performed well in SWA but was
most useful to commanders in secondary shower and washdown missions.

(U) NBC officers played a significant role in hygiene and habitability clean-up
operations afte- cessation of the offensive.

(U) NBC doctrine needs to be rewritten to reflect lessons learned in SWA,
especially in the areas of provisional NBC tean-ts and chen-Lical casualty decontamination.

(U) Doctrinal guidance on joint operations and aircraft decontarainaeion is
insufficient.

(U) 3. NBC Training and Readiness

(U) fr@tial training was effective and focused on NBC Individual Survival
Measures. Training was improved in SWA with greater unit emphasis on n-dssion
oriented NBC defense training and through increased awareness of the threat.

(U) NBC training and readiness was greatly improved when officers and senior
staff NCO's set the example.

(U) NBC training in aviation units requires greater emphasis on wear of special
aviation NBC equipment.

(U) NBC specialists were well trained and prepared to handle unit level NBC
Defense operations in SWA, but felt their school training was lacking in emphasis on
cherrlical and biological aspects of NBC warfare and in basic training for supply and
MIMMS.

(U) impressions are that Navy medical personnel were irdtiauy inadequately
trained for NBC Defense operations in SWA. Further study is required to review the
benefit of special training -eceived by medical personnel in SWA and reconunend
training changes.

(U) 4. NBC Materiel and Loemdcs

(U) Water transport and storage were key limitations for NBC operations and
illtiiiiin,ited shortfalls with respect to Maneuver Warfare supported by long logistical
lines.