File: 970903_oct1_0059.txt
Page: 0059
Total Pages: 106

NBC Defense

(U) The initial lack of an effective MEF focal point for logistical supply
management lead to a high degree of double orders for replacement iterrls and loss of
supply discipline and visibility into NBC equipment readiness.
(U) Idenrfflcation of NBC logistical needs was complicated by the large number
of augmenters and the establishment of provisional NBC units.

(U) The accelerated logistical fielding of new equipment had good and bad
impact on NBC Operations and deserves additional study.

(U) The M17A2 mask is obsolete and needs replacement.

(U) Marine Corps PWR, MPS and T/E requirements for protective suits need to
be critically evaluated.

(U) The British lightweight suit offered significant advantages over the OG84 in
weight and bulk, but not in protection from agents and durability. Weight and bulk
reduction were the most important factors to most &ont-line conunanders in SWA.

(U) Protective overgarment tariff sizing is a big problem. F-ither tariff sizing fo-
suits needs to become more realistic or Marines need to be measured individually for
protective suits with sizes run on the unit diary to take the guess work and reduce
wasted assets.

(U) The failure of Albany to H critical backorder demands for over 100,000 -
OG-84's was a major concern to the MEF and slowed preparations for NBC defense.

(U) Issue and control of medicants was a major problem, not well resolved by
the end of the war. False rumors about medicants, and media sensationalism, worked
against effective employment of medicants.

(S) C. Recon=endations. The following are considered the most significant
recommendations under each major study category.
-(rcs) :7