Lesson 4/Learning Event 2
1. Gelatinous masses, particles of powder or solids on surfaces, on vegetation, and on the ground.
2. Oily, fluorescent streaks or dark coloration on water or on hard surfaces.
3. Wet stains or haze on porous surfaces.
4. Debris in shell or bomb craters.
5. Enemy ammunition components, aerosol dissemination equipment, spray guns, flasks, vials,
unusual types of bombs or shells (compressed air type).
6. Wilted or discolored plants or flowers or unusual numbers of dead animals or fish.
Biological Sampling Mission
When biological weapons are used, biological sampling is necessary to identify the type of agent
and to estimate the size of the contaminated area Normally, teams receive zone or area
reconnaissance missions because biological weapons cover a large area.
Commanders usually order biological sampling when unexplained illnesses occur or when
biological dissemination equipment is detected. Since reconnaissance elements cannot identify
biological agents, they take samples. Later, the samples are identified by medical laboratory units
operating with the Corps Support Command (COSCOM).
The illustration in figure 34 on page 76 is an example of a biological sampling mission. Following
figure 34 is a detailed explanation of how this biological sampling mission should be conducted.
The situation which exists in figure 34 is as follows:
Divisional air defense units sight an enemy aircraft releasing an unknown spray in the center brigade
support area. Chemical agent alarms are not activated, so the division commander suspects
biological contamination. Since the area is large and time is critical, all of the reconnaissance
squads of the division's NBC defense company are ordered to conduct biological sampling. They
are under the operational control of the NBC defense platoon leader supporting the center brigade.
Each reconnaissance squad moves to the objective area. The area is divided into three sectors to
speed up the mission. Upon arrival at the objective area, each NBC reconnaissance squad is
assigned a specific area or route by the platoon leader of the NBC defense platoon. Squad leaders,
in turn, assign areas or routes to each of their teams.
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