Consider the following factors when deciding on decontamination:
Mission.
Time available.
Degree of contamination.
Length of time you have been in MOPP 4.
Decontamination assets available.
3.
Decontaminate as far forward as possible, limit spread.
This will keep your equipment on location, where it is needed.
Decontamination can begin earlier and the spread of contamination to other
areas will be limited.
If you can, bring decontamination assets forward
safely.
Do not move contaminated personnel and equipment away from your
operational area.
4.
Decontaminate by priority.
Clean the most important things first, the least important things last. For
instance, clean the howitzers of an artillery battery before the ammunition
carriers.
Company commanders decide which vehicles are most important to
the company's mission.
Battalion and brigade commanders decide which
elements to first pull "off line" to decontaminate and reconstitute.
Division and corps commanders must set priorities and concentrate assets to
best support the battle.
PART D - TYPES OF DECONTAMINATION
There are three levels of decontamination: Immediate, Operational and
Thorough. This subcourse will explain these techniques. Figure 1-1 shows
techniques for Immediate and Operational Decontamination. Just as the Staff
Engineer advises which hasty river crossing technique to use, such as
pontoons, fords, rafts, the Staff Chemical Specialist advises which
decontamination operation to use.
1.
Immediate Decontamination.
The aim of Immediate Decontamination is to minimize casualties, save lives
and limit the spread of contamination. Immediate Decon is carried out by
individuals who have become contaminated. There are three Immediate Decon
Techniques: Skin Decon, Personal Wipedown and Operator's Spraydown.
1-5
CM2300
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