Standardize those methods when possible and publish them in unit field SOP
(FSOP).
Even when methods have been standardized, every operation is
unique. You must:
Recognize
and
understand
contamination
hazards
and
avoid
Protect yourself and your equipment when contaminated.
Know the limitations of your MOPP Gear.
Know how to neutralize or remove the hazards of contamination.
Decontaminate just enough to continue your mission until you are
relieved
in
place
for
more
thorough
decontamination
and
reconstitution.
For logistical purposes, units should plan to conduct Vehicle Washdown and
MOPP Gear Exchange concurrently within six hours of becoming contaminated.
This time coincides with the protective limitations of the MOPP Gear and can
more realistically be met with available assets.
Perform Operational Decontamination at a forward position near the
contaminated squad or platoon or between alternate fighting positions. The
site requires little preparation, if any. A battalion-level decontamination
crew or squad from a chemical unit moves forward to decontaminate the
vehicles of a contaminated squad or platoon. Decontaminants and replacement
MOPP Gear are provided by a company supply vehicle near the site.
MOPP Gear Exchange and Vehicle Washdown are best employed by squad-size or
platoon-size elements.
When larger elements try to process through an
Operational Decon Site, they lose many of the benefits of the small,
decentralized operation. Some benefits are:
Tailored decontamination operations are flexible and responsive to
small unit needs. This factor is critical to battlefield mobility.
Small, speedy operations are more easily concealed in one location
near the forward area.
A water source may not be needed at the decontamination site because
most PDDE have enough water-carrying capability to service a squad-
size element.
CM2300
1-8
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