b. Contaminated terrain, equipment, or personnel creating an obstacle to mission
accomplishment must be decontaminated. If a contaminated item does not interfere with the mission, it
should not be decontaminated. Contaminated equipment or terrain that will have no effect on the unit
mission should be marked with contamination markers and avoided. Complete personnel and equipment
decontamination is scheduled when time and the situation allow.
9.
Coordination Process.
a. The most important task for which the platoon leader is responsible is coordination. From
the start of an operation, when the need for decontamination is established, all efforts must focus
through the platoon leader. The platoon leader primarily becomes a liaison with the unit to be
supported. This entails a comprehensive determination of the supported units' decontamination
requirements.
b. Once all requirements are known, a decontamination site is selected. During the site
selection process, the platoon leader is required to decide on any additional support the platoon will need
to perform the operation.
c. Again, coordination is necessary to determine what personnel, equipment, and materials the
supported unit can supply.
d. After the decon site is constructed, the platoon leader will determine a decon schedule of the
supported unit based on:
■ Site capabilities
■ Number of personnel to be decontaminated
■ Number and types of equipment to be decontaminated
■ Round-trip distance from the supported unit to the decontamination site
■ Area Threat
e. When constructing a decontamination site, it is important to bear in mind that all elements of
the supported unit cannot be decontaminated simultaneously. Attempting this would not only strain site
capabilities, but would also draw enemy attention to the decontamination operation. Provide a staggered
schedule to limit activity and allow the supported unit to continue its mission during the
decontamination operation.
4-13
CM 2506
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