exposed. The non-lethal agents usually do not kill, but might produce infection or disease with
militarily significant disability among susceptible exposed individuals. Biological agents can be used to
render food and industrial products unsafe or unfit for use.
Biological weapon systems have the potential to cover larger areas than other weapons. Extremely large
numbers of infective doses of biological agents can be of small volume because the size of the organism
is microscopic. A single delivery vehicle can cover target areas up to thousands of square kilometers
with a casualty-producing biological agent aerosol.
Biological agent aerosols are so small and light that they are carried by wind currents into dug-in
positions, fortifications, or other non-airtight shelters and structures. So-called hard targets for other
weapon systems would not be considered hard targets for biological weapon systems. It is possible that
the dose received inside a non-airtight structure may exceed that received on the outside. This is true
because the structure, once penetrated, restricts diffusion and affords further protection for the agent. It
will probably persist for a much longer period of time.
PART B - NBC DECONTAMINATION CONCEPTS
Decontamination is the removal, destruction, or neutralization of contamination. When you are
contaminated, there are practical reasons why at least some decontamination must occur as soon as
possible. Using this information, you must decide what action will best help you accomplish your
mission.
Deciding whether to decontaminate, the level of decontamination, and the time and location of the
operation are tactical decisions. There is no formula that can exactly answer these questions. It takes
judgment to decide where is the best location for your heavy weapons or where to locate a defensive
position.
You must understand the reasons for decontamination and the levels of decontamination. You must
assess your tactical situation, know the principles of decontamination, and know how decontamination
affects your combat power. Mission-Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) and collective protection
shelters are only a temporary solution. Decontamination is a more permanent solution.
1.
Purpose of Decontamination.
The primary purposes of decontamination are to stop erosion of combat power and reduce casualties that
may result from
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CM 2506
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