PART C - ESTIMATION OF THE SITUATION
1.
Numbers of Personnel and/or Equipment Items to be Decontaminated.
The implications of this variable are obvious.
When more people or equipment require
decontamination, more personnel, equipment, supplies, time, and a larger area will be needed for the
operation.
2.
Type of Equipment to be Decontaminated.
The type of equipment will impact upon the decontamination method to use and the time required for
the operation.
For example, delicate electronic or optical devices would require different
decontamination procedures than a 5-ton truck or a HMMWV.
3.
Type of Agent and Severity of the Contamination.
The type of agent will influence the level of effort and time required for decontamination. More
resources and time will be required for heavy contamination by a persistent agent than for light
contamination by a nonpersistent agent.
4.
Time Available for the Operation.
An important factor in planning for a decontamination operation is the time available for the operation.
Preplanning of as many variables as possible, the use of Standing Operating Procedures (SOP), and
concurrent planning will help minimize the time spent in planning decontamination operations.
a. Preplanning.
Any established procedures which can be practiced and refined before actual need will save planning
time.
b. Use of SOP.
Standing Operating Procedures (SOP) promotes understanding and teamwork among the commander,
his staff, and troops.
c. Concurrent planning.
An example of concurrent planning is a decontamination squad planning for an upcoming operation at
the same time as the supported unit. Concurrent planning by different levels of command and different
staff sections conserves time and promotes the early detection and solution of problems. At successive
levels, planning includes those details required for that particular level. The extent to which planning
can be concurrent
4-11
CM 2506
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