f. Regardless of which means is employed, the decon unit leader must plan an alternate method
of communications. Based on the primary method, the decon unit leader may select one of the
following: Radio, wire, or messenger.
11.
Security.
a. Establishing security precautions is another responsibility of the decon unit leader. The site
must be protected from surprise at all times. Once the site is constructed and camouflaged, you have
performed a vital step towards avoidance of detection and surprise.
b. During construction and use, Observation Posts (OPs) and/or Listening Posts (LPs) are
necessary to protect the decon element from surprise. This also gives the decon squad the preparation
time needed to counter any threat. As a decon unit leader, you should ensure that your guards are
always on the alert for any enemy surprise attacks by ground or air. These guards must also be on the
alert and well trained to provide early warning of nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) attack. OPs
and/or LPs must be used to establish and maintain a surveillance system which operates day and night
throughout the area of the decontamination site.
PART D - PLANNING DECONTAMINATION SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE DIVISION
Units that do not belong to a division and/or have a division to support them still go through the same
decontamination operations as divisional units. The only change is the source of support.
1.
Separate Maneuver Brigades and Regiments.
a. Thorough decontamination in a separate brigade or regiment is handled in approximately the
same manner as in a division. Squads and platoons decontaminate themselves with the assistance of
battalion decon crews. In a division, this operation can be reinforced by elements from the division
chemical company. In a separate brigade, the brigade's decon detachment or a decon element from
corps can provide the support.
b. The decon detachment sets up the decontamination site in the brigade or regimental support
area with the aid of the contaminated unit. At least two squads from the detachment run the detailed
equipment decontamination operations, while the contaminated unit runs the detailed troop
decontamination effort and assists with the equipment segment. Together, the detachment's commander
and senior noncommissioned officer brief the contaminated unit's key personnel and supervise the
operation.
4-15
CM 2506
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