depends on many factors, including time and distance between the levels of command involved and
security considerations.
d. Planning time for specific decon operations.
Operational decontamination is performed as soon as possible. A well-trained squad can complete both
techniques in about 45 to 60 minutes. The time span to completely decontaminate vehicles exposed to a
chemical agent is 90 minutes for the first one to go through the line. After that, a decontaminated
vehicle comes off the line every ten minutes when using the prescribed assembly-line procedures. The
rate of flow for buddy teams through a detailed troop decontamination site is fifty minutes for the first
pair to finish. The remainder of the troops come off the line at a rate of six pairs or twelve troops per
hour.
5.
Local Weather Conditions.
The weather conditions in an area will greatly impact upon the decontamination operation. Dry weather
or arid environments will influence availability of water and may cause a requirement for hauling water.
Wet weather can cause terrain to be soft and affect access to decontamination areas by vehicles.
Freezing temperatures will cause water to freeze and damage equipment during decontamination
operations. Temperature will affect the length of time personnel can work in protective clothing and the
number of personnel required.
6.
Tactical Situation.
The tactical situation must be considered. Locations of supported units and the decon site will affect
travel time of units to the site. This will affect security requirements.
7.
Personnel and Equipment Available.
Perhaps the most important factor in estimating the situation is a comparison of the decontamination
requirement with the capabilities of the personnel and equipment available to support the operation. If
the requirement cannot be met with available resources, augmentation must be obtained from parent
units or other support units.
8.
Priorities for Decontamination.
a. The first priority for all chemical decontamination is personnel. Liquid agent on exposed
skin requires immediate decontamination by the individual soldier. When personnel are not in
immediate danger, those pieces of equipment that are needed to accomplish the mission are
decontaminated according to priorities established by the commander.
CM 2506
4-12
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