113 NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL (NBC) DEFENSE FUNDAMENTALS

113.1 Discuss the action before, during, and after a biological attack.

1. BIOLOGICAL PROTECTION

a. Actions Before an Attack:

- Up-to-date immunizations

- Good hygiene

- Area sanitation

- Physical conditioning

b. Biological Attack Indicators:

- Mysterious illness (large number of soldiers)

- Large number of insects or unusual insects

- Large number of dead wild and domestic animals

- Artillery shells with less powerful explosions

- Aerial bombs that pop rather than explode

- Mist or fog sprayed by aircraft

c. Actions During Suspected Attack:

- Wear protective mask

- Keep clothing buttoned up

- Consider any known biological agent cloud as a chemical attack

d. Actions After an Attack:

- Send NBC 1 report

- Identify casualties (from symptoms they exhibit)

- Isolate soldiers with symptoms

￿.2 Explain how to mark a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC)

contaminated area.

1. How to mark a Nuclear contaminated area.

a. The following information must be placed on the triangle.

- Dose Rate

- Date and Time or Reading

- Date and Time of Burst (if known)

2. How to mark a Biological contaminated area.

a. The following information must be placed on the triangle.

- Name of Agent (if known)

- Date and Time of Detection

3. How to mark a Chemical contaminated area.

a. The following information must be placed on the triangle.

- Name of Agent (if known)

- Date and Time of Detection

113 NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL (NBC) DEFENSE FUNDAMENTALS

.3 Discuss the proper way to clear and don a gas mask.

1. Don, clear, and check your mask within 9 seconds.

a. STOP BREATHING!

b. Remove your headgear.

- Place it in a convenient location, e.g. between your legs or hung on your arm.

- Avoid contaminated surfaces, whenever possible.

- Note: If you are wearing glasses, take them off.

c. Open your mask carrier with your left hand, and hold it open.

d. Grasp your mask just below the eyepiece with your other hand.

- Pull the mask from the carrier.

- Let the hood hang inside out in front of the face piece.

e. Grasp the face piece with both hands, spreading the head harness.

- Don the mask, chin first.

f. Position your hands to clear the mask.

- Seal the outlet valve and voicemitter by cupping the heel of one hand over the outlet valve and placing the other hand over the voicemitter.

- Note: You can either place your hands over or under the hood when clearing the mask.

g. Blow sharply to force air out around the edges of the mask. You should

feel the air escaping around the edges of the mask.

h. Place the palm of your hands over both inlet valve caps; seal the valves by

applying pressure, then inhale.

Note: You can either put your hands over or under the hood to do this.

1. Breathe in and hold your breath.

Note: If there are no leaks, your mask will cave in toward your face and

stay that way until you breathe out.

- If you find that your mask has no leaks, start breathing normally and secure the hood.

- If your mask does not collapse to your face, stop breathing:

- 1. Check to see if there is anything such as hair or clothing between your face and the mask.

- 2. Remove anything, which would keep the mask from sealing against your face.

- 3. Ensure that the head straps and the head pad are not twisted. Tighten the head straps, if necessary.

- 4. Clear your mask again by performing steps f. through h. again.

- 5. Recheck your mask for leaks.

2. Start breathing normally

113 NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL (NBC) DEFENSE FUNDAMENTALS

2. Secure the hood

a. Pull the hood up and over your head, down onto the shoulders, and zip the

front closed all the way within 6 seconds.

b. Ensure that the edges of the hood do not get caught in the collar of the

over garment.

Note: Use the buddy system to ensure that you have put on your hood

correctly.

c. Pull the draw cord slider snug.

d. Fasten and adjust underarm straps.

e. Fasten Velcro closures.

f. Don your headgear.

g. Close your mask carrier.

h. Continue your mission.

3. Sound the alarm to warn others (vocal, visual, and percussion).

.4 Discuss the actions to take during and after a nuclear attack.

1. Actions During an Attack:

- Immediately drop face down.

- Close eyes.

- Protect exposed skin.

- Wait until blast wave passes and debris stops falling.

- Stay calm, check for injury.

- Check weapons and equipment.

- Prepare to continue the mission.

2. Actions After an Attack:

- Begin continuous monitoring.

- Organize survivors.

- Secure and organize equipment.

- Cover mouth with handkerchief.

- Assist casualties.

- Send NBC 1 report.

- Improve protection against possible fallout.

- Conduct damage assessment and restoration of combat power.

-

.5 Identify the visual alarm for chemical/biological attack.

1. Recognize the visual alarm.

a. Hold both arms straight to your sides

b. Place palms up, make a fist.

c. Draw both fists towards your head, making a flexing move.

d. Continue to do this until everyone is aware the alarm has been sounded.

113 NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL (NBC) DEFENSE FUNDAMENTALS

.6 Discuss the three levels of decon.

1. LEVELS OF DECONTAMINATION

a. There are three levels of decon: immediate, operational, and thorough.

- Immediate decon minimizes casualties, saves lives, and limits the spread of contamination. Immediate decon is carried out by individuals upon becoming contaminated. There are three immediate techniques: skin decon, personnel wipe down, and operators spray down.

- Operational decon sustains operations, reduces the contact hazard, and limits the spread of contamination to eliminate the necessity or reduce the duration of wearing MOPP gear. Operational decon is carried by individuals and/or units. It is restricted to specific parts of operationally essential equipment/material and/or working areas, in order to minimize contact and transfer hazards and to sustain operations. Further decon may be required to reduce contamination to negligible risk levels. There are two operational decon techniques: vehicle wash down and MOPP gear exchange.

- Thorough decon reduces or eliminate the need for individual protective clothing. Thorough decon is carried out by units with assistance from chemical units to reduce contamination on personnel, equipment/material, and/or working areas to the lowest possible level (negligible risk) to permit the reduction or removal of individual protective equipment and maintain operations with minimal degradation. This may include decontamination of terrain as required. There are three thorough decon techniques: detailed troop decon, detailed equipment decon, and detailed aircraft decon.

.7 Discuss how to react to a nuclear attack that occurs without any warning.

1. Take immediate action for a nuclear attack without warning.

Note: Upon seeing a brilliant flash of light, an exceptionally loud explosion, or

when the alarm is sounded, immediate action must be taken.

Never hesitate in taking immediate action. When possible, look for pro-

tective cover.

Your weapon should be placed under your body whenever possible.

Always wear your standard issue battle equipment while in combat,

especially you helmet and body armor.

a. React without weapon.

- Immediately drop face down, if possible, with feet toward blast. If cover is available, use it.

- Close your eyes.

- Protect or cover exposed skin by putting hands and arms under or near the body and keeping your helmet on.

- Keep your head down.

113 NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL (NBC) DEFENSE FUNDAMENTALS

b. React with weapon.

- Immediately drop face down. If cover is available, use it.

- Close your eyes.

- Protect or cover exposed skin by putting hands and arms under or near the body and keeping your helmet on.

- Ensure that your weapon is placed under your body or beside you with the strap/sling wrapped tightly around your arm.

- Keep your head down.

c. Remain face down for 90 seconds or until all debris has stopped falling.

Note: Whenever possible, use any protection available, such as fighting

holes. Fighting holes provide excellent protection against nuclear

weapon effects. Other examples of hasty protection may include:

ditches, culverts, hills, large rocks, or armored vehicles. Simply,

put anything between yourself and the nuclear weapons blast.

.8 Explain MOPP levels 0-4.

1. Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) levels.

a. MOPP level 0.

- Mask is Carried

- Overgarment is Available

- Chemical Protective Undergarment is Carried

- Vinyl Overboots are Available

- Gloves are Available

b. MOPP level 1.

- Mask is Carried

- Overgarment is Worn. The jacket or hood can be left open for ventilation.

- Chemical Protective Undergarment is Worn.*

- Vinyl Overboots are Available.

- Gloves are Carried.

c. MOPP level 2.

- Mask is Carried.

- Over garment is Worn.*

- Chemical Protective Undergarment is Worn.**

- Vinyl Overboots are Worn.

- Gloves are Carried.

d. MOPP level 3.

- Mask is Worn. *

- Over garment is Worn. *

- Chemical Protective Undergarment is Worn. **

- Vinyl Over boots are Worn.

- Gloves are Carried.

113 NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL (NBC) DEFENSE FUNDAMENTALS

e. MOPP level 4.

- Mask is Worn.

- Over garment is Worn.

- Chemical Protective Undergarment is Worn.**

- Vinyl Over boots are Worn.

- Gloves are Worn.

* The jacket or hood can be left open for ventilation.

** The CPU is worn under the Cammies (primarily applies to

SOF, armor vehicle crewman, and aviators).

Modification of standard MOPP levels is authorized (for example, mask only or mask and gloves only).

Chemical protective helmet cover is put on helmet MOPP 1 through MOPP 4.

.9 Explain the procedure for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC).

a. MEDEVAC Request

1. Location of pick-up site.

2. Radio frequency, call sign, suffix.

3. Number of patients.

4. Special equipment required.

5. Number of patients by type of casualty (litter, walking wounded).

6. Security of pick up site.

7. Method of marking of pick up site.

8. Patient nationality and status.

9. NBC contamination (omit if NA).

￿.10 Explain how to react to a biological attack.

1. React to a biological attack.

a. Stop breathing!

b. Don protective mask with hood; do not fasten the hood.

c. Sound the alarm.

1. Use verbal or visual signals.

d. Take additional protective measures against a spray attack.

- Kneel or crouch on the ground with your weapon across your knees

- Get under the poncho or other repellent material large enough to cover yourself and the equipment. Your poncho acts as a protective barrier against gross amounts of liquid contaminates.

- Caution: Ensure that the poncho is fully draped around you. Often, the trailing edge will ride on top of the canteens, leaving parts of your body exposed to contamination.

113 NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL (NBC) DEFENSE FUNDAMENTALS

- Warning: It is not recommended to sit on the ground while you are under the poncho. Doing so may allow liquid contaminates to saturate your protective over garment, thus rapidly reducing the over garments effectiveness.

- Go to MOPP level 4.

e. Remain under your poncho until droplets of contamination have stopped

pelting your poncho or the “ALL CLEAR!” command has been given.

- Wait at least 90 seconds under your poncho

f. Avoid allowing liquid contaminates to contact with the protective over-

garment when coming from under the poncho.

g. Conduct individual decontamination, as necessary.

h. Identify chemical agents using standard detection equipment, when

directed.

i. Continue the mission.

.11 Explain how to detect a liquid chemical agent using the M9 detector paper.

1. Use M9 detector tape.

Note: M9 detector tape is usually issued 1 roll per squad or gun team and is

worn around the ankles, wrists, and biceps on the exterior of protective

clothing. M9 tape is not designed to specifically identify chemical

agents. Its purpose is simply to detect their presence.

- Open package of M9 tape.

- Unroll a small portion of detector tape.

- Blot, do not rub, the M9 tape on suspect liquid.

- Observe for a color change.

- Note: Like M8 paper, this tape is designed to change colors when in contact with a chemical agent. However, when in contact with contamination, it can appear as a light pink color to a reddish brown or violet color, signifying a chemical agent is present. It will not identify specific chemical agents.

.12 Discuss the symptoms of and treatment for a nerve agent.

a. Symptoms of nerve agent poisoning.

1. Mild symptoms. Casualties may be coherent and experience one or all of

the following:

- Unexplained runny nose.

- Unexplained sudden headache.

- Drooling.

- Difficulty with vision (dimness of vision).

- Tightness in chest/difficulty in breathing.

- Localized sweating/muscle twitching in contaminated area of the skin.

113 NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL (NBC) DEFENSE FUNDAMENTALS

- Stomach cramps.

- Nausea.

- Note: With mild symptoms, self-aid is a viable option. Using Nerve Agent Pyrodostigmine (NAPP), a standard issue pre-treatment used in combating nerve agent poisoning, will counterreact the effects of the agent, depending on the length of exposure to and concentration of the agent.

2. Severe symptoms. Casualties with severe symptoms can experience most

or all of the mild symptoms and most or all of the symptoms listed below:

- Strange or confused behavior.

- Wheezing, severe difficulty in breathing, and coughing.

- Red eyes with possible tearing.

- Vomiting

- Severely pinpointed pupils.

- Severe muscular twitching and general weakness.

- Involuntary urination and defecation.

- Convulsions.

- Unconsciousness.

- Respiratory failure.

b. Treating a nerve agent casualty

1. Take steps to protect yourself and to warn others.

- If you are not wearing your mask, don, clear, and check your mask.

- Sound/give the alarm.

- Administer self-aid, if you feel any mild symptoms of nerve agent poisoning.

- Decontaminate exposed skin, as necessary.

2. Leave the casualty in the position he is found, when possible. Reposition

the casualty only when it is necessary to don, to clear and adjust his mask,

or to administer medication.

3. Masking the casualty.

- Ensure that the casualty is on his back.

- Place the mask on the casualty.

- Tighten the head harness straps.

- Instruct the casualty to clear the mask if he can follow instructions.

- Check for a complete seal by covering the inlet valves of the mask.

- Pull the hood over the casualty’s head, neck, and shoulders.

4. Administering nerve agent antidote

a. Evaluate the casualty’s condition and determine the proper medication

to administer.

113 NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL (NBC) DEFENSE FUNDAMENTALS

- 1. For mild symptoms, administer one Mark I kit and wait five minutes. If symptoms persist, readminister every five minutes for a maximum of three sets.

- 2. For advanced nerve agent poisoning, administer Mark I kits, one after the other for a maximum of three.

- A. Remove auto injectors from the casualty’s mask carrier.

- B. With one hand, hold one set of injectors by the plastic retaining clip.

- C. With your free hand, check the casualty’s thigh to avoid buttons or other objects in his pockets.

- D. Administer the atropine.

- Grasp the small injector, the Atropine, and then pull it from the clip with a smooth motion.

- Caution: The injector is armed! Do not place your thumb over the green (needle) part of the injector because you might accidentally inject yourself.

- Form a fist around the injector without covering or holding the needle (green) end.

- Place the green end of the injector against the casualty’s outer thigh muscle.

- Warning: To avoid the casualty from sustaining additional damage, do not inject areas surrounding the knees, hips, or the bones. Inject a thin casualty in the upper, outer part of his buttocks.

- Push the injector into the casualty’s thigh with firm, even pressure until the injector functions.

- Hold the injector in place for at least 10 seconds.

- E. Administer 2 Pam Chloride injection.

- Pull out the large injector, and then form a fist around it. Avoid placing your thumb over the black tip.

- Place the black (needle) end against the casualty’s thigh.

- Push the injector into the casualty’s muscle with firm, even pressure until the injector functions.

- Hold the injector in place for at least 10 seconds.

- Repeat steps D through E above until casualty has received a total of three sets of antidote injections.

- Secure used injectors.

- Push the needle of each injector through one of the breast pocket flaps of the casualty’s protective over garment.

- Bend the needle points to form a hook, without tearing or puncturing your protective gloves or clothing.

- If the casualty has exposed skin, decontaminate the area by using a decontaminating kit.

113 NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL (NBC) DEFENSE FUNDAMENTALS

- Treat the casualty for shock and seek medical attention.

- Medevac the casualty as soon as possible.

5. Administer Chemical Agent Nerve Antidote (CANA).

Warning: The CANA auto injector looks similar to that of the 2 Pam

Chloride in the Mark I kit.

Exercise extreme care to prevent improper usage of the CANA.

Improper usage of the CANA can be fatal to the casualty.

Use CANA only as an anticonvulsant to combat nerve agent

poisoning.

a. Treat a convulsing nerve agent casualty.

- Locate the CANA. Location and storage of the CANA will vary according to unit SOP’s.

- Treat convulsions immediately. It may be necessary to restrain the casualty while injecting with CANA.

6. Resuscitate a nerve agent casualty.

Note: The pressure arm lift method is preferred over the chest pressure

arm lift in resuscitating a chemical agent casualty. However, the

chest pressure arm lift method is a viable option and should not be

ruled out. Consider the casualty’s symptoms and other factors,

such as wounds, that may influence a different means of

resuscitation. Should a casualty regurgitate while inside the

mask, this procedure should allow the material to clear the

casualty’s airway. This procedure will also minimize the chance

damaging the casualty’s rib cage. For example, it is possible to

puncture a lung with a broken rib if the procedure is performed

incorrectly.

In addition to performing the back pressure arm lift or the chest

pressure arm lift, it may be necessary, depending on the circum-

stances, to perform additional first aid measures, such as CPR.

it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with these treat-

ments.

a. Carefully roll the casualty over if he is on his back.

Note: Before rolling the casualty over, ensure that he is masked and

that applicable medication has been administered.

- Loosen casualty’s war belt.

- Check to see if the casualty is wearing body armor under his over garment blouse.

- Note: If the casualty is wearing body armor, more pressure will be required to perform the procedure.

- Cross the casualty’s arms across his chest, cross his legs.

- Grasp the casualty by his over garment and roll him away from you.

113 NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL (NBC) DEFENSE FUNDAMENTALS

- Note: by rolling the casualty away from you, prevents the possible spread of contamination from the casualty to your legs and boots, or passing contamination to the casualty by rolling him onto your boots or trouser legs.

- Turn the casualty’s head to the side and ensure that the voicemitter/outlet valve assembly is not buried in the ground.

b. Stand over the casualty, either at the head or at the waist, and locate

casualty’s shoulder blades.

Caution: Do not kneel on the deck. Avoid all contact with contaminated surfaces.

c. Locate the casualty’s shoulder blades. With both hands, apply pressure in a sharp down direction to the middle of the casualty’s back just below the shoulder blades to force air out of the casualty’s lungs.

d. Place your hands under the casualty’s arms (in arm pits) and lift him about 18-24 inches from the deck.

e. Ease the casualty back to the deck.

f. Perform this procedure 10-12 times per minute at a steady, uniform rate.

g. Continue to perform this procedure until:

- You are too physically exhausted to continue.

- You are relieved by medical personnel.

- You are relieved by another Marine.

- The casualty resumes breathing on his own.

￿.13 Discuss the symptoms of and treatment for a blood agent.

1. Blood agent poisoning.

Note: Surviving a blood agent attack primarily depends on the concentration and

length of exposure. Marines who fail to perform proper immediate action

will likely become casualties.

a. Identify symptoms of blood agent poisoning.

1. Following mild exposure:

- Headache

- Vertigo

- Nausea

- Tightness in chest/coughing

- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat

113 NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL (NBC) DEFENSE FUNDAMENTALS

2. Following moderate exposure:

- Increased depth of respiration within seconds

- Labored breathing resulting from an increased need for oxygen or inadequate air exchange in the lungs (Dyspnea)

- Possible, a persistent cough with much frothy sputum

- Discoloration of the casualty’s lips and finger tips.

- Convulsions in 20 to 30 seconds.

- Coma

b. Treat a blood agent casualty.

Note: Due to the rapid effects of this chemical agent, there is currently no

Antidote to combat it.

- Immediately mask the casualty

- Treat the casualty for shock

- Medevac the casualty as soon as possible

.14 Discuss the symptoms of and treatment for a choking agent.

a. Identify a choking agent casualty.

1. Mild exposure.

- Headaches

- Nausea

- Tightness in chest

- Tears/watery eyes

- Dry throat

- Vomiting

- Warning: With ordinary field exposure, death will probably not occur. However, prolonged exposure to high concentrations of the vapor and neglect or delay in the masking can be fatal.

2. Moderate exposure.

- Hacking cough

- Rapid shallow breathing

- Red/pinkish sputum

- Shock

b. Treat a choking agent casualty.

1. Mask the casualty.

Note: Monitor the casualty to ensure that his airway does not become blocked

by material he coughs up. It may be necessary to place the casualty on

his side to clear his airway.

2. Treat the casualty for shock

3. Medevac the casualty as soon as possible.

113 NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL (NBC) DEFENSE FUNDAMENTALS

.15 Explain the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) NBC markers.

1. Identify the radiological contamination marker.

a. Dimensions of the triangle are 11.5”, 11.5”, 11.5”

b. The color of the marker- White background with the word “ATOM”

printed in black.

2. Identify the biological contamination marker.

a. Dimensions of the triangle are 11.5”, 11.5”, 11.5”.

b. The color of the marker- Blue background with the word “BIO”

printed in red.

3. Identify the chemical contamination marker.

a. Dimensions of the triangle are 11.5”, 11.5”, 11.5”.

b. The color of the marker- Yellow background with the word “GAS”

printed in red.