Part A - Operational Decontamination

PART A - OPERATIONAL DECONTAMINATION

Operational Decontamination makes use of two techniques: MOPP Gear Exchange

and Vehicle Washdown.

It is done in the unit's area of operation with

support from the battalion-level PDDE crews or from chemical company

decontamination squads.

Its purpose is to limit liquid or particle

contamination spread. This protects uncontaminated areas that can be used

for temporary MOPP-level reduction.

Operational Decontamination supports

battlefield mobility.

The small water requirements do away with the need to be near a water

source, and its small operational area (about 100 square meters) is easy to

conceal in forward areas.

Usually, squad-size elements use these two techniques.

Platoons or

companies should rotate squad-size elements one at a time through the

Operational Decontamination site.

Units Involved.

Squad-size elements and occasionally platoon-size elements use Operational

Decontamination. The contaminated unit decontaminates its personnel. The

battalion PDDE crew decontaminates equipment with assistance from the

contaminated unit.

The Battalion tactical operations center (TOC) coordinates.

If the

Battalion has no decontamination assets, or more assets are required,

requests must be submitted to the next higher headquarters. Decontamination

squads from chemical companies may be available.

The battalion PDDE crew moves, supplies, and operates the battalion PDDE.

Although they provide the expertise and do most of the work for the Vehicle

Washdown, they work under the direction of the contaminated unit's

commander.

Chemical company decontamination squads reinforce the efforts of a battalion

PDDE crew by assisting in Operational Decon. The preferred method is to use

reinforcing decontamination squads to set up separate sites rather than use

multiple PDDE at one site.

This preserves the advantages of a small,

decentralized operation.

Preparation Phase.

The preparation phase includes all of the things that must be done before

any Operational Decontamination can take place.

CM2300

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