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Military NBC Training

All branches of the U.S. military conduct nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) training regularly. Initial training takes place during entry military training (boot camp or basic training) and is repeated periodically throughout a military person’s career. Field Manual (FM) 3-11 and several other FMs in the 3-11 series are used by all branches to conduct NBC training. Training includes avoidance of, reaction to and protection in an NBC environment.

  1. Reconnaissance

    • Performing a reconnaissance helps determine whether or not an area has been contaminated. A variety of detection instrumentation is used. During training, just as in an actual situation, personnel put on Mission-Oriented Protective Posture (M-OPP) gear and systematically mark off areas as they are tested. The marked off areas are then avoided.

    Contamination Avoidance

    • Avoiding a contaminated area is important not only to prevent potential injuries, but also to prevent the disruption of operations. Avoidance goes hand-in-hand with reconnaissance. After an area has been determined to be contaminated, several warning methods to other troops can be used. Placing audible alarms, sign markers and personnel around the hazardous area are common methods. Training involves both placing the warning devices and recognizing their meaning.

    Protection

    • If a hazardous area cannot be avoided, troops have to concentrate on protection. Wearing M-OPP gear, consisting of pants, jacket, boots, gloves and a gas mask, is the focus of training. Troops train on how to properly put on and wear this gear without further contaminating themselves. Training also includes being able to recognize signs of, and treat for, contamination.

    Operations

    • It is necessary to continue military operations even in an NBC environment. Troop level training involves conducting the mission in M-OPP gear. This is difficult because the gear is uncomfortable (from heat) and the gas mask limits visibility. Command level training includes implementing a defense plan, avoiding further contamination and treating NBC-related injuries.

    Decontamination

    • There are two basic types of decontamination training: personal and equipment. Each soldier carries a decontamination kit. Personnel exposed to an NBC hazard use their decon kit to perform immediate skin decontamination. Soldiers then put on their M-OPP gear. Personal equipment, such as rifle, helmet and web gear, is then decontaminated.

      After approximately six hours of wearing M-OPP gear, it must be exchanged (its effectiveness diminishes over time). Wash and exchange stations are set up and soldiers are trained to properly wash off and discard old M-OPP gear and put on new gear without contaminating themselves or others. Similar wash stations are also used to decontaminate larger equipment such as vehicles.

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