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File: aaamd_01.txtSUBJECT: USE OF CWU-77/P CHEMICAL DEFENSE COVERALLS FROM: DOS 5 FEB 91 SUBJ: Use of CWU-77/P Chemical Defense Coveralls TO: LGS ADO DO IN TURN 1. HQ TAC has begun shipping (1000 so far) CWU-77/P chemical defense coveralls directly to the units even though the coveralls have not completed the full testing cycle and specific contamination control area (CCA) processing procedures have not been developed. The limited information we have about the coveralls is contained in a letter originated by Human Systems Division/YAG (attachment 2). Our specific concerns (mostly highlighted in attachment 2) are: a. Lt Gen Horner did not ask for an interim solution for groundcrew ensemble use during Operation Desert Storm (see attachment 1). b. Liquid protection testing on the CWU-77/P has not been completed. c. CCA processing procedures have not been developed. d. The CWU-77/P's recommended use is in high temperature areas where there is a reduced threat of liquid contamination. Our air base chemical threat consists of liquid contamination and the vapor hazard resulting from those droplets. It is impractical at this time to attempt distributing coveralls to the base population by guessing who will be working or transiting outside at the time of attack. e. If liquid contamination is detected on the CWU-77/P, preliminary testing shows the coverall must be replaced within two hours to prevent operationally significant skin symptoms from occurring. We do not feel confident that this requirement is logistically or operationally feasible at the present time. f. The CWU-77/P is not compatible with the Multiman Intermittent Cooling System (MICS) currently deployed at most locations. g. My Disaster Preparedness staff and base-level Disaster preparedness personnel do not have sufficient information to develop comprehensive training outlines for training the base population. The availability of instructors and feasibility of releasing personnel to attend training sessions may also present problems.
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