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File: 950825_22tr5360_143.txtFilename:22tr5360.143 ********************************************* This document is a captured Iraqi military record. It is provided in its original form to include Iraqi classification markings (i.e. Top Secret, Secret, etc.). These classification markings are NOT U.S. Government markings. ********************************************* Chapter Seven The chemical defense General considerations 79. The defensive capability of a certain country against chemical attacks depends on the organization of its intelligence, research, and technical development in the fields of various chemical equipment, and medical treatments. At the field (tactical) level, a successful chemical defense depends on the early detection of chemical contamination, early chemical warning, using personal and collective protective equipment, performing partial and full decontamination to persons, equipment, and gear at the appropriate time, and medical treatment. This is not reached (a successful chemical defense) without a high level of chemical training. Annex G lays out the requirements of the chemical defense Detection and warning 80. The available method to detect toxic chemical agents in all non chemical units (battalion.. .any unit) is the chemical reconnaissance gear. They are operated by the unitÕs chemical advisor. The gear have the capability of diagnosing most types of known toxic chemical agents (nerve agents, blister agents, choking agents, Hydrogen cyanide and Cyanogen chloride). The gear's capability to detect depends on the type of detection tubes that are provided with the equipment. Detection sheets may also be available. 81. In the chemical units (chemical battalion, company, platoon, etc.) there are chemical reconnaissance vehicles (armored and unarmored) that contain a number equipment that are used for detection and warning of toxic chemical agents in the field. They are: a. Quick chemical detection device A special device that detects contaminations of nerve agents by giving light and sound signals for very low concentrations (GSP -11, GSI - 12, etc.) b. Chemical reconnaissance equipment They are the same equipment that can be found in the non chemical units. They are used to detect most types of toxic chemical agents by relying on the type of detector tubes that are available with the gear. c. Semi-mechanized chemical detection device It is a mechanized system that is mounted on the vehicle's electricity. It is used mechanically to detect most toxic chemical agents with detector tubes (the same detector tubes that are with the chemical reconnaissance equipment) d. Chemical labs In the chemical units (chemical battalion / company/ center for a naval base/ chemical platoon for an air base) there are chemical labs that can detect most types and amounts of toxic chemical agents. 82. All individuals are to be trained on identifying the signs of chemical decontaminations (physiological characteristics of agents / signs and symbols that are mounted on chemical ammunition / effects that are left in the area after the use / infection symptoms etc. They also have to give an immediate chemical warning signal. 83. Chemical surveillance centers are opened in the non chemical units by chemical advisors and elements from other units that are trained on surveillance and reconnaissance operations. They are also opened by chemical units (chemical reconnaissance detachments) in the formations' headquarters. They also have to carry out the following obligations that pertain to chemical attacks: a. Give an immediate chemical warning b. Determine the attack area, the type of the chemical contamination and its concentration if possible. c. Continuous periodic test (after use) d. Submit reports about the chemical attack e. Take samples from the field and send them to the higher headquarters f. Control weather conditions and send reports about the weather (in case the weather conditions equipment are available). Protection 84. The necessary protection must be provided to individuals and units at the right time from any sudden attack by the enemy with chemical weapons in order to avoid or minimize the effects of these weapons. There are two types of protective measures: a. Individual protective measures Measures of individual protection from the effects of chemical weapons Are taken by using the following protective equipment (protective equipment number 1) that are used by each element of the armed forces. They consist of: One. A protective mask that is essential to individual protection Two. A protective cloak (protective coat or suit) Three. A pair of light protective gloves Four. Light protective foot gear Note The above protective equipment provide protection from toxic chemical agents for a period that may reach six 6 hours. Regular clothing also provides a relative protection from the effects of toxic chemical agents b. Collective protective measures Some collective protective equipment are required to guarantee operating some headquarters without using protective masks or equipment especially command headquarters, communications center, and field hospitals. This occurs by using both shelters - conditioned (depends on filtering contaminated air through collective protective gear) and non conditioned (very tightly closed and depend on internal clean air). There are some armored vehicles (tanks / armored personnel carriers), and field hospitals that are equipped with filters to decontaminate the air. 85. The nature of the ground should also be used to offer protection from the effects of the chemical weapons. For example, low areas such as valleys should be avoided where a toxic chemical agent cloud settles. In addition, the wide spread of the troops as permitted by the tactical situation is useful for chemical protection. Chemical decontamination 86. Contamination must be removed or reduced to the normal level. The best way is the one that occurs with the least effort and materials within the period that is permitted by the tactical situation. Decontamination is divided into: a. Immediate decontamination It is the decontamination that is necessary to save a life. The individual is responsible for using the decontamination and first aid equipment available to all elements or with another method. This should occur within the first minutes of the contamination. This is called first hand decontamination b. Partial decontamination It is a limited decontamination of various equipment and necessary items to carry out the obligations during operations. This decontamination is deemed a continuous process whenever permitted by the tactical situation. This type of decontamination is called second hand decontamination. This occurs by using decontamination equipment that are special to non chemical units (ADK -1, ARB - 4, DK -4) or tank methods. c. Full decontamination It is the phase during which the decontamination is reduced to persons and equipment to the lowest level of the decontaminated units where they can carry out their obligations without using protective equipment. This occurs in decontamination centers or stations that are opened by chemical units (independent chemical platoon, chemical corps in a division , chemical battalion in the headquarters) and at predesignated locations. Medical treatment 87. It means treating, decontaminating, and evacuating the infected persons (contaminated victims or others) according to the measures to evacuate the casualties in the field when chemical attacks occur from the unit's first aid location to the baseÕs hospitals. Necessary disinfectants and medicine are to be provided and used for decontamination and treatment by doctors such as: (monochloramine, sodium bicarbonate, Atropine shots, Oxime PAM2 Chloride , Amyl nitrate, sodium nitrate, sodium sulfate, pal ointment etc.) and all that pertains to chemical treatment. 88. The medical staff is also responsible for continuously (periodically) testing food and water to confirm that they bo not contains chemical contamination. In general, canned food is safe. However, the can must be washed thoroughly before opening it with organic solvents or gasoline, and water. As to the food that is contained in the wooden containers, fabric and paper bags, they do not provide a shield or protection against liquids or vapors of toxic chemical agents. Food that is contaminated by toxic chemical agents is useless. As to fatty food or water, they are often usable if contaminated by vapors only and when needed. Note Food is usually filled in special can that prevents chemical contamination under chemical war conditions Staff duties 89. Chemical defense measures should be part of the fixed procedures of the units. Continuous training is provided and in special cases confirmed by operations orders. There should also be a cooperation among all staff department on chemical operations. 90. In the headquarters of each chemical corps, there is a commander who has obligations to give the necessary consulting to the staff. In each headquarters also, there is an chemical officer has obligations to give consulting to the commander. 91. The most important obligations of the chemical corps command and the chemical officers in the formations are the following: a. To provide technical advice to the commander/leader and his officers about protective measures that range from chemical weapons plans to evaluating (assessing) the chemical situation. b. To supervise the technical training of the chemical units and formations and submit reports. c. To organize the chemical support of the units that are based upon the tactical situation and the plan of the chemical situation d. To supervise the distribution and storage of chemical substances, decontamination solutions, and protective equipment in the units and formations. e. To supervise the chemical warning methods in the units and formations. f. It is technically linked to all chemical elements in the formations. g. To issue publications and information about chemical weapons that are available with the enemy and share these information with the other corps. Training 92. Units and formations should train on the necessary preventive measures when chemical attacks occur. They are mainly the following: a. An accurate identification of the characteristics and effects of toxic chemical agents b. Protective and first aid measures of the effects of toxic chemical weapons. c. The use of a protective mask and other individual protective equipment as well as the decontamination and first aid equipment. d. Measures that need to be taken when a chemical attack occurs (upon receiving the chemical warning signal) e. Recognizing the signs of a chemical attack f. The chemical warning g. Work procedures at decontamination centers and stations 93. All staff should confirm that the troops are well trained on the above. This occurs by always taking the following measures: a. Units and formations are to perform their activities while wearing protective equipment. b. Units are to perform decontamination at decontamination points and stations that are opened by the chemical units. c. Headquarters, units, and formations are to take the measures that need to be taken during chemical attacks at all levels. 94. Some alternative substances (non toxic chemical substances) or non lethal (tear) chemical agents may be used to train troops on protective measures such as CN - Chloroacetophenone and CS. However, the use of CS is not recommended because of its smell that is easily identified. Annex H lays out some toxic chemical agents and their alternatives that may be used in chemical training on individuals and troops. Annexes The following annexes lay out the following (we wish to refer to them): Annex G Chemical defense requirements Annex H Chemical training alternatives
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