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                       COMMAND AND CONTROL

    TOPIC:   Delegation of Authority in a Chemical Environment.

    OBSERVATION:  Leaders have a tendency to not delegate
authority while in MOPP gear and try to do too much them-
selves.  Consequently, they become the first to fall out due to
sheer exhaustion.

    LESSON LEARNED:   Error on the side of overdelegation during
periods where MOPP gear is worn.  Let the number two man handle
the action, as our doctrine requires,  so the number one soldier
can get uninterrupted rest.

    VIEWER NOTES:


    TOPIC:   In most cases, overreaction to the chemical threat
is worse than underreaction.

    OBSERVATION:  Wearing the MOPP suit in hot desert
temperatures as a precautionary measure to impending chemical
attacks can result in more casualties, including death, than a
chemical attack would produce.  Wearing MOPP gear and doing
hard work, such as humping ammunition, digging in, or attack-
ing, can quickly put soldiers at risk.  The internal body
temperature is quickly elevated (upwards of l~5 degrees F) and
the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body are destroyed.
Death results.  Unless the chemical attack is a direct hit on
one's location (most won't be),there is adequate reaction time
to assume a MOPP posture if MOPP gear is readily available.  At
least, the risk is less in hot temperatures than by keeping
soldiers in MOPP gear as a precautionary measure.   If the
attack is off target,  it will only arrive at the speed of the
wind.   Closing your eyes and holding your breath will buy
valuable time to get a protective mask on.  The MOPP suit can
then be quickly donned, if necessary,  for a mustard vapor or
liquid hazard.

    LESSON LEARNED:   (1) Always operate at minimum MOPP
levels.  Accept risk in the chemical defense business just as
with any other aspect of warfare.  Expect a fair share of
chemical casualties along with other conventional casualties.
(2)   Remember, mission accomplishment is paramount, and risks
must be taken if MOPP posture will prevent mission accomplish-
ment.   (3)  Don `t win the chetnical survival battle and lose
the tactical battle.   (4) Don't become consumed with chemical
survival and ignore other important tasks, missions, etc.

    VIEWER NOTES:


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