TREATMENT OF CHEMICAL AGENT CASUALTIES NOR NAVSURNLANT SHIPS

File: 082696_doc1_032.txt
Page: 032
Total Pages: 652
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-             This requires a military force to have a plentiful stock of the various

              agents, short- and long-range delivery systems, and effective defensive

              equipment.


              There is an important military distinction between CW agents: persistent

              and nonpersistent.  In general, blood agents and sarin are nonpersistent-

              they will evaporate in 15 minutes.  Blister agents are more persistent.
              However, the degree of persistence depends on the form in which an agent

              is dispersed as well as the prevalent weather conditions.  The other

              distinction between agents is their lethality.  Blood and nerve agents

              kill rapidly, whereas blister agents tend to produce more wounded

              casualties.  Which agent is militarily preferable will vary according to

              the tactical situation.


              Nonpersistent agents can be used on the battlefield to precede an assault

              on an enemy position.  Persistent agents may be used either offensively

              or defensively.   In the former case, they can neutralize rear area
              assets, airbases, logistics units, command posts, reserve assembly

              locations, and equipment stores.  In the latter case, they may be used to

              channel enemy movement or prevent them from massing forces for an

              assault.


              Although defensive, protective equipment is necessary, using it does

              degrade the combat performance of troops,  but it can reduce the
              casualties caused by a chemical attack by a factor of between 50 and 100.
              There are several layers of defense available.  The more comprehensive

              and sophisticated a defensive suit purchased, the more effectively an

              army will be able to operate in a contaminated environment.


              The most basic pi~ce of protection is the respirator.  This will protect

              against agents that are lethal when inhaled, such as blister and blood.

              The next step up is a full-body nuclear, biological, chemical suit.  This

              protects the wearer from the effects of nerve agents, which are lethal if


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