C-2. Predeployment
When preparing the unit's mobilization plan and TSOP, include the supplies and equipment that will be required for the unit to operate in an NBC environment. DO NOT wait until ordered to mobilize to begin preparation for the mission. A well-prepared and trained unit stands a much better chance of surviving and accomplishing their assigned mission. At a minimum include the following:
- Nerve agent pretreatment and antidotes (see FM 8-285).
- Blister agent antidote/treatment (see FM 8-285).
- Incapacitating agent treatment (see FM 8-285).
- Lung-damaging agents (choking agents) treatment (see FM 8-285).
- Blood agent (cyanogen) treatment (see FM 8-285).
- Biological agent immunizations and chemoprophylaxis (see FM 8-284).
- Biological agent treatment (see FM 8-284).
- Nuclear and radiological treatment (see FM 4-02.283).
- Protective mask with hood for each individual (see FM 3-4).
- Replacement filters for protective mask (see FM 3-4).
- Two sets of MOPP per individual assigned to unit (see FM 3-4).
- All authorized radiation detection equipment.
- All authorized chemical agent detection equipment.
- All authorized NBC alarm systems.
- Biological agent detection equipment, if available.
- Sample/specimen collection, packaging, and shipping supplies for suspect NBC agents.
- Decontamination equipment and supplies (DS2, STB, pails, sponges, mops, decontaminant application apparatus, individual skin decontamination kits, and individual equipment decontamination kits [see FM 3-5]).
- Material for covering supplies and equipment (such as plastic sheeting, tape, and tarpaulins).
- Material for preparing improvised protection in shelters (such as plastic sheeting, tarpaulins, tape, and sandbags).
- Collective protection shelter systems with repair parts, if available.
- Chemical agent patient decontamination Medical Equipment Set (MES). The MES can also be used to decontaminate nuclear and biological patients, if authorized.
- Chemical agent patient treatment MES. Some components may also be used to treat nuclear and biological patients, if authorized.
- Water supply for patient decontamination, if required.
- Shovels, picks, and axes.
- Lightweight decontamination system M17 and other decontamination apparatuses.
- Applicable references (Army Regulations [ARs], Joint publications, FMs, technical manuals [TMs], training circulars [TCs], and TSOPs).
C-3. Mobilization
During mobilization the unit must ensure that all supplies and equipment are on hand and are serviceable. Commanders and leaders must also ensure that—
- Movement plans are prepared.
- Transportation support requirements are identified and requested.
- Load plans include provisions for the transportation of NBC supplies and equipment (medical and nonmedical).
- A MOPP level has been established for the movement, if applicable.
- A checklist of training shortfalls is prepared and a training plan is in place.[3]
C-4. Establish a Medical Treatment Facility
Plans for establishing a BAS, DCS, or FST for operating in a NBC environment must include employment of CBPS systems. When establishing a hospital using Deployable Medical Systems (DEPMEDS), the chemically protected (CP) DEPMEDS must be set up as the conventional shelters are being set up. Once the conventional shelter has been set up and is operational, CP DEPMEDS cannot be established without first taking down the existing shelter. Follow the technical manual provided with the CP DEPMEDS system issued to your unit. Plans for operating a DEPMEDS equipped hospital in the NBC environment should include, but not be limited to—
- Coordinating with the supported unit to ensure unit casualty collecting points and patient decontamination points are on the HSS template. If possible, integrate HSS units/elements into local units NBC detection systems and communications systems.
- Surveying the AO. Survey the area to ensure contamination is not present before establishing the MTF.
- Establishing detection stations on the unit's perimeter.
- Determining direction of prevailing wind. All contaminated patients, ambulances, and helicopters must arrive on the downwind side of the MTF; this must be done with or without CPS.
- Setting up the contaminated triage, patient decontamination, and contaminated treatment areas (including overhead cover).
- Establishing the contaminated ambulance point.
- Establishing the contaminated helicopter landing area.
- Preparing the contaminated waste dump.
- Establishing the clean ambulance point.
- Establishing the clean helicopter landing area.
- Marking the hot line and preparing the shuffle pit.
- Employing CP DEPMEDS system (close shelter, turn on CB filtration units, close air locks, and maintain overpressure), if available.
- Establishing the clean treatment area 30 to 50 yards (meters) upwind of hot line, when CPS is not available.
- Ensuring provisions for overhead cover at the patient decontamination area.
- Requesting patient decontamination personnel from supported units for the BAS and DCS, or from units located within the geographic area for hospitals.
- Requesting issue of chemical patient treatment and chemical patient decontamination MESs, if not on-hand.
- Establishing contamination monitoring procedures in CPS.
- Establishing control procedures for personnel crossing the hot line (through the shuffle pit).
- Establishing CPS entry and exit control procedures (see [Appendix F]).
- Making improvisations; if the MTF must operate in a nuclear/radiological environment. For optional improvisations, see [Appendix H.]