CBRN Cookbook

Table of Contents Pre-Deployment

CDE Tracking Train-up CBRN Teams

Page
5 6 8

Planning
Timeline IPB Mission Analysis Commanders Guidance Concept of CBRN Defense Annex J

11
12 13 21 23 24 25

Battle Tracking
CDE Running Estimate RFI Tracking Shift Change

29
30 32 33 34

Table of Contents Support Operations

Checklist TIC/TIM Safety Contamination Control

Page

35 37 40

Chemical Assets
CMD/Support Relationships Recon Decon Smoke

42
43 44 52 59

Table of Contents Additional Charts & Tools

CDM Strike Serial Log CBRN Reports Unmasking Procedures MEDEVAC/Call for Fire/SALUTE IED/UXO Battle Drill & Report Heat Injury Media & Crowds

Page

65 66 67 74 75 76 77 78

Planning Considerations CDE Tracking

- BDE/BN CHEMO / NCO Visits Subordinate Units: (1) Know Shortages and Requisitions (2) Check Location and availability of Decon apparatus, Teams, Decontaminates, Water Supply - Monthly Reporting with USR to Include: (1) MTOE Equipment (AUTH VS. O/H) (2) CTA 50-970 Items (Contingency VS Training Stocks) (3) Scheduled Services - Monthly Logistics Review Emphasis (1) Deadline Items (2) Due-in Status (3) $ for CTA and PLL. (4) Shelf- Life Inventories (5) Maintenance Advisory Messages (6) New Equipment Fielding - Monthly Chemical Personnel Meeting

Concept Sketch
Tasks to complete in chamber: -Conduct Chemical Survey -Detect/Identify Chemical Agent Using ICAM, M8/9, M256, and M8A1/M22 -Communicate (CBRN1 and 4 reports / coordinate for decon and medevac -Evaluate Casualty -NAAK Buddy Aid -Mark Contamination -Individual Decon

O/C led AAR

3
Chamber Team
EVAC Casualty MOPP Gear Exchange / Unmasking Procedures

2
CS Chamber
Equipment in chamber: Map M256 kit NCOIC, Safety, RTO ICAM Troop / SQDN CBRN M8/9 paper NCO SQDN Chemo ANCD with Radio collecting CBRN M291/295 Reports, plotting hazard NAAK and issuing guidance GTA 3-6-8 M8A1 or M22 Marking Kit Casualty and litter water Medic/CLS 6

Range Orientation

1
O/C

React to Chemical Alarmgo to MOPP4

OIC SQD in MOPP2

Evaluation Sheet
Leader Tasks Situational Awareness: Identify Hazards Identify Casualty Delegate Tasks Casualty Evaluation (Buddy Aid) Communication (Radio and voice) Establish Detection Teams (M256 kit, M8A1/M22, ICAM, M8/9) Communicate NBC 1 Report Casualty Evacuation Request NBC 4 Report Request for Unmasking Procedures Land Navigation Lead MOPP Gear Exchange Supervise Unmasking Procedures Soldier Tasks Proper Wear of Individual Protective Equipment Maintenance of Individual Protective Equipment Operation of SINCGARS (establish secure voice communications) ICAM Operation Detection/Identification M8 Paper Operation Detection/Identification M9 Tape Operation Detection M8A1/M22 Operation Detection/Identification M256 Operation Detection/Identification M291 Administer Buddy Aid (NAAK) Number of Improperly Sealed Masks: GO NO GO

GO

NO GO

CBRN Teams

CBRN Teams

CBRN Teams

10

CM Integration into MDMP

MDMP Receive the Mission Mission Analysis Mission Analysis Brief COA Development Analysis Brief OPORD

Staff Action

IPB with S2

Analyze Mission Analysis Brief - Concept Highers (CBRN) - Wargame Order/ Annex - Brief -List Chemical Assets -Capabilities (Enemy and Friendly)

CBRN Annex

Product -CBRN Overlay - Chemical Staff - Vulnerability Estimate Assessment - Determine Resources - Determine Clean and Dirty Routes - Assess Smoke Areas - Template CBRN Strikes - Current CDM

- Determine -CBRN Threat (Type & Delivery) Chemical Asset to- Threat (known & Templated) Alleviate Threats - Situation (Weather Effects,

Enemy and Friendly Assets) -Incorporate - MOPP Level Chemical Assets -Automatic Masking Procedures - Limitations (Enemy and Friendly to include into the Plan - Decon Mission and CDRs weather) Guidance - CBRN Overlay - Smoke Mission and CDRs - Significant Events Guidance - Recon Mission and CDRs Guidance - Suggest Possible - Service and Support for Missions for Chemical Assets Chemical Assets - NET for Chemical Traffic - Receive CDRs Guidance

11

Planning Timeline
Chemical Staff

Receive Mission Mission COA Issue OPORD Mission Analysis Analysis Development Brief

Updated Chemical Estimate

Battle Tracking

Updated Chemical Estimate

Receive Mission

Make a Tentative Conduct Plan PCCs

Complete Conduct Conduct Mission The Plan PCIs

Chemical Asset
Issue Warning Order Start Movement Recon Issue Conduct OPORD Rehearsals Recovery/ Prep for Next Mission

12

Planning Considerations CBRN IPB Process

Direct, Collect, Process And Disseminate CBRN Intelligence Assess Vulnerability To Enemy Use Of Weapons Of Mass Destruction Provide Input To Friendly COA And How WMD Use Will Alter The Friendly Scheme Of Maneuver And Future Operations Is The Basis For Planning Decon Ops, Smoke Employment And Employment Of Chemical Assets Conduct MOPP Analysis And Recommend Appropriate MOPP Level For Upcoming Mission Contamination Avoidance Measures / CBRN Protection Measures

FM 3-3 & FM 3-19

13

Planning Considerations CBRN Analysis

MOPP Analysis: Mission Factors: Threat Assessment, Protection Available, Work Intensity Environment Factors: Temperature, WBGT, Time Of Day Soldier Factors: Work/Rest Cycle Vs. Continuous Work Automasking Criteria: Tied To Templated Threat Vs. All Artillery Vulnerability Assessment: Detailed CBRN Situation Estimate In Terms Of Both Friendly And Enemy Capabilities And Vulnerabilities Results Are Integrated Into The Plan To Achieve The Appropriate Levels Of Protection That Best Supports The Friendly Course Of Action

CONTINUOUS PROCESS APPLIED TO ALL AREAS OF THE BATTLEFIELD

FM 3-4 Chap 2

14

Planning Considerations Risk Analysis

IS THE ENEMY CAPABLE OF EMPLOYING WMD?

START HERE
YES/MAYBE

IS YOUR UNIT IN RANGE OF DELIVERY SYSTEMS?

YES/MAYBE

WOULD ENEMY TGT YOUR UNIT DOCTRINALLY?

YES/MAYBE

ARE ENEMY SENSORS/RECON CAPABLE OF LOCATING YOUR UNIT?

YES/MAYBE

NO

NO NO NO

IS THE ENEMY EQUIPPED AND TRAINED TO OPERATE IN AN NBC ENVIRONMENT?

YES/MAYBE

FAVORABLE WEATHER NO NO NO
YES/MAYBE

TERRAIN FAVORABLE YES/MAYBE HAS THE ENEMY USED WMD BEFORE YES

LOW

MEDIUM

HIGH
FM 3-14 Page 2-13

15

Planning Considerations Required Protection

THREAT CHEMICAL AGENTS
TYPE AGENT/ SYMBOL NERVE GA NP GB GD EFFECTS ON SOLDIERS
INCAPACITATES AT LOW CONCENTRATIONS; KILLS IF INHALED OR ABSORBED THROUGH THE SKIN OR EYES

{
{

VX

RATE OF ACTION VERY RAPID BY INHALATION, SLOWER THROUGH SKIN RAPID

HOW PROTECTION DISSEMINATED REQUIRED AEROSOL OR VAPOR PROTECTIVE MASK AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

BLOOD

AC CL HD HL HN L CX

KILLS IF HIGH CONCENTRATIONS ARE INHALED BLISTERS SKIN AND RESPIRATORY TRACT; CAN CAUSE TEMP BLINDNESS. SOME AGENTS STING.

AEROSOL OR VAPOR LIQUIDS OR DROPLETS

PROTECTIVE MASK

BLISTER

BLISTERS DELAYED HOURS TO DAYS

PROTECTIVE MASK AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

FM 3-7 Page 2-4

16

Planning Considerations MOPP Levels

EQUIPMENT MASK BDO BOOTS GLOVES HELMET COVER CPU MOPP READY
CARRIED READY READY

MASK ONLY
WORN

MOPP LEVELS MOPP MOPP MOPP ZERO 1 2

CARRIED CARRIED WORN CARRIED WORN WORN CARRIED WORN

MOPP 3
WORN WORN WORN CARRIED WORN

MOPP 4
WORN WORN WORN WORN WORN

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE CARRIED WORN

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE READY AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

READY

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

WORN

WORN

WORN

WORN

MOPP 1,2 &3 In hot weather, coat or hood can be left open for ventilation The CPU is worn under the BDU Primarily applies to SOP, armored vehicle crewman (primarily applies to SOP, armored vehicle crewman)

FM 3-4 Page 2-4

17

Chemical Templating A Technique

Consider All Possible Strikes Persistent And Non-persistent Why Enemy Would Use It When Enemy Would Employ Strike Determine Most Likely Strike By Phase Assign Each Template An NAI Number Ensure Each Are Part Of The R&S Plan Task An Element To Observe (Primary And Alternate) Assign Fox To Most Likely, Most Critical, Most Dangerous, Or To Main Effort Provide Observer With Detailed Instructions What To Look For When To Observe (Window) Who To Report To Follow On Instructions
18

Chemical Classification Chart

Start
Determine Attack Area Size BML, SHL, MNE surface burst RKT and MSL Yes No
Winds Greater Than 10 km/h?

10 km Hazard Area

Type B Case 1

1 km Attack Area Type B Case 2

10 KM

Persistent No
Winds > 10km/h? Type A Case 1 Type A Case 2

Yes

1 km Attack Area

No
10 km Hazard Area

Yes BOM, UNK air burst RKT and MSL No

Winds Greater Than 10 km/h?

10 km Hazard Area

Type B Case 3

15 KM

30 KM

50 KM

10 KM

2 km Attack Area

1 km Attack Area 1 km Attack Area Type of Agent Container Distance from Center of Attack Downwind Axis, when condition is:5,6,7 1,2,3 stability 4 U 10 km 15 km N 30 km 30 km S 50 km 50 km 10 km Hazard Area

SPR, GEN

Yes

Type B Case 4
10 KM

2 km Attack Area
Winds Greater Than 10 km/h?

Shells, Bomblets and Mines (SHL, BML, MNE) Air Burst Missiles, Bombs, Rockets and Unknown Munitions (MSL, BOM, RKT, UNK)

No
Type B Case 5 1 km Attack Area

Yes
Type B Case 6
10 km

Daily mean surface air temperature <0o - 10o 11o - 20o > 20o

Within attack area (number of days) 3 to 10 days 2 to 4 days up to 2 days

Within hazard area (number of days) 2 to 6 days 1 to 2 days up to 1 day

1 km Attack Area

10 km

19

Biological Classification Chart

Determine Attack Area Size No Type P Case 1 4 km Attack Area Type P Case 2

BOM, RKT, SHL, MNE Surface Burst MSL

Wind Speed >10 km/h Yes

4 km Attack Area No Wind Speed >10 km/h Yes 15 km Attack Area No Type R Case 1 4 km Attack Area Type R Case 2 Type Q Case 1

BML, Air burst MSL Surface release SPR, GEN

15 km Attack Area Type Q Case 2

Air release SPR and GEN, UNK

Wind Speed >10 km/h Yes

4 km Attack Area Detection after unobserved attack (NBC 4 BIO message only) Type S Cases 1&2

25 km Hazard area

20

CBRN Planning
Mission Analysis Develop restated mission by discerning Specified, Implied, and Critical Tasks Develop RFIs concerning Constraints and Limitations imposed on your unit CBRN Annex from Higher extract - Decon Points - Priorities of Decon - MOPP Level - CM Assets Available - Task Org. of CM Assets effecting your unit Coordinate with Higher - Procedures for requesting CM Assets - C2 of CM Assets after request - Response time for CM support - Location of external decon assets - Link-up procedures for CM Assets Frequencies and Call Signs

21

Mission Analysis
Extract the following from higher headquarters order and CBRN Annex Decon Points Priorities of Decon OEG MOPP Level Chemical Assets Available Task Organization of chemical assets Check status of Chemical Defense Equipment (CDE) Verify subordinate units status on unit/individual CDE, shortages and/or requisitions Decon Apparatus location, availability, decontaminates available, and water supply Products Facts vs. Assumptions for NBC Defense Plan from higher headquarters and the impact on your unit Chemical assets available to support your unit (GS) Command/Support relationships of chemical units pertaining to your unit (attached, OPCON, DS) Chemical Unit capabilities and limitations Doctrinal uses for chemical unit Chemical unit locations, frequencies, call signs, activities Maintenance and logistical support required to support chemical unit

FM 3-100
22

Commanders Guidance

MOPP posture guidance Masking and unmasking guidance (automatic masking) Chemical Reconnaissance Fox Recon and or unit organic assets Decontamination guidance Priorities of Decon Smoke employment guidance Fight dirty or bypass

FM 101-5
23

Concept of CBRN Defense

Identify critical friendly CBRN events and the phase by which they occur - prioritize these events Determine where and when CBRN risk occurs Determine essential CBRN defense tasks - identify automatic masking criteria, changes in MOPP level Task organize CBRN assets Develop graphic control measures that: Support the decisive point and beyond the decisive point to higher HQ desired endstate Achieve synchronization across all BOS Minimize the force exposure to fratricide (NFAs, etc) Products Concept of CBRN defense sketches / statements, Task and purpose for each CBRN unit, CBRN Graphics (Initial), CBRN Recon in R&S overlay, Decon plan (initial)

24

Annex J

Situation Weather Effects: Terrain Effects:

25

Annex J

26

Annex J - Appendix

Recon Task Purpose

27

Annex J - Appendix

Smoke
Task
28

Battle Tracking
MOPP Status IPE / CDE Status Decon Sites and Link-up Locations Task organization of Organic CBRN assets Operations Overlay and CBRN Overlay Log Book Task / Purpose of Organic CBRN assets CBRN Event and DST Inter and Intra Staff Integration RFIs to Higher and from Lower

29

CM BN CBRN Defense Status

MOPP Level: ______ SYSTEM M93A1 NBCRS M12 PDDE M17 LDS M58 SG M22 ACADA ICAM
Status Codes: G >80 A=60-79 R=40-59 B<39

AUTH

O/H

FMC

STATUS
IPE CPE

CBRN Med Items Decon Recon

Smoke

As of: ____________
30

CDE Tracking

BCT TASK FORCES EQUIPMENT M17 SANATOR M8A1

MT MT
31

CBRN Running Estimate

Situation
Brief updated info. on security and site assessments
Task Purpose CDRs Intent Vehicle Decon CM Casualty Collection Point Task Purpose CDRs Intent Task Purpose CDRs Intent

How the current/projected weather will effect Chemical agents and assets How the current/projected terrain will effect Chemical agents and assets In GREEN (Location, Type, Time)

In RED (Location, Type, Time)

Task Purpose CDRs Intent

Highlight areas that need CMD emphasis

CBRNE Asset Support

We Te En Te
32

RFI Tracking

RFI Number

Leave Space between RFIs for follow up

Date Mes S
33

BCC/ Shift Change Brief (For Briefing Other Staff)

CBRN THREATCON Status Div Min MOPP (Note Any Differences) Div CBRN Defense Status (Combat Power) Chemical Task Organization (Note Changes) Significant CBRN Events/ CBRN Defense & Smoke Missions During Previous 12 Hrs Current/ Changes To Priorities Of CBRN Support Current Downwind Direction (Note CDM & EDM) Assessments /Analysis Of CBRN Threat Ask For Questions
34

CM Section SOSO Checklist

S2 Request overlay with TIC/TIMs in AO Have TIC/TIMs as NAIs Discuss what threat each TIC/TIM pose How could enemy use each TIC/TIM? RFIs MSDS on Hazardous Materials in AO Request Division Heavy Decon to assist if incidents occur (needs to be done in planning phase) What Host Nation Support is available to assist if there is an incident? What is status of Tech Escort Unit, how available are they for missions in your AO, What missions could they perform for you? Safety Ensure potential TIC sites hazards identified in Risk Assessment with potential Controls Emergency SOP to deal with TIC/TIM Incidents, tested and validated

35

CM Section SOSO Checklist

Taskings Security of TIC/TIM Sites or NAIs w/ response force Site Exploration HRT and/or Foxs w/ CA Teams (Whats there, How much, How secure, Whos POC of Facility, What is material used for? Decon Sites and assets to support including Medical BNs Annex J with information on TIC/TIM sites Pass all info. down from RFIs, S2, Taskings, Site exploration Warning & Reporting System for TIC/TIM Incidents Battle Tracking Track all missions by CM assets (FM BDE O&I) Receive pre-briefs and debriefs from CM assets CM Incident/Missions Log RFI Log

36

TIC/TIM
Vulnerability Analysis Identify Potential Incidents Estimate the Probability of a Toxic Industrial Chemical/Material Incident Assess Potential Human Impact Assess Potential Operations Impact Assess Potential Equipment Impact Assess Internal and External Resources Implement Methods to Minimize Vulnerability Brief the Team (to include the FOX operators) Planning Considerations Try to identify what TIC/TIMs are present Identify the basic characteristics of the TIC/TIMs Understand how TIC/TIMs are most likely to be released Identify possible affects of TIC/TIM hazards (downwind, equipment, personnel, etc..) Identify current detection capabilities and vulnerabilities Identify decontamination measures needed and availability Identify protective measures for each likely TIC/TIM Understand the first aid treatment for each likely TIC/TIM

37

TIC/TIM Safety Precautions

APPROACH CAUTIOUSLY FROM UPWIND. Resist the urge to rush in; others cannot be helped until the situation has been fully assessed. SECURE THE SCENE. Without entering the immediate hazard area, isolate the area and assure the safety of people and the environment, keep people away from the scene and outside the safety perimeter. Allow enough room to move and remove your own equipment. IDENTIFY THE HAZARDS. Placards, container labels, shipping documents, material safety data sheets, Rail Car and Road Trailer Identification Charts, and/or knowledgeable persons on the scene are valuable information sources. Evaluate all available information and consult the recommended guide to reduce immediate risks. Additional information, provided by the shipper or obtained from another authoritative source, may change some of the emphasis or details found in the guide. As more material-specific information becomes available, the response should be tailored to the situation. ASSESS THE SITUATION. Consider the following: - Is there a fire, a spill or a leak? - What are the weather conditions? - What is the terrain like? - Who/what is at risk: people, property or the environment? - What actions should be taken: Is an evacuation necessary? Is diking necessary? What resources (human and equipment) are required and are readily available? - What can be done immediately?

38

TIC/TIM Safety Precautions

OBTAIN HELP. Advise your headquarters to notify responsible agencies and call for assistance from qualified personnel. DECIDE ON SITE ENTRY. Any efforts made to rescue persons, protect property or the environment must be weighed against the possibility that you could become part of the problem. Enter the area only when wearing appropriate protective gear. RESPOND. Respond in an appropriate manner. Establish a command post and lines of communication. Rescue casualties where possible and evacuate if necessary. Maintain control of the site. Continually reassess the situation and modify the response accordingly. The first duty is to consider the safety of people in the immediate area, including your own. ABOVE ALL Do not walk into or touch spilled material. Avoid inhalation of fumes, smoke and vapors, even if no dangerous goods are known to be involved. Do not assume that gases or vapors are harmless because of lack of a smellodorless gases or vapors may be harmful. Use CAUTION when handling empty containers because they may still present hazards until they are cleaned and purged of all residues.
39

Contamination control
WIND DIRECTION

450m restricted area

Unknown if munitions are involved, # munitions unknown Unknown types of munitions
1000 Meters
Contamination Reduction Area

COMMAND POST AREA MASK POINT DOWNWIND EDGE OF CP AREA

50m restricted area

No explosive potential
50 Meters (Approx.)

HOT LINE

CAI SITE

450 Meters (Approx.)

50 Meters (Approx.)

40

Contamination control

Min dist 100m Hot Line

Min dist 100m Cold Line

Vehicle Decon
Incident site
ut e ple ro Sam
Sample Control point

Personnel Decon
Liquid contamination area Vapor contamination area Safe area
41

Planning Considerations Use Of Chemical Assets

Recon - Who Is Looking At Templated P-Chem? Does It Have To Be The Foxes? How Do The Templated P-Chem(s) Affect Our Scheme Of Maneuver? - Who Command And Controls Fox Recon? What Nets Do They Monitor / Report? - How Do We Ensure Vehicles Avoid P-Chem? Traffic Control? Visual Indicators? Smoke - What Is The Task And Purpose Of The Smoke Mission? - What Is The Smoke Target(s) That Supports The Scheme Of Maneuver? Can The Available Smoke Assets Achieve The Target(s)? - What Is The Time / Event Effective Smoke On Target? What Is The Time / Event Effective Smoke No Longer On Target? - Take Into Account Build Up Time / Weather Conditions? Decon - Are Decon Sites Planned IAW The Templated P-Chem? - Who Provides Detailed Troop Decon Personnel And Supplies? - Is There A Plan For Operational Decon To Maintain Combat Power? - What Is The Required Time To Transition From Smoke To Decon?
TTP

42

Command/Support Relationship
Command: Organic, Assigned, Attached, OPCON Attached: Parent Unit Cannot Provide Logistical Support Or Command Decisions; Receiving Unit Responsible For C2 And Logistical Support OPCON: Supported Unit Needs Task Organization Authority; However, Parent Unit Can Provide And Coordinate Logistical Support Support: General Support (GS), Direct Support (DS) General Support:: Higher HQ Requires Central Control And Flexibility In Employing Limited Chemical Assets Direct Support: Provides Support Directly To The Needs Of A Specific Unit
WHICH RELATIONSHIP SHOULD CHEM ASSETS OPERATE UNDER?
FM 3101 Chap 4

43

Recon Usage
Forward (Security Zone)

Security Zone
BN Scouts

-NAIs from IPB -Axes of Advance

OP Banjo

-CBRN Recon in the security zone can be conducted by conventional recon FLOT

LD
BP16
C

BP22
C

-M21 Surveillance on BPs during the defense and LD during the offense

Rear BSA

Rear Area
MSR Barney

-MSR Search/Surveillance -Quartering party augmentation -Reserve Axis of Advance (different than being put in reserve) 44

Recon Usage

Security Zone

BSA

MSR FLOT/LD
BP21

Suggested CBRN/R Recon Missions: Security Zone - NAI Surveillance, Search or Survey, Axes of Advance Search FLOT/LD - BP/LD M21 Surveillance Rear Area MSR Search, Reserve Axis of Advance Search
45

Recon Missions/Critical Tasks

Route Recon
Recon the route and determine the extent of the contamination. Locate and mark by-pass routes if contamination is encountered. Report all CBRN hazards along the route.

Zone Recon
Recon all terrain within the zone for contamination. Locate all previously reported CBRN areas. Locate all possible contamination within the zone. Check all water sources for contamination. Locate commercial chemical facilities. Mark contaminated areas. Locate routes to bypass contamination.

Area Recon
Recon all terrain in the area. Locate and mark all CBRN hazards within the area. Locate by-pass routes around identified contaminated areas.

Point Recon
Recon specific terrain feature or facility. Locate and mark all CBRN hazards at the designated point.

By-Pass
Locate the quickest and safest route around the contamination. Locate and mark by-pass route. Be prepared to encounter enemy forces. 46

Recon Techniques
Search - Find and identify the contamination (if it exists) Survey - Determine the boundaries of contamination which has already been detected and identified. Sampling - Used to verify the contamination hazard. Critical for first use situations, suspected biological agents, unknown chemicals, or in support of technical intelligence. Surveillance - Observation of an area through visual means or using the M21 RSCAAL. Static - A pre-positioned element in an area which they can visually observe and/or remotely scan the anticipated area of attack. May allow crew and equipment to remain uncontaminated. Mobile - Moving through an area looking for attack indicators, using only minimal detection equipment (e.g. ACADA, M9 paper, visual). Fox NBCRS can use on-board mass spectrometer with speeds up to 10-15 KMPH; surveillance implies faster speeds (MM1 will NOT be used).

47

Recon Planning Keep Fox Recon IPB Focused

Focus Fox Recon Effort On The Templated Threat (P-Chem) That Has The Greatest Impact On The Friendly Course Of Action Does Confirmation Or Denial Require A Decision From The Commander? (Decision Point) Include Efforts Of Fox Recon In The R&S Plan And Collection Matrix Fox Recon Cannot Be Everywhere. Task Conventional Assets To Overwatch Chemical NAIs Also
TTP

48

Recon Planning Considerations

USE THE IPB PROCESS TO IDENTIFY NAIs FOR CBRN RECON ASSESS TIME DISTANCE FACTORS FOR THE CONDUCT OF CBRN RECON OPERATIONS ESTABLISH COMMAND AND SUPPORT RELATIONSHIPS TO ENSURE RESPONSIVNESS AND FLEXIBILITY TO SUPPORTED UNIT ORIENT MISSION EXECUTION ON PROVIDING TIMELY NOTIFICATION OF CRITICAL INFORMATION TO SUPPORT TACTICAL DECISIONS ORIENT CBRN RECON ON THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF CBRN CONTAMINATION IN AREAS OF INTEREST PLAN FOR RESUPPLY ACTIVITIES TO SUSTAIN CBRN RECON OPERATIONS DETERMINE POSSIBLE LOCATIONS FOR AFTER-MISSION DECON PLAN FOR SECURITY TO PROTECT THE CBRN RECON UNIT DETERMINE ROE TO PREVENT FRATRICIDE NOTIFY FRIENDLY UNITS IN AREA OF RECONNAISSANCE THAT FOX VEHICLES WILL BE IN AREA SO THAT FRIENDLY FORCES WILL NOT ENGAGE THE FOXs

FM 3-19 Page 4-1

49

Recon Actions on Contact

Mark Area - Several options: 1) Mark entire perimeter - very time consuming 2) Just mark roads entering contamination 3) Dont mark contamination at all Report - The Fox normally provides just NBC4 reports, do you want NBC1s? Bypass - Is it mission essential that the Foxes locate a bypass route? Sampling requirements - Normally done only for unknown (unidentified) chemical agents, suspected biological agents or first-use scenarios.

50

Recon Equipment Capabilities

M21 RSCAAL - Stand-off vapor detector. Two configurations; Fox and tripod mounted. Only detects H-series Mustard vapor (cold conditions = no vapor) and V-series nerve (nonresistant). Does not detect VX. False alarms caused by pointing directly into sun, halon (fire extinguishers) and very heavy rain. Cannot be used on the move. MM1 Mass Spectrometer - Liquid agent detection and identification. Fox mounted only. Does not detect vapor! M256A1 Kit - Requires about 20 minutes per test. ACADA (a.k.a. XM22/GID-3) - M8A1 replacement, detects G-series nerve & H-series Blister. Similar to CAM M8/M9 Paper - may give false positives from several battlefield chemicals, including insect repellent AN/VDR-2 - Does not detect Alpha particles.
51

Decon Planning

Link-up points for decon tied to templated threat Priority of effort & priority of support tied to predicted enemy intent versus automatically to the friendly main effort. Ensure they meet commanders guidance What is commanders intent for decon? (fight dirty or reconstitute) When does the commander need to make this decision? Plan/coordinate necessary support for decon ENG support from ENG CO for sumps/defense positions Water support from FSB/BSA for continuous resupply Transportation support from BSA for CDE resupply MP support for site security/traffic control ADA coverage Patient Decon and Chem Casualty Collection Point (CCCP) Augmentees
52

Decon Planning Decon Levels/Techniques

LEVEL
IMMEDIATE

TECHNIQUE
SKIN DECON PERSONNEL WIPEDOWN OPERATOR SPRAYDOWN MOPP GEAR EXCHANGE**

BEST START TIME*

BEFORE 1 MINUTE

DONE BY
INDIVIDUAL INDIVIDUAL OR CREW UNIT

GAINS
STOPS AGENT FROM PENETRATING

WITHIN 15 MINUTES

OPERATIONAL

VEHICLE WASDOWN*** DETAILED EQUIP DECON

WITHIN 6 HOURS

BN CREW OR DECON PLT (-)

POSSIBLE TEMP RELIEF FROM MOPP4, LIMITS LIQUID AGENT SPREAD PROBABLE LONG-TERM MOPP REDUCTION W/ MINIMUM RISK

THOROUGH DETAILED TROOP DECON

WHEN MISSION ALLOWS RECONSTITUTION

DECON PLT UNIT

* THE TECHNIQUE S BECOME INCREASINGLY LESS EFFECTIVE THE LONGER THEY ARE DELAYED ** PERFORMANCE DEGRADATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT NEED TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN EXCEEDING 6 HOURS (SEE FM 3-4), BDO RISK ASSESSMENT *** VEHICLE WASHDOWN IS MOST EFFECTIVE WITHIN 1 HOUR, BUT WILL OFTEN HAVE TO BE DELAYED FOR LOGISTICAL REASONS. FM 3-5 Page 1-3

53

Decon Planning Request For Support

D REPORT LINE: 1) REQUESTING UNIT CALL SIGN:____BULLDOG 06____ 2) REQUESTING UNIT SINCGARS OR MANUAL MODE FREQ: __ 403__ 3) A = OPERATIONAL B= THOROUGH 4) TYPE AGENT TO BE DECONTAMINATED: ___ NERVE VX____ 5) EQUIPMENT TO BE DECONTAMINATED BY TYPE AND# : A) # M1s___10___ F) # HEMMETs ______ K) OH-58s_____ B) # M2s____4___ G) # 5 TONs _____1___ L) OTHER_____ C) # M113s__2___ H) # HMMWVs___1___ D) # M109s______ I) # UH-60s _________ E) # M88s____1__ J) # AH-64s__________ 6) NUMBER OF PERSONNEL___54___ NUMBER OF CHEM CASUALTIES____15_____ 7) MOVEMENT DATA: A) CURRENT LOCATION (GRID):___NV435160_____ B) ROUTE OF MARCH:________Dirty MSR GOLD___ C) DESTINATION:_______Link up point w/ Decon PL/NV 480170__ 8) LINKUP POINT/TERRAIN FEATURE:__NV480170 Central Corridor N wall__ 9) DECON SITE/MISSION LOCATION:___NV490170__________________ 10) SPECIAL INTRUCTIONS:_____ie Patient Decon Needed/MPs for TCPs TTP
54

Operational Decon Checklist

Task

I Decon f Assessment
55

Operational Decon Template

P CHEM TCP ALONG DIRTY ROUTE

TASK ORGANIZATION BN PDDE CREW (1 X M12 or 2 X M17s) HVY DECON PLT (3 X M12s) DUAL PURPOSE PLT (6 X M17s) WATER SPT TRAFFIC CONTROL POINTS AND SECURITY
VEHICLE WASHDOWN LINK UP BACK TO FIGHT 50 - 70 M TCP

OBJECTIVE OF OPERATIONAL DECON: REDUCE THE LEVEL OF CONTAMINATION TO REGENERATE NEEDED COMBAT POWER GAINS: LIMITS TRANSFER HAZARDS BY REMOVING GROSS CONTAMINATION SPEEDS WEATHERING PROCESS ALLOWS TEMPORARY RELIEF FROM MOPP 4 ALLOWS FLEXIBILITY FOR MULTIPLE DECON SITES LIMITATIONS: DOES NOT GUARANTEE CONDITIONS TO SAFELY ALLOW UNMASKING ON OR NEAR EQUIPMENT PLATOONS OR COMPANIES ROTATE SQUAD SIZE ELEMENTS THROUGH DECON SITE ONE AT A TIME

MOPP GEAR EXCHANGE

WIND
CDE RESUPPLY/ WATER SPT/ MED SPT

CRITICAL FOR MISSION EXECUTION

TTP

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Decon Traffic Management

LIMITS OF CONTAMINATION FROM INITIAL RECON ACTUAL LOCATION FOR TCP ANTICIPATED P CHEM STRIKE AREA ACTUAL P CHEM EXTENT UNKNOWN TCP NAI 7C TCP PLANNED ROUTE

ACTUAL LOCATION FOR TCP TCP

FOX 1 TASK: ROUTE RECON OF BYPASS ROUTE IAW CDRs SCHEME OF MANEUVER FOX 2 TASK: FIND LIMITS OF HASTY BY PASS ROUTE CONTAMINATION PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS PLAN BY-PASS ROUTES FOR EVERY TEMPLATED P-CHEM USE MPs FOR TCPs INITIAL RECON ONLY ESTABLISHES THE LIMITS ESSENTIAL FOR BYPASS; THOROUGH RECON IS LEFT UNTIL LATER ANY UNIT CAN DO THE INITIAL RECON WITH M8/M9 PAPER, HOWEVER, THE MOST PREFERRED IS WITH CBRN RECON

PLANNED ALTERNATE ROUTE

FOX OP TASK: OBSERVE NAI 7C OBSERVES HIGH VOLUME ARTY GOING IN TO THE EAST OF NAI 7C; Q37 RADAR ALSO PICKS UP READ FOX SECTION INITIATES CBRN RECON

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Decon - Water Requirements

(Table 10-3, FM 3-5) Operational Decon Vehicles 100 - 150 gals Thorough Decon 250 gals stat. #1 200 gals stat. #4 450 gals total 300 gals stat. #1 200 gals stat. #4 500 gals total

Armored/large vehicles

150 - 200 gals

Hvy Co/Tm:
Operational Thorough

14 x tanks/brads 8 x vehicles 2800 gals 7K + + 1200 gals = 3600 gals = 4K 10.6K

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Smoke Missions
Conceal Moving Forces Conceal High Risk Targets Allow CDR to Mass Forces Unobserved Conceal Breaching Mark targets. Defeat Enemy Surveillance Efforts & Targeting Acquisition Degrade enemy command, control, and communications. Conceal passage of lines, movement to contact, and hasty and deliberate attacks. Conceal landing zones (LZs), drop zones (DZs), or pickup zones (PZs). Conceal river-crossing operations and reduction of obstacles. Conceal logistics operations (for example, fast refuel sites). Conceal MSR Movement Signal. Support deception plans. Degrade enemy laser designators, range finders, and weapons. Enhance the effectiveness of artillery-delivered minefield by concealing their visual indicators. Support MOUT operations.
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Smoke Planning Battlefield Applications

OBSCURING - ON ENEMY, BLIND GUNNERS AND OBSERVERS, USE OBSCURING SMOKE TO ATTACK AND DEFEAT ENEMY TARGET AQUISITION AND GUIDANCE SYSTEMS AT THEIR SOURCE SCREENING - USE SCREENING SMOKE TO ATTACK ENEMY TARGET ACQUISITION AND GUIDANCE SYSTEMS BY PLACING SMOKE BETWEEN THE FRIENDLY UNIT AND THE SENSORS. DEGRADES ENEMY GROUND AND AERIAL OBSERVATION. THREE VISIBILITY CATEGORIES FOR SCREENING SMOKE: SMOKE CURTAIN - Vertical development of smoke between enemy forces and friendly units, it will not hamper friendly operations but does not prevent aerial observation. SMOKE BLANKET - Dense smoke used over friendly areas to conceal from enemy ground and aerial observation - may degrade mobility concentration of smoke that would allow ID of veh from 0 to 50 meters. SMOKE HAZE - Light concentration of smoke placed on friendly units to restrict enemy observation and fire but not dense enough to disrupt friendly operations - ID of veh from 50 to 150 meters away MARKING - IDENTIFY TARGET, COMMO/SIGNAL PROTECTING - INDIVIDUAL COMBAT VEHICLE, DEFEAT ATGM TRACKING
FM 3-50 Page 13

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Smoke Planning Mission Essential Elements

MANEUVER UNIT COMMANDERS RESPONSIBILITIES
COMMANDERS INTENT: TASK: i.e. Execute Smoke Curtain South of Axis of Advance PURPOSE: Prevent Enemy AT5 Acquisition along Southern Wall (Central Corridor) VISIBILITY CRITERIA: Haze, Blanket, or Curtain TARGET: Location and size of target. (Designate smoke target as a TAI) TRIGGER: Deliberate or Hasty Smoke based on time phased requirements START TIME: Time that effective smoke is on target - must allow for buildup over target STOP TIME: Duration of effective smoke SECURITY OF SMOKE ASSETS: How and with what assets (Combat Power)

FM 3-50 Chap 1

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Smoke Capabilities Assets

Chemical Smoke Units Large Area Smoke Support; Each Smoke Platoon Can Provide A Smoke Haze 600 - 1500 Meters In Width Field Artillery HC Or WP Unit Level Mortar, Smoke Pots, Hand Grenades, 40mm Grenades Aviation 2.75 In Rockets (WP) Other Vehicle Self Protection Systems, Battlefield Smoke / Dust

FM 3-50 App C

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Smoke Assets Capabilities

System
M56 Smoke Generator (HUMMV)

Capabilities
90min of Continuous Smoke (MAX) 30min Graphite (IR Smoke) 90min of Continues Smoke (MAX) 30min Graphite (IR Smoke) 90min of Continuous Smoke (MAX) with both generators in operation 90mins of Continuous Smoke (MAX x 2 gen) with both generators in operation Burn Time 12min

Capacity
124gal Fog Oil, 360lbs Graphite 25gal Fuel Tank 120gal Fog Oil, 360lbs Graphite runs off vehicle fuel tank 80gal Fog Oil, NO Graphite runs off 2ea 5gal MOGAS fuel cans 120gal Fog Oil, NO Graphite runs off 2ea 5gal MOGAS fuel cans Smoke Pots can be stacked to produce more smoke and lengthen the mission Smoke Pots can be stacked to produce more smoke and lengthen the mission

M58 Smoke Generator (M113)

M1057 Smoke Generator (HUMMV)

M1059 Smoke Generator (M113)

ABC-M5 Smoke Pot

M4A2 Floating Smoke Pot

Burn Time 10min

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Smoke Capabilities Temperature Gradients

TIME OF DAY AND WEATHER CONDITIONS NIGHT - UNTIL 1 HR AFTER SUNRISE. WIND SPEED IS LESS THAN 9 KMPH (5 KNOTS). CLOUD COVER LESS THAN 30%. DAY - MOST OFTEN BETWEEN 1 TO 2 HRS BEFORE AND AFTER SUNRISE. WIND SPEED IS 9 KMPH (5 KNOTS) OR MORE. CLOUD COVER IS 30% OR MORE DAY - BEGINNING 2 HR AFTER SUNRISE. WIND SPEED IS LESS THAN 9 KMPH (5 KNOTS). CLOUD COVER IS LESS THAN 30%. TEMPERATURE GRADIENT STABLE (INVERSION) (IDEAL) SMOKE BEHAVIOR (WIND DIRECTION )

NEUTRAL (FAVORABLE)

UNSTABLE (LAPSE) (MARGINAL)

FM 3-50 App F

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CDM
120 010 4 18 7 4 2
Downwind Direction in Degrees Wind Speed In KMPH Air Stability Codes 1 = very unstable 2 = unstable 3 = slightly unstable 4 = neutral 5 = slightly stable 6 = stable 7 = very stable Cloud Cover Codes 0 = sky less than half covered 1 = sky more than half covered 2 = completely covered Significant Weather Codes 1 = no significant weather 3 = blowing snow, sand 4 = fog, ice fog, or thick haze 5 = drizzle 6 = rain 7 = light rain, snow, mix 8 = showers of rain, or snow, hail, mix 9 = thunderstorm w/wo precip. S = elevated inversion layer

Temperature Codes Code Temp 05 5 Deg C 04 4 03 3 02 2 01 1 00 0 51 -1 52 -2 53 -3 54 -4 55 -5

Humidity Codes 0 = 0 9% 1 = 10 19 2 = 20 29 3 = 30 39 4 = 40 49 5 = 50 59 6 = 60 69 7 = 70 79 8 = 80 89 9 = 90 100%

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Strike Serial Log

Strike Serial Number (A)

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Flow of NBC Reports

NBC 1 Division Brigade Battalion Company NBC 1 NBC 2 NBC 3 NBC 4 NBC 5 NBC 2 NBC 3 NBC 4 NBC 5

NBC 6

**
Division Brigade Battalion Company

NBC 6

**

Report Sent Up Report Sent Down

* Best Sent as an Overlay ** When Requested by Higher

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NBC 1 Report

NB

For use FROM:

PRECEDENCE: _____ FL DATE-TIME (ZULU, OR L

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NBC 2 Report

For us FROM:

PRECEDENCE: IMMEDI
69

NBC 3 IMMEDIATE NBC 3 Report FROM:

For us

PRECEDENCE: IMMEDI
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NBC 4 RADIATION D
NBC 4 Report

For use FROM:

PRECEDENCE: IMMEDIA DATE-TIME (ZULU, OR L

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NBC 5 Report

For us FROM:

PRECEDENCE: IMMED
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NBC 6 DETAI
NBC 6 Report

For use FROM:

PRECEDENCE: IMMEDIA DATE-TIME (ZULU, OR L

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Unmasking Procedures
Without detection equipment 1. In a shady area, have one or two soldiers take a deep breath, hold it, and break their mask seals for 15 seconds with their eyes open. 2. Have them clear and reseal masks. Observe them for 10 minutes for symptoms. 3. If no symptoms appear, have the same soldiers break their mask seals, take two or three breaths, clear and reseal their masks. Observe them for 10 minutes for symptoms. 4. If no symptoms appear have the same soldiers unmask for 5 minutes and then remask. If no symptoms appear in 10 minutes, it is safe to give the all clear signal and unmask. 5. Continue to observe the soldiers in ease delayed symptoms develop. With M256 or M256A1 Detector Kit 1. Test with the detector kit. 2. If the test is negative, have one or two soldiers move to a shady area if possible, and unmask for 5 minutes. Have the soldiers remask. Observe them for 10 minutes for symptoms. 3. If no symptoms appear, it is safe to give the all clear signal and unmask. The senior leader present may ask higher headquarters for permission. 4. Continue to watch soldiers for possible delayed symptoms.
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SPOT / SALUTE REPORT SIZE:What is the size of the element. ACTIVITY:What are they doing LOCATION: Grid coordinate of element UNIT/UNIFORM: What unit is it, or describe the element involved. TIME:Date/Time Group of observation EQUIPMENT:What equipment do they possess. PROVIDE ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT MAY BE BENEFICIAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITUATION.

Request for Fires 1.IDENTIFICATION 2.WARNING ORDER 3.TARGET LOCATION 4.TARGET DESCRIPTION 5.METHOD OF ENGAGEMENT 6.METHOD OF CONTROLLine

9-Line MEDEVAC Request Line 1: 6-digit UTM grid location of pickup site. Line 2: Radio frequency, call sign and suffix of requesting personnel; encrypt the frequency. Line 3: Number of patients by precedence: Urgent, Priority, and Routine. Urgent=loss of life or limb within 2 hours. Priority=loss of life or limb within 4 hours. Routine=evacuate within 24 hours. Line 4: Special equipment required. As applicable, express either none, hoist, stokes litter, jungle penetrator. (stokes litter = litter basket) Line 5: Number of patients by type (Litter, Ambulatory). Line 6: Security of pick-up site (No enemy or artillery in the area, Possibly enemy troops or artillery in the area (Approach with caution)). Line 7: Method of marking pick-up site (branches/wood/stones, panels/signal lamp/flashlight, pyrotechnic signal, vehicle lights, smoke, open flame, signal person, fabric strips). Line 8: Patient nationality and status (US military, US civilian, non-US military, nonUS civilian, EPW). Line 9: CBRN contamination (nuclear, biological, and chemical).
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IED / UXO Battle Drill Step 1. Clear Leave the immediate area; detonation may be imminent, secondary devices may be present. Step 2. Cordon Establish a perimeter (300m small device/ 1000m up to van-size / 2000m water truck or semi) Step 3. Control Maintain visual (Binoculars/scopes) observation to ensure no one tampers with the device; maintain security. Step 4. Call EOD Immediately contact your supporting EOD to respond (9-line IED/UXO Spot Report). Notes: Drivers that cant stop quickly enough, <100 meters from device should speed up and move through the danger zone as quickly as possible. Drivers that can stop quick enough, >100 meters, should immediately back away (300 meters)

Priority Basis Immediate - Stops units maneuver and mission capability or threatens critical assets vital to the mission. Indirect - Slows the units maneuver and mission capability or threatens critical assets important to the mission. Minor - Reduces the units maneuver and mission capability or threatens non-critical assets of value. No Threat - Has little or no effect on the units capabilities or assets.

IED/UXO Report Line 1.Date-Time Group (DTG): DTG item was discovered. Line 2.Reporting Activity (unit identification code [UIC]) and location (grid of UXO). Line 3.Contact Method: Radio frequency, call sign, point of contact (POC), and telephone number. Line 4.Type of Ordnance: Dropped, projected, placed, or thrown. If known, give the size of the hazard area and number of items. Without touching, disturbing, or approaching (tripwire) the item, include details about size, shape, color and condition (intact or leaking). Line 5.CBRN Contamination: If present, be as specific as possible. Line 6.Resources Threatened: Report any threatened equipment, facilities, or other assets. Line 7.Impact on Mission: Provide a short description of your current tactical situation and how the presence of the UXO affects your status. Line 8.Protective Measures: Describe any measures taken to protect personnel and equipment. Line 9.Recommended Priority: Recommend a priority for response by EOD technicians or engineers.
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BASIC HEAT INJURY PREVENTION 1.Consider water a tactical weapon. Drink frequently. 2.Eat Meals. Add salt to taste. 3.Be aware that dark yellow colored, infrequent urination is a sign of dehydration. Increase water intake, even if you do not feel thirsty. 4.Perform heavy work in the cooler hours of the day, such as early morning or late evening, if possible. 5.Minimize heat stress by decreasing work pace and/or increasing rest periods. Modify clothing if appropriate. 6.Be aware that full heat acclimatization takes 1-2 weeks. 7.Consider that soldiers undergoing treatment for acute or chronic medical conditions may be a greater risk for heat injury.

Heat Cramps Symptoms- Muscle cramps of arms, legs and/or stomach, Heavy sweating (wet skin) and extreme thirst may occur. First Aid - Move soldier to a shady area and loosen clothing. Have soldier drink at least 1 canteen of water mixed with a packet of salt (1/4 tsp) or sports drink. Watch the soldier. Continue to give water if the soldier accepts it. Get medical help if cramps continue. Heat Exhaustion Symptoms - Heavy sweating with pale, moist, cool or hot skin; weakness, dizziness, and/or fatigue. Heat cramp, nausea (w or w/o vomiting/diarrhea), tunnel vision, chills (gooseflesh), rapid breathing, confusion, and tingling of the hands and/or feet may occur. First Aid - Move soldier to a shady area and loosen clothing. Pour water on the soldier and fan to permit cooling effect. Have the soldier slowly drink at least one full canteen of water. Elevate the soldiers legs. GET MEDICAL HELP IF SYMPTOMS CONTINUE (I.e., VOMITING) Watch the soldier until symptoms are gone or medical aid arrives. Heat Stroke Symptoms - Hot. Disoriented, delirious, or unconscious. May have any of the symptoms of heat exhaustion. Sweating may stop (red, flushed, hot dry skin) First Aid - Move soldier to a shady area and loosen/remove clothing. Start cooling the soldier IMMEDIATELY. Pour water on the soldier or immerse in water and fan to cool. Massage extremities and skin with cool water. Elevate the soldiers legs. If conscious, have the soldier slowly drink one canteen of water. EVACUATE IMMEADIATELY! 77

FRIENDLY TTP FOR HOSTILE CROWDS Reinforce friendly unit to show strength; position non-lethal munitions; and snipers positioned on roofs to provide overwatch. Use Combat Camera to gather video and photos of the demonstration. May be useful later for trial of suspects. Meet with the crowd enroute to their destination. Snatch & Grab Teams identified and positioned to secure demonstration agitators. Position local police around the exterior perimeter Use Tactical PSYOP Teams (TPT) loudspeakers to disrupt demonstration C2 and communicate with the crowd Identify the demonstration ringleaders; separate them from the crowd Discuss the issues with the leaders away from the crowd; direct leaders to move the crowd away from the barriers as a pre-condition for discussions.

Never show the crowd that you are afraid or intimidated by them. By staying on a constant vigilance and conducting 360 degree security, you set the tone for the crowd. A soldier that is ready for action is less likely to be surprised or attacked.

WHEN THE MEDIA CALLS... Know your rights. It's your choice whether or not to speak to reporters. If you choose to speak, you may stop at any time. Know the role of the media; they do a job vital for democracy. It is NOT harassment if they call your home or stop you at the supermarket asking for an interview. It IS harassment if they infringe on your privacy or persist after being told "no. Know with whom you are talking. Before answering questions, get the reporter's name, organization and phone number. Do this especially if you are going to decline the request. It will discourage the reporter from persisting. Know who will hear you. Family members may have information that would be useful to an enemy. Thanks to technology, the enemy can have access to what you say as soon as you say it. On the other hand, if you are enthusiastic about your spouse's mission, your response can build morale and help show American resolve. Know your limits. Talk only about what you know firsthand. It's OK to answer with, I don't know." It is never a good idea to speculate. Know what to keep to yourself. If your spouse calls or writes with news about casualties, where the unit is or when it might redeploy, keep such information to yourself. Don't even share it with other family members. Deployments spawn rumors, and some of what you hear could be wrong, sensitive or subject to change. Every service-member, like it or not, is a command representative. Soldiers will come in contact with the public and media more than the official command channels will, so what they say is important in getting your command message across.

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