FIELD MANUAL
NO. 3-7
ii
Preface
* FM 3-7
HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Washington, DC, 29 September 1994
Field Hand>ook
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
NBC Warning and Reporting System
Chemical ...
2-1
Protection and Decontamination
... 3-1
Nuclear Protection
4-0
Biological Protection ...
5-0
Smoke ...
6-1
Flame Field Expedients ...
7-1
1-1
Combat Orders ... A-O
Appendix A
NBC Defense Equipment and Training Aids
Appendix B
Appendix C
NBC Signs ...
c-1
Tactical Operations ... D-l
Appendix D
Conversions and Measurements
E-O
Appendix E
References ...
References-I
Glossary .
Glossary-I
Index ...
Index-I
DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Distribution is authorized to US government
agencies only to protect technical or operational information, as well as
unclassified, controlled, nuclear information (UCN) material from automatic
dissemination under the International Exchange Program or by other means. This
determination was made 29 November 1993. Other rquests for this document
will be referred to Commandant, US Army Chemical School, ATTN:
ATZN-CM-FNB, Fort McClellan, AL 36205-5020.
DESTRUCTION NOTICE: Destroy by any method that will prevent disclosure of
contents or reconstruction of the document.
This publication supersedes FM 3-7, 27 September 1990.
FM 3-7
PREFACE
This manual, FM 3-7, is designed as a guide to help the chemical soldier at battalion
level and below in NBC defense. It details the NBC warning and reporting system,
and how to locate, identify, and operate in and around NBC contamination. This
manual is designed to bean easy-to-read, step-by-step manual depicting the manual
method of calculating NBC defense procedures useful for the field soldier. A more
detailed discussion of NBC defensive measures may be found in:
FM 3-3, Chemical and Biological Contamination Avoidance
FM 3-3-1, Nuclear Contamination Avoidance
FM 3-4, NBC Protection
FM 3-4-1, Fixed Site Protection
FM 3-5, NBC Decontamination
FM 3-11, Flame Field Expedients
Chemical soldiers must be familiar with and be able to apply the information in this
manual.
Although this manual does not implement any particular international agreement,
material presented herein complies with related international agreements. A list of
related international agreements and other references can be found in the references
section.
Unless otherwise stated, whenever the masculine gender is used, both men and
women are included.
The proponent for this manual is HQ, TRADOC. Submit changes for improving
this publication on DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and
Blank Forms) and forward it to:
Commandant
U.S. Army Chemical School
ATTN: ATZN-CM-FNB
Fort McClellan, AL 36205-5020.
ii
FM 3-7
CHAPTER 1
NBC Warning and Reporting
System
The NBCWRS consists of standard NBC Reports and Strike Warnings. This system
is broken down into the following areas:
NBC threat status
NBC warning and reporting system (NBCWRS)
Friendly strike warnings
NBC weather and wind messages
NBC Threat Status
(STANAG 2984)
a. Serial O (none).
The opposing force does not possess any NBC defense equipment, is not trained in
NBC defense or employment, and does not possess the capability to employ NBC
warfare agents or systems.
b. Serial 1 (low).
The opposing force has an offensive NBC capability, has received training in defense
and employment techniques, but there is no indication of the use of NBC weapons
in the immediate future.
c. Serial 2 (medium).
The opposing force is equipped and trained in NBC defense and employment
techniques. NBC weapons and employment systems are readily available. NBC
weapons may have been employed in other areas of the theater.
Employment of NBC weapons is considered probable. Indicators would be:
NBC munitions deployed to field storage sites.
Enemy troops wearing or carrying protective equipment.
NBC reccon elements observed with conventional recon units.
NBC decon elements moved forward.
d. Serial 3 (high).
The opposing force possesses NBC warfare agents and delivery systems. NBC
defense equipment is available and training status is considered at par or better than
that of the United States. NBC weapons have already been employed in the theater
and attack is considered probable in the immediate future. Indicators are:
NBC attack in progress but not in area of operation.
NBC warnings/signals to enemy troops.
1-1
FM 3-7
NBC munitions delivered to firing units within range of friendly forces.
Movement of surface-to-surface missiles to a launch site.
The threat status can be used for any size or type unit. It is possible to have a CB
(chemical-biological) status of three and a nuclear status of zero.
Vulnerability Analysis
To assist field commanders in developing the NBC threat status, refer to tables 1-1,
1-2, and 1-3.
For more detailed discussion of chemical agents, see FM 3-3, Chapter 1 or FM 3-4,
Chapter 3.
1-2
FM
Table 1-2. Nuclear threat status matrix.
3-7
Condition
Enemy force information:
Training status
NBC equipment availability
In collective protection shelters,
overhead cover, or exposed
Nuclear weapons systems:
Availability of nuclear weapons
Serial Number
012 3
in positions with
Nuclear weapons moved forward to firing units or launch
sites?
Weather radars queued?
Decon/recon assets forward?
Enemy nuclear policy and capabilities:
What is enemy's stated policy on nuclear weapons
employment?
Can enemy produce nuclear weapons?
Has industrial output increased or changed for production
of nuclear munitions or protective equipment
Current situation:
Have nuclear weapons been used in theater?
Is weather favorable for nuclear attack?
Is terrain favorable for nuclear attack?
Totals (circle current status)
Use Xs to mark applicable boxes or degree of threat. Total columns and use
serial number with largest number as current threat status.
1-3
Table 1-3. Casualty estimate for initial chemical hazards.
Percent Casualties
Type Munition
Bursting
Spray
Target Radii
(Meters)
150
500
1 ,ooo
500
1 ,ooo
Nonpersistent
Persistent
Nerve
40
30
15
Blood
10
Nerve
20
15
30
20
Blister
*Troops in MOPPI or MOPP2. For troops in MOPP4, reduce casualty
percentages to a negligible level.
Table 1-4. Chemical agent persistency in hours on
chemical agent resistant coated painted surfaces.
Temperature
GA/GFI
45.26
20.09
54.11
22.07
0.51
1-4
-30
-20
-10
10
20
30
50
55
NOTES:
-22
-4
14
32
50
68
86
104
122
131
GB2, 3
110.
34
9.44
4.70
2.45
1 .35
0.76
0.44
0.34
Agents
GD2, 3
436.69
145.63
1 .42
0.71
0.33
0.25
0.25
0.25
9.78
4.64
2.36
1.25
0.70
HDI
12
6.33
2.8
vx 2, 3
1776
634
241
102
44
25
1 For grassy terrain, multiply the number in the chan by 0.4.
2 For grassy terrain, multiply the number in the chart by 1.75.
3 For sandy terrain, multiply the number in the chart by 4.5.
Agent persistency time is more than 1.42.
Agent is in a frozen state and will not evaporate or decay.
Agent persistency time exceeds 2,000 hours.
Artillery
Aircraft Spray
FM 3-7
Missile
Figure 1-1. Heavy liquid contamination on M9 paper.
Artillery
Aircraft Spray
Missile
Figure 1-2. Moderate liquid contamination on M9 paper
(I gram/square meter).
1-5
FM 3-7
Estimate Delivery Capability
Determine time periods of interest
(From S2/S3)
Associate weather data with each
time (from CDM)
Estimate delivery dapability (from $2)
Generate Effects Information
Determine casualty effects
Determine downwind hazerd8 (from
CDM)
STEP 1
Determine target size of interest
STEP 2
Determine agent of interest
STEP 3
Determine casualty level of interest
STEP 4
Determine number of rounds per square kilometer
(km) to achieve casualty level (From Tables 1-3.
1-4, 1-5)
STEP 5
Estimate casualties for a specific unit of fire
Figure 1-3. Chemical Vulnerability and Assessment
and Force Protection
1-6
FM 3-7
Flow of NBC Reports
NBC reports 1 through 6 move between units and higher headquarters as shown in
Figure 1-4.
1-8
FM
REMARKS
Assigned by NBC
center
3-7
LINE
NUCLEAR
Strike serial number
Position of observer
Direction of attack
from observer to
include unit of
measure
Date-time group of
detonation
N/A
Location of area
attacked
Suspected or
observed event and
means of delivery or
kind of attack
Type of burst
CHEMICAL &
BIOLOGICAL
Strike serial number
Position of observer
Direction of attack
from observer
DTG
DTG
os start of attack
of
end
of attack
area
Location of
attacked
Kind of attack
Type of agent/type of
burst;
P (persistent),
NP (nonpersistent)
Use grid coordinates
(UTM or place).
Nuclear: Deg
magnetic north (DMN)
or mills (MMN). Deg
true north (D TN) or
mils (MT N). Deg grid
north (DGN) or mils
(MGN). Chemical:
Direction measured
clockwise from grid
north or magnetic
north (state which) in
degrees or mils (state
which).
Nuclear: use Zulu
time.
Chemical: Designate
time zone used.
Designate time zone
used.
use grid coordinates
(or place). State
whether location is
actual or estimated.
State whether attack
was by artillery,
mortars, rockets,
missiles, bombs, or
spray.
Nuclear: Specify air,
surface, or subsurface.
Chemical: State
whether air, ground,
or spray attack.
Figure 1-5. Meaning of line items in NBC reports.
FM
3-7
1-10
LINE
PA
PAR
NUCLEAR
CHEMICAL &
BIOLOGICAL
Number of munitions
or aircraft
N/A
nf torra•n
Flash-to-bang time
Crater present or
Cloud width at
H + 5 minutes
otaoilizeu CIOUu top
or cloud bottom
angle or cloud top or
bottom height at
H + 10 min
Estimated yield
Reference date-time
for estimated contour
line when not H + 1
Radar ourooses onlv
N/A
Coordinates of
external contours of
radioactive cloud
and vegetation
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Predicted hazard
(coordinates)
N/A
area
REMARKS
If known
use seconds
Nuclear: Send in
t are
Chemical: Send in
NBC 6
State whether
measured in degrees
or mils
Nuclear: State
whether angle is
cloud top or cloud
altu
measured in degrees
or mils.
Chemical: State
whether height is
cloud top or cloud
bottom and whether
measured in meters
or feet.
Send as KT
use when contours
are not plotted at
If wind speed is 10
kmph or less, this
item is 010 (the
radius of the hazard
area in kilometers).
Six-digit coordinates.
Letter R identifies
RADAR set.
Figure 1-5. Meaning of line items in NBC reports
(Continued).
FM 3-7
LINE
PBR
1-11
NUCLEAR
N/A
Downwind direction
of radioactive cloud
and unit of measure
Location of reading
Dose rate or actual
value of decay
exponent
Date-time group of
reading
H + 1 date-time group
1 ,OOO-cGyph contour
300-cGyph contour
100-cGyph contour
CHEMICAL &
BIOLOGICAL
Duration of hazard in
the attack and hazard
area
Location of sampling
and type of sample
Date-time group
contamination
detected
Date-time group of
latest contamination
survey of the area
N/A
N/A
REMARKS
In days, hours,
minutes, etcetera.
Deg magnetic north
(DGM) or mils (MLM).
Deg true north (DGT)
or mils (ML T). Deg
grid north (DGG) or
mils (MLG). Letter R
identifies RADAR set.
Nuclear: UTM or
place. Chemical: UTM
or place. State
whether test was air
or liquid.
State dose rate in
cGyph. See sample
NBC4 for terms
associated with this
State time initial
identification test
sample or reading
was taken.
NBC 5 and NBC 6
reports only.
Piot in red.
Plot in green.
Plot in blue.
Figure 1-5. Meaning of line items in NBC reports
(Continued).
FM 3-7
LINE
NUCLEAR
ZB
1-12
20-cGyph contour
line: (30-cGyph
contour line is used
by other NATO
forces)
Direction of left and
right radial lines
Effective wind speed
Downwind distance
of Zone I
Cloud radius
(Include unit of
measure for each
category)
Used to transmit
correlation factors or
transmission factors
CHEMICAL &
BIOLOGICAL
Area of actual
contamination
Downwind direction
of hazard and wind
speed
Significant weather
phenomena
Remarks
REMARKS
Nuclear: Plot in black.
Chemical: Plot in
yellow.
Nuclear: Direction
measured clockwise
from GN to the left
and then right rradial
lines (degrees or
mils, state which), 4
digits each.
Chemical: Direction:
4 digits (degrees or
mils). Wind speed: 3
digits (kmph).
3 digits—effective
wind speed (kmph).
3 digits—Downwind
distance of zone 1
(km or nautical miles)
2 digits—cloud
radius (km or nautical
miles).
If wind speed is less
than 8 kmph, this
line contains only
3-digit radius of zone
1 (km).
Air stability (2
digits). Temperature
in centigrade (2
digits). Humidity (1
digit). Significant
weather phenomena
(1 digit). Cloud cover
(1 digit).
Include any
additional
information.
Figure 1-5. Meaning of line items in NBC reports
(Continued).
FM 3-7
NBC 1 Observers’ Initial Report.
This report is used by the observing unit to give basic initial and follow-up data
about an NBC attack. It is sent by platoons and companies to battalion
headquarters. Battalion and higher elements must consolidate reports and decide
which NBC 1 to forward. The NBC 1 report following the first use of NBC
weapons is sent with a FLASH precedence. Subsequent reports are sent with a
precedence of IMMEDIATE. Only observers specifically designated by the
division NBC center send NBC 1 (nuclear) reports.
NBC 2 Evaluated Data Report.
The NBC 2 report is based on two or more NBC 1 reports. It is used to pass
evaluated data to units. Division is usually the lowest level to prepare an NBC 2
report. However, a brigade or battalion might do so, especially during
independent operations.
1-13
F M 3 - 7
NBC 3 Warning of Predicted Contamination Report.
The NBCC uses NBC 1 reports and wind information to predict downwind hazard
areas. This is disseminated as an NBC 3 report. Each unit evaluates the NBC 3
report, determines which of its subordinate units may be affected, and
disseminates the report as required. This report warns commanders when they
may be within a downwind hazard area so they may take protective measures.
NBC 4 Reconnaissance, Monitoring and Survey Report.
When a unit detects NBC hazards through monitoring, survey, or reconnaissance,
this information is reported as an NBC 4 report. Reports from various units are
plotted on the NBCC situation map to show where hazards exist. These reports
are prepared and submitted by company-level organizations.
NBC 5 Actual Contaminated Areas Report.
Once the NBC 4 reports are posted on the situation map, an NBC 5 report is
prepared showing the contaminated area. NBC 5 reports usually are prepared by
division. The preferred method of dissemination is by map overlay.
NBC 6 Detailed Information on Chemical/Biological
Attack Report.
This report, summarizing information concerning a chemical or biological attack,
is prepared at battalion. It is submitted to higher headquarters only when
requested. If desired, it can be sent from higher to lower for information purposes.
STRIKWARN (Friendly Nuclear Strike)
1-14
3-7
Line
ZB
NOTES: 1. If the effective wind speed is less than 8 kmph, line ZULU of the
NBC 3 nuclear reoort consists of three diaits for the radius of
Zone l.
2. If the wind speed is less than 10 kmph, line PAPA ALFA of the
NBC 3 chemical report is 010 (the radius of the hazard area km).
3. NBC 3 nuclear is used for passing immediate warning of
predicted radiological contamination from friendly bursts.
4. Use other line items if information is known.
Figure 1-8. NBC 3 Report.
1-15
Nuclear
1 iD024
201405Z Mar 93
NB107186 Est
Surface
50
0272031 2 deg
01902505
FM
Chemical
C002
201405Z Mar 93
LB200300 Act
Nerve, P, ground
LBI 90300
LB200312
LB200300
In attack area 2-4 days.
In warning area 1-2 days.
0270 deg, 015 kmph
Line
Nuclear
NB123987
35
201535Z Mar 93
Biological
Unknown Agent
NB211603
201605Z Mar 93
Chemical
Nerve, P
LB200300, liquid
01430Z Mar 93
NOTES: 1.
2.
3.
Line items HOTEL, QUEBEC, ROMEO, and SIERRA may be repeated as
often as necessary.
Radiation dose rates are measured in the open with the instrument 1 meter
above the ground.
In line ROMEO, descriptive words such as "initial," "peak," "special,"
"series," "verification," "contact," or "summary" may be added.
14 uahir•lo nr *len thp r_nrreERtinn
factor with line item ZULU BRAVO.
Figure 1-9. NBC 4 Report.
FM
Line
1-16
3-7
Nuclear
1 ID024
201405Z Mar 93
Surface
201535Z Mar 93
201505Z Mar 93
NB105690
NB108685
NB105680
NB104694
NB111685
NB093683
NB103698
NBI 14686
NB091680
Chemical
C002
201405Z Mar 93
Nerve, P, ground
201430Z Mar 93
201500Z Mar 93
LB200300
LB191291
LB 190300
NOTES: 1. This report is best sent as an overlay if time and the tacticd situation
permit.
2. When contamination arises from a single burst, the dose rate always refers
to H + 1 hour, and the line item TANGO is used. When several detonations
at different times or on different days and no single H + 1 hour is possible,
then dose rates are reported as at a specified time, using line item OSCAR.
Therefore, line items OSCAR and TANGO cannot both be used in the same
report.
3. Contour lines are to be annotated with dose rates.
Figure 1-10. NBC 5 Report
Line
Multiple
Hot Candle
162025z—1 62155Z
PA490650
PA511671
PA531174
PA527650
PA575650
Surface 3
22
Single
AC002
072220z—072310Z
011 NB706101
025
042
NOTE: If the burst has less than a 99% chance of being an airburst, an NBC 3 nuclear
report should be prepared for separate transmission.
Fig,re 1-12. STRIKWARN message.
FM 3-7
Chemical or Biological
Line
C002
201405Z Mar 93
201412E Mer 93
LB200300, Act
Bomblets
Nerve, P, Airburst
Unknown
Mostly small houses and barns, elevation 600 meters
Attack received as counterfire, from aircraft, enemy bypassed on
right flank of atttack area.
Liquid ground sample taken by detection team in attack area
201430Z Mar 93
201500Z Mar 93
As per overlay
Downwind direction 0270 degrees, wind speed 015 kmph.
This is the second chemical attack in our area to date.
ZB
NOTES: 1 . This report is designed to be presented at battalion level and above and is
to be submitted only when requested.
2. This report is completed by battalion and higher NBC personnel. It is in
narrative form, giving as much detailed information as possible for each line
item.
3. This report is also suitable for accompanying samples sent for analysis.
Figure 1-11. NBC 6 Report
1-17
FM 3-7
Line
Item
Meaning
Target number of "nickname:
a. Multiple burst. Date-time attack (pulse) will start, followed by
date-time attack (pulse) will end (ZULU time).
b. Single burst: Date-time of attack followed by date-time after
which attack will be cancelled (ZULU time).
a. u 1 IVI Eliu uuA.
b. Single. MSD in hundreds of meters followed by UTM grid
coordinates of GZ or DGZ. (If more than one MSD is included, GZ or
DGZ will be included only in the first FOXTROT line sent).
a. Multiple. UTM grid coordinates of MSD 2 box.
o. Dingle: IVIDWZ in nunureuS O' outlOWou u 1 IVI gnu
coordinates of GZ or DGZ, if only one FOXTROT sent).
a. Multiple. UTM grid coordinates of MSD 3 box.
b. Single. MSD 3 in hundreds of meters (followed by UTM grid
coordinates of GZ or DGZ if only one FOXTROT sent).
If one or more bursts has less than 99% assurance of being an
airburst, or if it is a scheduled surface or subsurface burst, indicate
"surface," preceded by the total number of surface and/or
subsurface bursts. If only one burst is surface, number need not be
sent. If all bursts are airbursts, do not transmit.
Number of bursts in multipie attack. if singie burst, do not transmit.
Line should be encoded.
Cancellation occurs when:
Authenticated message consisting of Line ALPHA and word "cancelled".
1.
Single burst detonates. Multiple burst window ends.
2.
After strike window ends.
3.
Figure 1-13. STRIKWARN format.
1-18
3-7
Radius
< MSDI
> MSDI
< MSD
> MSDI
< MSD2
More than
MSD3
1-19
Corresponding to
Limit of negligible risk to
warned and protected
personnel (see note 5)
Limit of negligible risk to
warned and exposed
personnel.
Limit of negligible risk to
unwarned and exposed
risk.
Zone
FM
Requirements
Evacuate all personnel
(see note 4).
Maximum protection (see
note 6) to remain.
Minimum protection (see
note 7) to remain.
No protection measures
except against dazzle and
pulse EMP.
NOTE 1. MSD means minimum safe distmce.
NOTE 2. When surface bursts are used, or an intended airburst has less than a 99%
assurarnce of no militarily significant fallout, the fallout hazard will be considered.
Details wilt be transmitted in a subsequent NBC 3 nuclear report if fallout will be a
hazard to friendly units.
NOTE 3. Commanders will be guided to safety criteria as stated in FM 101-31-1.
NOTE 4. If a unit commander is unable to evacuate Zone l, he will immediately assume
the best protection possible and report through his next higher headquarters to the
releasing/executing commander.
NOTE 5. Negligible risk should not normally be exceeded unless significant advantages
will be gained.
NOTE 6. Maximum protection for ground forces denotes that personnel are in "closed
up" tanks or sheltered in foxholes with overhead shielding, or the equivalent.
NOTE 7. Minimum protection for ground forces denotes that personnel are prone on
open ground with all skin areas covered and with an overall thermal protection at least
equal to that provided by a two-layer uniform.
NOTE 8. Since the least separation distance (LSD) for light aircraft is exceeded by
MSD 3, aircraft remaining beyond MSD 3 will avoid significant degrdation of the
airframe or pilot performance (exxcept against dazzle)severe enough to prevent mission
accomplishment.
Figure 1-14. Protection requirements for
friendly nuclear strike
FM 3-7
NBC WEATHER AND WIND MESSAGES
Effective Downwind Message (EDM)
ZULU
DDTTTT Date-Time Group
Winds Were Measured (ZULU)
ALFA
dddsss--Over 0 thru 2 KT
BRAVO
dddsss--Over 2 thru 5 KT
CHARLIE
dddsss--Over 5 thru 30 KT
DELTA
dddsss--Over 30 thru 100 KT
ECHO
dddsss--Over 100 thru 300 KT
FOXTROT dddsss--Over 300 thru 1 MT
GOLF
dddsss--Over 1 thru 3 MT
1. The first three digits (ddd) give the effective wind direction, in degrees, from
grid north.
2. The second three digits (sss) give the effective wind speed in kilometers per hour.
3. The last three digits (---) give the expanded angle in degrees (in NATO use 7th
digit as follows:
4 = 40 degree angle
0 = 100 degree angle
5 = 50 degree angle
1 = 110 degree angle
6 = 60 degree angle
2 = 120 degree angle
7 = 70 degree angle
3 = more than 120 degree angle
8 = 80 degree angle
9 = 90 degree angle
4. If wind speed is less than 8 kmph, the preselected yield group line will contain
only the 3-digit radius of Zone I.
Each EDM is valid for 12 hours. It is used in conjunction with the NBC 2 Nuclear
Report to form a simplified fallout prediction (discussed in Chapter 2).
Chemical Downwind Message
1. Each chemical downwind message (CDM) is valid for only 6 hours.
2. The area affected may be a map sheet number or an area, such as I Corps.
1-20
FM 3-7
1 10500 ZULU 110600 ZULU
I Corps
WHISKEY MIKE 120010418742
XRAY MIKE 125019416742
YANKEE MIKE 130005518642
Sl -IOC
1-21
WHISKEY; 120 0104 10 742
Downwhd direction
in degrees
Windspeed
in kmph
Ai' stability code
| very unstable (U)
2 unstable (U)
3 slightly unstahle (U)
4 neutral (N)
5 slight* stable (S)
6 E stable (S)
7 z very stebk (S)
Temperature code
Code
os
04
03
02
01
00
52
53
55
Temp
soc
30C
ooc
-30C
-soc
Humidity eodO
cowr code
O Skv less than her
covered by clouds
Half covered
by
2 More than half
covered
Signific•nt weoth•r
phenomena code
snow Of
Fog, ice fog, or
haze
Drizzle
Roin
Light "in oe snow
Showers of rain,
h•it or
mixture
Thunderstorm
S = Elevated Inversion
Layer
2 - 29%
40
-90
9%
100%
NOTE:
Unknown weather data is represented by a dash G).
Figure 1-15. How to read weather information
in a chemical downwind message.
FM 3-7
3. Lines WHISKEY MIKE, XRAY MIKE, and YANKEE MIKE each contain
coded weather information. Line WHISKEY MIKE is valid for only the first 2
hours; line XRAY MIKE for the next 2 hours; and line YANKEE MIKE for the
last 2 hours of the six covered.
1-22
FM 3-7
CHAPTER 2
Chemical
Atmospheric Stability Charts
Temperature Gradients
Inversion Temperature Gradient (Stable-S). This condition usually exists on a
clear or partially clear night when middle and low clouds cover less than 30 percent
of the sky, and on early mornings until about 1 hour after sunrise when the wind
Speed is less than 5 kmph--ideal for enemy employment of chemical agents.
Neutral Temperature Gradient (Neutral-N). This condition usually exists on
heavily overcast days or nights at 1 or 2 hours before sunset or 1 to 2 hours after
sunrise when the middle and low clouds cover more than 30 percent of the sky.
Independent of cloud cover and time of day, a neutral condition may also exist when
the wind speed is greater than 5 kmph. Additionally, periods of precipitation are
normally accompanied by a neutral condition. A neutral temperature gradient is
most favorable for enemy use of biological agents.
Lapse Temperature Gradient (Unstable-U). This condition normally exists on a
clear day when the middle and low clouds cover less than 30 percent of the sky and
when the wind speed is less than 5 kmph. It is the least favorable condition for the
enemy to employ chemical or biological agents. When a lapse condition exists,
area coverage without diffusion will be enhanced with a steady low wind speed of
3 to 7 kmph.
To obtain the air stability category, refer to Table 2-1. Enter Table 2-2 with the
category obtained from Table 2-1. Select the appropriate weather and terrain
conditions from Table 2-2. Read across to where the columns intersect and extract
the final stability category. For more information on field expedient behavior of
chemical agents, see FM 3-6 or from CDM.
2-1
FM 3-7
Table 2-1. Air stability category basic chart
2-2
Air Stability Category Basic Chart
Time of dayO
and
angle of sun
U = Unstable
N = Neutral
S = Stable
Overcast
Less than half
covered
Condition of Sky
More than half
covered
40
> 40
> 320
0 At night,
320
use 40
Table 2-3. Downwind distance of warning area
Distance (km) from the center of the
Means of Delivery (from line G of the attack area along the downwind axis,
NBC 1 or NBC 2)
Artillery, bomblets, and mortars
Multiple rocket launchers, missiles,
bombs, and unknown munitions.
when the atability condition is—
10
IS
30
30
50
SO
FM
Table 2-2. Air stability category adjustment chart.
3-7
Air Stability Category Adjustment Chart
Weather and Terrain
All eight conditions given below must be checked.
more than one applies, choose the most stable
If
U = Unstable
N = Neutral
s = Stable
Stability Category
from Basic Chart
category.
Dry to slightly moist surface.
Wet surface (after continuous rain or dew).
Frozen surface or partly covered with snow,
permafrost.
Surface completely covered with snow.
Continuous rainfall.
Haze or mist (visibility 1 to 4 km).
Fog (visibility less than 1 km).
Downwind speed more than 18 kmph.
frost, or
Once the proper stability condition is determined,
downwind distance för Type A attacks.
use Table 2-3 to compute the
2-3
F M 3 - 7
Chemical Hazard Plotting Steps
Air-Contaminating Agents--Type A
Type A agents normally are dispersed as aerosols or vapor clouds with little or no
contamination on the ground.
Ground-Contaminating Agents–Type B
Type B agents normally are expected to be dispersed in liquid form to contaminate
surfaces.
2-5
FM 3-7
Chemical Hazard hedictlon
Ground Burst Non-Persistent Agent
Type "A- Attacks
Windspeed 410 KMPH
Typo •r
DWHD
10 km Clrcie
Windspeed' > 10 KMPH
Type
case
DWHD
2-6
Lüle G
Mems of
Delivery
Un&nmn
Seventh Digit From CDM
DWHD from Center of Attack Ana
IO lun
16 km
30 km
30 km
SO km
SO km
Figure 2-2. Flow chart, type A attack.
FM 3-7
CHAPTER 3
Protection and Decontamination
Individual Protective Equipment
The BDO/CPOG becomes unserviceable if it is ripped, tom, or a fastener is broken
or missing; or if petroleum, oils, or lubricants are spilled or splashed on the garment.
Chemical protective glove set, greenback vinyl overboot, and chemical protective
footwear covers become unserviceable if ripped, tom, punctured, cracked, or if the
rubber becomes sticky. Serviceability tests for the chemical protective gloves set.
Fill each glove with air and submerge in water, checking for air leaks. Fill glove
with water and check for water leaks. Any leaks make the glove unserviceable.
NOTE: See FM 3-4, Chapter 2, for detailed information.
When the commander directs his unit to go from MOPP Zero to MOPP1, the
chemical officer/NCO will determine BDO/CPOG days of wear. Upon completion
of the mission, the unit returns to MOPP Zero, and overgarments are returned to
their vapor-barrier bag. The chemical officer/NCO at company or battalion level
estimate the number of days of BDO/CPOG wear for his unit. Then uses the
information on days of overgarment wear as input for risk assessment.
3-1
FM 3-7
Filter Exchange Criteria
Filter exchange criteria for all NBC falters in the inventory-from the mask filters
to the filters on the simplified collective-protective equipment (SCPE)--are based
on design, physical condition, climatic conditions, and the possible agent that could
be employed. The following paragraphs discuss peacetime, transition-to-war, and
wartime exchange criteria.
Peacetime
When assessing filter exchange criteria, consider several factors. Commanders and
NBC personnel must monitor replacement schedules for pieces of NBC equipment
with filters. Peacetime exchange criteria for all filters is based on the following
conditions:
Physical damage occurs.
3 - 2
FM 3-7
Immersion in water, or filters have become water logged by other means.
High resistance to airflow is observed.
Directed by higher headquarters.
Listed as unserviceable in SB 3-30-2.
NOTE: When filters are listed as unserviceable in SB 3-30-2, they still can be
used as training filters.
Transition to War
Leaders consider NBC issues when preparing for deployment. As part of that
process, commanders will determine when their units should remove their training
filters and replace them with filters from unit contingency stocks. The commander’s
guidance should be reflected in an SOP or order. Factors for consideration on
whether to exchange filters include unit location, unit readiness/deployability alert
3 - 3
FM 3-7
status, last time falters were exchanged, threat, time available, and stocks available.
For example, a forward deployed unit commander, based on an enemy chemical
capability in the area of operation, directs by SOP that his or her unit install its
contingency set of filters. Alternatively, a CONUS-based unit commander
determines that the basis for installing contingency falters would occur upon an
increase in unit alert status for deployment to an area with an NBC threat.
Considerations commanders should use before initiating filter exchange include
Mission—What is the unit mission?
Enemy—What is the current threat assessment with respect to use of NBC
weapons? Is our unit likely to encounter attack on arrival in the operational area?
Terrain-Where should filters be exchanged: at home station, en route, or in the
operational area?
Troop Preparation
Plan Ahead
Check NBC defense guidance on OPLAN/OPORD; anticipate projected work
requirements in the next 24-48 hours.
Ensure serviceability or shortfalls of equipment through precombat inspections
of NBC equipment.
Know the most current weather data, particularly wind direction.
Plan work/rest cycles appropriate to the environment and the mission.
Ensure deployment and mounting of alarms.
Use SOPs to reduce command, control, and communication tasks.
Keep plans simple.
Think Teamwork
Use methods of individual identification (name tags, personal items).
Encourage “small-talk” while in MOPP.
Pair an experienced soldier with an inexperienced “buddy” whenever possible.
Use the buddy system to ensure that all members of the unit are regularly checked
for signs of stress and agent exposure.
Work Smart
Provide relief from MOPP4 as soon as the mission allows.
Use world/rest ratios, slow work rate, and minimize work intensity.
Work in the shade whenever possible.
3 - 4
FM 3-7
Enforce command drinking to reduce dehydration and heat casualties.
REMEMBER-the most motivated soldiers and leaders are the most likely to
ignore their needs for food, water, and rest.
Use collective protection as much as possible.
Enforce good eating, drinking, and sleeping discipline.
Rotate jobs and people during long shifts or periods of inactivity.
Provide relief from extreme temperatures (hot or cold) as soon as possible.
Remember that even short breaks from total encapsulation are effective in
sustainment performance.
Augment units or divide work between two units.
Schedule work for a cooler time of day or at night.
MOPP Analysis
Use intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB) to determine—
An estimate on how many enemy fire support systems are in range, where, and
what they are.
How to support probable enemy courses of action (COA).
Enemy’s intent and capabilities.
Enemy tactical doctrine.
An evaluation of arms of operation and times of interest set by the commander.
Terrain and weather.
Threat integration (how the enemy will fight).
Prior planning based on information provided by the chemical officer will help the
commander make sound decisions. Regular updates need to be provided to the
commander because of rapid changes in the situation.
Using IPB, provide the commander and staff:
Detailed information on enemy NBC capability based on the type of weapon
systems that the enemy has available at that period of interest.
How the enemy would employ chemicals.
Areas of likely employment based on threat employment doctrine.
Detailed analysis of terrain and weather in the unit’s AO during each period of
interest.
MOPP guidance for each period of interest.
Templates of predicted fallout data that are updated as conditions change.
Alternative actions the commander can initiate prior to the time period in question
to minimize degradation of affected units.
Continuous monitoring of S2 message and radio traffic for any NBC-related
information that could be important to the unit’s mission.
3-5
FM 3-7
MOPP System Flexibility
Flexibility is the key to providing maximum protection with the lowest risk possible
while still allowing mission accomplishment. Commanders may place all or part of
their units in different MOPP levels or authorize variations within a given MOPP
level.
Soldiers may leave the overgarment jacket open at MOPP1, MOPP2, or MOPP3
allowing greater ventilation. Soldiers may leave the hood open or rolled at MOPP3.
The various configurations of the last two MOPP levels with the hood rolled or
open are referred to as “Mopp open.” Commanders decide which of these
variations to use based on the threat, temperature, and unit work intensity.
Units may be granted the flexibility to raise or lower their protective posture from
that recommended by higher headquarters. This may be done down to platoon level
and by an element that finds itself isolated. If higher headquarters specifically denies
this flexibility, then protective postures may only be raised, not lowered.
W A R N I N G
Do not use mask-only when blister or persisent nerve agents are present.
Managing Performance Problems
heat stress
reduced ability to see and hear
hunger
increased feelings of isolation end confusion
thirst
frustration end claustrophobia or panic
discomfort
degraded alertness and attention
performance degradation
Physiological factors during sustained periods of MOPP are:
Table 3-5 provides examples that can be used as a guide in estimating the work
3-6
FM 3-7
Table 3-5. Work intensities of military tasks.
Work intensity
in MOPP
Zero—MOPP1
Very light
Light
Moderate
Heavy
Activity
Lying on ground
Standing in foxhole
Sitting in truck
Guard duty
Driving truck
Cleaning rifle
'Walking, hard
surface/ 1 m/s, no Joad
Walking, hard
surface/lm/s, 20 kg load
Manual of arms
Walking, hard surface/ 1
m/s, 30 kg load
'Walking, Joose sand/ 1
m/s,no load
Walking, hard surface11.56 mfs, no load
Calisthenics
'Walking, hard
surface/ 1.56 m/s, 20 kg
load
Scouting patrol
Pick and shovel
Crawling, full pack
Digging foxholes
Field assaults
'Walking, hard
surface/ 1 .56 m/s, 30 kg
load
Walking, hard surface/2.O
m/s, no load
'Emplacement digging
Walking, hard
surface/2.25 m/s, no
'Walking, loose sand/ 1.56
m/s, no load
Work intensity in MOPP2—MOPP4
Very light
Light
Moderate
The work intensity categories of
this table are based on metabolic
expenditures.
Very light = 105 to 175 watts
Light= 172 to 325 watts
Moderate = 325 to 500 watts
Heavy 500+ watts
Moderate = 325 to 500 watts
Heavy = 500+ watts
The weight of the chemical
protective overboots is a primary
contributor to increased work
intensity in MOPP.
FM 3-7
The following tables will provide information necessary to calculate recommended
work/rest cycles, water requirements, maximum work times and recovery times.
3 - 8
FM
Table 3-7. Water requirements for work/rest cycles
(qt/hrJ (daylight operations).
3-7
MOPP Zero
WBGT
1.0
1.0
1.
1.
1.
1.
1.
78
1.0
1.
1.
1.
1.
80
1.0
1.
1.
1.
1.
1.
82
1.0
1.
1.
84
1.0
I.
1.
1.
86
1.5
I.
1.5
1.
88
1.
1.5
1.5
1.
1.
90
1.5
1.
1.
1.
92
1.5
1.
1.5
94
1.
1.
1.5
96
1.5
98
100
VL
M OPP4 +
Underwear
MOPP4 + BDU
82
84
91
100
103
105
107
VL
.5
o.
1.
1.
na
na
VL
.o
na
na
na
1.0
1.0
1.0
na
1.0
1.0
na
1.0
na
na
na
na
na
KEY TO TABLE:
WBGT - Wet Bulb Globe
Temperature (OF)
Ta - Ambient Temperature
VL - Very Light Work
Intensity
L- Light Work Intensity
M - Moderate Work
Intensity
H - Heavy Work Intensity
BDU - Battle Dress Uniform
NL - No Limit (Continuous
Work Possible)
na - Work/Rest Cycle Not
Feasible (See Water
Requirements in Table
3-9)
USARIEM 1/11/91
INSTRUCTIONS AND NOTES:
Water requirements listed are for both the
work/rest schedules specified in Table 3-6 for
support of sustained work, and work times
unrestricted by thermal stress (unshaded
blocks), and work times unrestricted by thermal
stress. Work intensities may be estimated using
Table 2-1 . Drinking should be divided over
course of sach hour to replace water as it is lost
to sweat. The table was prepared using
prediction capabilities of the USARIEM Heat
Strain Model; assumptiong used in generating
estimates include 1) troops fully hydrated,
rested, and acclimated; 2) 50% relative
humidity; 3) windspeed 2m/s; 4) clear skies;5)
heat casualties < 5%. This guidance is not a
substitute for common sense or experience;
appearance of heat casualties is evidence that
safe work limits (<5% casualties) have been
exceeded.
Table 3-8. Maximum work times (minutes)
(daylight operations).
MOPP Zero
157
114
MOPP4 +BDU
Underwear
WBGT
78
80
82
84
86
88
90
92
94
96
1 00
VL
82
84
87
89
91
96
98
100
103
105
193
101
82
107 261 70
99
87
74
67
60
55
48
44
41
65
61
56
53
50
45
43
40
37
33
31
28
VL
203
141
118
177
142
115
95
85
79
75
70
65
62
59
so
49
47
45
44
42
41
40
39
37
36
35
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
23
22
21
VL
194
140
118
155
131
110
100
93
83
78
70
65
62
59
49
48
46
45
44
42
41
40
39
37
36
35
32
32
30
30
29
27
27
26
25
23
22
21
KEY TO TABLE:
WBGT - Wet Bulb Globe
Temperature (OF)
Te Ambient Temperature
(Dry Bulb - OF)
VL - Very Light Work
Intensity
L - Light Work Intensity
M - Moderate Work
Intensity
H - Heavy Work Intensity
BDU - Battle Dress Uniform
NL - No Limit (Continuous
Work Possible)
USARIEM 1/1 1/91
3-10
INSTRUCTIONS AND NOTES:
This table provides for four levels of work
intensity (see Table 3-6), the maximum number
of minutes work can be sustained in a single
work period without exceeding a greater than
5% risk of heat causualties. This table was
prepared using the prediction capability of the
USARIEM Heat Stain Model. Assumptions used
in generating this table include 1) all troops fully
hydrated, rested, and acclimatized; 2) 50%
relative humidity; 3) windspeed = 2m/s; 4)
clear skies. the guidance should not be used as
a substitute for common sense or experience.
Individual reuirements may very greatly. The
appearance of heat casualties is evidence that
the safe limits of work time have been reached.
FM
3-7
Table 3-9.
(daylight operations).
1.0
1.5
1.5
1.
1.0
1.5
1.5
1.
1.
1.
1.
1.
1.0
1.5
1.5
1.
1.0
1.
1.
l.
1.5
1.
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.
1.5
1.5
1.5
3-11
Water requirements for maximum work times (qt/hr)
MOPP Zero
MOPP4 =
BDU
Underwear
WBGT
78
80
82
84
86
88
90
92
94
98
100
82
84
91
100
1 os
107
VL
.5
1.
.5
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
.5
.5
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
9.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
9.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
9.0
2.0
2.0
KEY TO TABLE:
WBGT - Wet Bulb Globe
Temperature (0 F)
Ta - Ambient Temperature
(Dry Bulb - OF)
VL - Very Light Work
Intensity
L - Light Work Intensity
M - Moderate Work
Intensity
H - Heavy Work Intensity
BDU - Battle Dress Uniform
USARIEM 1/1 1/91
INSTRUCTIONS AND NOTES:
Amounts listed are required to support
maximum work times in Table 3-8; estimate
work intensities using Table 3-5. Drinking should
be divided over course of each hour. If water
requirement is 2.0, sweat loss is greater than
maximum water absorption during an hour, and
troops will become increasingly dehydrated
regardless of amount drunk; leaders should plan
for an extended rest and rehydration period at
work completion. The table was prepared using
prediction capability of the USARIEM Heat
Strain Model; assumptions used in generating
estimates include 1) troops fully hydrated,
rested, and acclimatized; 2) 50% relative
humidity; 3) windspeed = 2 m/s; 4) clear skies;
5) heat casualties <5%. This guidance is not a
substitute for common sense or experience;
appearance of heat casualties is evidence that
safe work limits (<5% casualties) have been
exceeded.
FM 3-7
Table 3-10. Recovery time estimates after maximum work
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
1.0
1.0
1.5
3-12
(hours of rest in the shade).
KEY TO TABLE:
MOPP
WBGT
60
66
72
74
76
78
80
82
84
86
88
90
92
94
96
98
100
68
75
82
84
86
88
91
93
95
97
100
102
104
106
109
111
113
Zero
0.25
0.25
2.0
8.0
NCP
MOPP4
1.5
2.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
6.0
15.0
NCP
WBGT - Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (OF)
As Measured in shade (If Only Full Sun
WBGT Is Available, Subtract 50F WBGT
Before Using This Table)
Ta - Ambient Temperature (Dry Bulb -0 F)
MOPP Zero - Battle Dress Uniform Only
MOPP4 - Battle Dress Overgarment and
Mask (Closed)
NCP - No Cooling Possible Under These
Conditions - Seek Cooler Location and/or
Remove BDO
NOTES AND INSTRUCTIONS:
This table provides the number of hours
rest in the shade that should be required
after working the maximum work times
specified in Table 3-8 or 3-13. This table
was prepared using the cooling capacity
equations of the USARtEM Heat Strain
Model. Assumptions used in generating
this table include 1) troops fully hydrated
and acclimatized; 2) 50% relative
humidity; 3) windspeed = 2m/s; 4) no
solar load; 5) recovery of normal body
temperature. This guidance should not be
used as a substitute for common sense
or experience. Individual requirements
may vary greatly.
USARIEM 1/11/91
MOPP Zero
MOPP4 + BDU
WBGT
60
66
72
78
82
84
86
88
90
94
FM 3-7
Table 3-11. Number of minutes of work per hour in work/rest
cycle (night operations).
3-13
MOPP4 +
Underwear
VL L
68
82
88
95
97
100
102
106
40
30
40
35
30
25
25
20
VL L
15
na
30
15
na
20
na
VL L
20
10
na
15
na
na
KEY TO TABLE:
WBGT - Wet Bulb Globe
Temperature (0 F)
Te - Ambient Temperature
(Dry Bulb - OF)
VL - Very Light Work
Intensity
L - Light Work Intensity
M - Moderate Work
Intensity
H - Heavy Work Intensity
BDU - Battle Dress Uniform
NL - No Limit (Continuous
Work Possible)
na - Work/Rest Cycle Not
Feasible (See Maximum
Work Time in Table 3-13)
INSTRUCTIONS AND NOTES:
This table provides, for four levels of work
intensity (see Table 3-5), the number of minutes
of work per hour in work/rest schedules tailored
to the conditions specified. The remainder of
each hour should be spent in rest. This table
was prepaired using the prediction capability of
the USARIEM Heat Strain Model. Assumptions
used in generating this table include: 1) troops
fully hydrated, rested, and acclimated; 2) 50%
relative humidity; 3) windspeed = 2m/s; 4)
clear skies; 5) heat casualties < 5%. This guide
should not be used as a substitute for common
sense or experience. Individual requirements
may vary greatly. The appearance of heat
casualties is evidence that the selected
work/rest schedule is inappropriate for the
conditions. USARIEM 1/1 1/91
FM
3-7
l..o
1.
1.0
0.25 0.25
1.0
1.
1.
0.25 0.25
1.0
1.0
I.
1.0
1.
1.
1.0
1.
1.0
1.5
1.0
1.
1.
1.
1.0
1.
1.0
1.
1.
1.0
1.
1.0
1.
1.0
1.0
1.
1.
1.
1.
1.0
1.
1.0
1.
1.0
1.
1.
1.5
1.5
1.
1.
1.5
1.
1.5
1.
Table 3-12.
Water requirements for work,/rest cycles (qt/hr)
(night operations).
WBGT
60
66
72
78
80
82
84
86
88
90
92
94
68
75
82
88
91
93
95
97
100
102
104
106
VL
0.25
0.25
1.
MOPP
Zero
M OPP4 +
Underwear
MOPP4 + BDU
o.
1.
1.
1.
1.
.o
VL
0.25
o.
1.
1.
1.
1.
na
na
1.0
1.0
1.0
VL
0.25
.5
1.0
na
na
na
KEY TO TABLE:
WBGT - Wet Bulb Globe
Temperature (OF)
Ta - Ambient Temperature
(Dry Bulb
VL - Very Light Work
Intensity
L - Light Work Intensity
M Moderate Work
Intensity
H - Heavy Work Intensity
BDU - Battle Dress Uniform
NL - No Limit (Continuous
Work Possible)
na - Work/Rest Cycle Not
Feasible (See Maximum
Work Time in Tahle 3-13)
USARIEM 1/10/91
INSTRUCTIONS AND NOTES:
Amounts listed are required to support work/rest
schedules in Table 3-1 1; drinking should be
divided over course of each hour to replace
water as it is lost to sweat. Use Table 3-14 to
determine water required to support maximum
work times shown in Table 3-13. The table was
prepared using prediction capabilities of the
USARIEM Heat Strain Model; assumptions used
in generating estimates include 1) troop fully
hydrated, rested, and acclimatized; 2) 50%
relative humidity; 3) windspeed = 2 m/s; 4) no
solar load; 5) heat casualties < 5%. This
guidance is not a substitute for common sense
or experience;appearance of heat casualties is
evidence that safe work limits (<5% casualties)
have been exceeded (that the selected
work/rest cycle and/or water guidance is
inappropriate for the conditions).
MOPP Zero
WBGT
60
66
72
78
80
82
84
86
88
90
92
94
FM 3-7
Table 3-13. Maximum work times (minutes) (night operations).
3-15
MOPP4 + BDU
Underwear
VL
VL
68
75
82
88
91
93
95
97
100
102
104
106
139
107
82
63
56
188
119
90
72
64
60
55
51
46
42
39
36
NL
206
144
121
100
91
83
77
76
66
58
53
so
49
47
46
44
42
41
40
42
39
36
34
32
32
31
30
28
27
26
25
VL
168
133
115
89
82
73
64
57
52
so
48
47
45
43
42
41
40
41
38
36
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
KEY TO TABLE:
WBGT - Wet Bulb Globe
Temperature (OF)
Ta - Ambient Temperature
(Dry Bulb - OF)
VL - Very Light Work
Intensity
L - Light Work Intensity
M - Moderate Work
Intensity
H - Heavy Work Intensity
BDU - Battle Dress Uniform
NL - No Limit (Continuous
vvutN rusSIL'leJ
USARIEM 1/10/91
INSTRUCTIONS AND NOTES:
This table provides for four levels of work
intensity (se Table 3-5), the maximum number
of minutes of work that can oe sustajned In a
single work period without exceeding a greater
than 5% risk of heat casualties. This table was
prepared using the prediction capability of the
USARIEM Heat Strain Model. Assumptions used
in generating this table include 1) all troops fully
hydrated, rested, and acclimatized; 2) 50%
relative humidity; 3) windspeed = 2 m/s; 4) no
solar load. The guidance should not be used as a
substitute for common sense or experience.
Illui Viuual ' nay vary
appearance of heat casualties is evidence that
the safe limits of work time have been reached.
FM
3-7
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.5
1.
1.5
1.0
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.0
1.5
1.0
1.0
2.0
1.0
1.5
2.0
1.5
2.0
1.5
1.5
3-16
Table 3-14.
Water requirements for maximum times (qt/hr)
(night operations).
MOPP Zero
MOPP4 + BDU
Underwear
WBGT
60
66
72
78
80
82
84
86
88
90
92
94
68
75
82
88
91
93
95
97
100
102
104
106
VL
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
.5
o.
o.
o.
0.25
0.25
o.
o.
1.
1.
1.
.5
o.
1.
1.
0.25
0.25
2.
2.
2.
2.
o.
o.
1.
1.
1.
.5
.5
.5
.5
1.5
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
o.
o.
1.
1.
1.
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
.5
.5
.5
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
1.5
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
KEY TO TABLE:
WBGT - Wet Bulb Globe
Temperature (OF)
Ta Ambient Temperature
(Dry Bulb - OF)
VL - Very Light Work
Intensity
L - Light Work Intensity
M - Moderate Work
Intensity
H - Heavy Work Intensity
BDU - Battle Dress Uniform
NL - No Limit (Continuous
Work Possible)
USARIEM 1/10/91
INSTRUCTIONS AND NOTES:
Amounts listed are required to support
maximum work times in Table 3-13; drinking
should be divided over course of each hour. If
water requirement is 2.0, sweat loss is greater
than maximum water absorption during an
hour, and troops will become increasingly
dehydrated regardless of amount drunk; leaders
should plan for an extended rest and
rehydration period at work completion (see
Table 3•10). This table was prepared using
prediction capability of the USARIEM Heat
Strain Model; assumptions used in generating
estimates include 1) troops fully hydrated,
rested, and acclimatized; 2) 50% relative
humidity; 3) windspeed
— 2 m/s; 4) no solar
load; 5) heat casualties < 50/0. This guidance is
not a substitute for common sense or
experience; appearance of heat casualties is
evidence that safe work limits (casualties) have
been exceeded.
FM 3-7
Wind speed effects on arrival time of chemical
Table 3-15.
Wind speed
(kmph)
10
15
20
25
1—35
37—372
373—708
1 ,380
3-17
agents.
Time before agent reaches
unit location (seconds)
108
54
36
27
22
Distance between unit and
detectors (meters)
1 so
150
150
150
150
Table 3-16. Detectors required for different size unit fronts.
Unit front size (in meters)
709
¯ I 044
Number of detector units
Table 3-17. M8A 1 alarm battery Me.
Average air temperature
Maximum number of 12-hour missions
1 20-90
80
70
60
50
40
32
20
10
-10 to -40
50-32
27
21
15
10
-4
-13
-17
-22 to -40
BB501/U
12
12
10
BA3517/U
Do not use below
200F (-40C)
NOTE: If battery fails or you have no batteries, refer to TM 3-251 -BD for a field expedient
method of powering the alarm.
FM 3-7
CAM
There are eight bar indicators: one to three bars = low vapor hazard, four to six
bars = low vapor hazard, four to six bars = high vapor hazard, and seven to eight
bars = very high levels of vapor hazard.
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.
3 - 1 9
FM 3-7
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.
Using Estimated Wait Times Before Executing
Open/Unmasking Time Tables
NOTE: All tables are ICT 5 risk level (Incapacitating dosage of vapor sufficient
to disable 5% of exposed soldiers).
Formula Procedure
a. Variables
P = Percent of worst case time remaining
O = Original worst case time from table
N = New worst case time from table
T = Time between original estimate and weather change
U = Updated worst case time
b. Procedure.
Read O directly from table
Weather change:
P= (O-T)/O
U = PxN
Weather changes again:
Set O=U
Set T = time since last weather change
Repeat as required
3 - 2 0
FM 3-7
Table 3-19. Estimated worst case MOPP open times.
Agent: GA/GF
Terrain: Sand
The numnbers in the chart represent hours.
Wind Speed
KMPH
0-10
1 1-24
> = 25
NOTES:
Temperature (OF)
Stability
Unstable
Neutral
Stable
Unstable
Neutral
Stable
Neutral
50
60 +
20
20
60
53
60 +
13
13
70
33
58
80
20
28
38
90
13
18
23
100
10
13
15
110
10
120
1. Worst case MOPP open time—information in the table indicates the time for GA/GF to
weather below 5 percent incidence of incapacitation due to vapor-on-skin effects. DO
NOT OPEN MOPP WITHOUT FOLLOWING MOPP OPENING PROCEDURES!
2. Opening the MOPP suit—unzip and/or unsnap MOPP clothing; do not remove.
3. When the actual temperature is between two listed temperatures, enter the table
with the lower temperature. To get times for grass terrain, multiply numbers in the chart
by 0.4. DO NOT INTERPOLATE!
4. See FM 3-6 for definition of stability categories.
3-21
Table 3-20. Estimated worst case unmasking times.
Agent: GA/GF
Terrain: Sand
The numnbers in the chart represent hours.
Wind Speed
KMPH
0-10
11-24
> = 25
NOTES:
Temperature F)
Stability
Unstable
Neutral
Stable
Unstable
Neutral
Stable
Neutral
50
60 +
60 +
60 +
60 +
60 +
60 +
60 +
60
60 +
60 +
60 +
70
60 +
60 +
60 +
35
80
55
60 +
38
43
45
23
90
55
23
28
30
15
100
25
30
35
15
18
20
10
110
15
20
23
10
13
13
120
13
13
15
10
10
1. Worst case MOPP open time—information in the table indicates the time for GA/GF to
weather below 5 percent incidence of incapacitation due to vapor-on-skin effects. DO
NOT OPEN MOPP WITHOUT FOLLOWING MOPP OPENING PROCEDURES!
2. Opening the MOPP suit—unzip and/or unsnap MOPP clothing; do not remove.
3. When the actual temperature is between two listed temperatures, enter the table
with the lower temperature. To get times for grass terrain. multiply numbers in the chart
by 0.4. DO NOT INTERPOLATE!
4.
See FM 3-6 for defination of stability categories.
3-22
Worst case MOPP open/unmasking time—information in the table indicates the time
for GA/GF to weather below 5 percent incidence of incapacitation due to vapor-on-skin
and inhalation. DO NOT OPEN MOPP WITHOUT FOLLOWING MOPP OPENING
PROCEDURES! DO NOT UNMASK WITHOUT FOLLOWING UNMASKING PROCEDURES
2. Opening the MOPP suit—unzip and/or unsnap MOPP clothing; do not remove.
3. When the actual temperature is between two listed temperatures. enter the table
r" Hare in OH Art
VVIL'I LI •u VVGI V u • • • " •v v
by 0.4. DO NOT INTERPOLATE!
4. If soldiers are working on vehicles. avoid skin contact with the vehicle.
5. See FM 3-6 for definition of stability categories.
6. For planning. ensure the following steps are taken:
a. Remove as much earth and debris as possible from the CARC painted surface and
conduct operator spraydown.
b. Above times are estimated weathering times for CARC painted surfaces; confine
contamination-free status by using detection devices before MOPP reduction.
c. tf possible, move uncontaminated equipment from the contaminated area.
d. Anything not painted with CARC (such as concrete. plastics, and weapons) must
be individuallv checked for contamination.
FM 3-7
Estimated worst case MOPP open unmasking
Table 3-21.
times.
Agent: GA/GF
Terrain: CARC
The numnbers in the chart represent hours.
1.25 0.75 0.50 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0 25
0.50 0.50 0.25 0.25 0.25 0 25
0.50 0.50 0.25 0.25 0.25 0 25
0.75 0.50 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0 25
0.75 0.50 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0 2S
0.50 0.50 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0 25
3-23
Wind Soeed
KMPH
1 1-24
> -25
NOTES:
Temperature (OF)
Stability
Unstable
Neutral
Stable
Unstable
Neutral
Stable
Neutral
50
1 .50
1 .50
1.0
90
0.50 0.50 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0 25
60
1.0
1.0
70
80
100
110
120
FM 3-7
Table 3-22. Estimated worst case MOPP open times.
Agent: HD
Terrain: Sand
The numnbers in the chart represent hours.
Wind Speed
KMPH
0-10
> = 25
NOTES:
Temperature (OF)
Stability
Unstable
Neutral
Stable
Unstable
Neutral
Stable
Neutral
50
60 +
60 +
60 +
60 +
60 +
60 +
33
60
60 +
60 +
60 +
60 +
60 +
60 +
70
60 +
60 +
60 +
43
60 +
60 +
80
60 +
60 +
60 +
28
38
40
90
48
60 +
60 +
18
25
28
100
32
43
58
13
18
110
23
28
38
10
120
15
20
25
1. Worst case MOPP open time—information in the table indicates the time for HD to
weather below 5 percent incidence of incapacitation due to vapor-on-skin effects. To get
times for grass terrain, multiply numbers in the chart by 0.4. DO NOT OPEN MOPP
WITHOUT FOLLOWING MOPP OPENING PROCEDURES'
2. Opening the MOPP suit—unzip and/or unsnap MOPP clothing; do not remove.
3. When the actual temperature is between two listed temperatures, enter the table
with the lower temperature. DO NOT INTERPOLATE!
See FM 3-6 for definition of stability categories.
4.
3-24
FM 3-7
Table 3-23. Estimated worst case unmasking times.
Agent: HD
Terrain: Sand
The numnbers in the chart represent hours.
3-25
Wind Speed
KMPH
0-10
1 1-24
> -25
NOTES:
Temperature (0 F)
Stability
Unstable
Neutral
Stabte
Unstable
Neutral
Stable
Neutral
50
60 +
60 +
60 +
60 +
60 +
60 +
53
60
60 +
60 +
60
60 +
60 +
33
70
60 +
60 +
58
60 +
20
80
60 +
60 +
38
50
53
13
90
53
60 +
60 +
33
100
35
48
15
23
23
110
23
33
4S
10
15
15
120
18
23
28
10
10
1 . Worst case unmasking time—information in the table indicates the time for HD to
weather below 5 percent incidence of incapacitation due to inhalation. To get times for
grass terrain, multiply numbers in the chart by 0.4. DO NOT UNMASK WITHOUT
FOLLOWING UNMASKING PROCEDURES!
2. When the actual temperature is between two listed temperatures, enter the table
with the lower temperature. TDO NOT INTERPOLATE!.
3. See FM 3-6 for definition of stability categories.
Table 3-24. Estimated worst case
MOPP open/unmasking times.
Agent: HD
Terrain: CARC
The numnbers in the chart represent hours.
Wind Speed
KMPH
NOTES:
Temperature (OF)
Stability
Unstable
Neutral
Stable
Unstable
Neutral
Stable
Neutral
so
11
12
60
70
80
90 100
110
120
1. Worst case MOPP open/unmasking time—information in the table indicates the time
for HD to weather below 5 percent incidence of incapacitation due to vapor-on-skin and
inhalation. DO NOT OPEN MOPP WITHOUT FOLLOWING MOPP OPENING PROCEDURES!
DO NOT UNMASK WITHOUT FOLLOWING UNMASKING PROCEDURES!
2. Opening the MOPP suit—unzip and/or unsnap MOPP clothing; do not remove.
3. When the actual temperature is between two listed temperatures, enter the table
with the lower temperature. DO NOT INTERPOLATE!
4. tf soldiers are working on vehicles, avoid skin contact with the vehicle.
5. See FM 3-6 for definition of stability categories.
6. For planning, ensure the following steps are taken:
8. Remove as much earth and debris as possible from the CARC painted surface and
conduct operator spraydown.
b. Above times are estimated weathering times for CARC painted surfaces; confine
contamination-free status by using detection devices before MOPP reduction.
c. If possible, move uncontaminated equipment from the contaminated area.
3-26
Agent: VX
Terrain: Sand
The numnbers in the chart represent hours.
Wind Speed
KMPH
0-10
1 1-24
NOTES:
Table 3-25. Estimated worst case
MOPP open/unmasking times.
3-27
Temperature (0 F)
Stability
Unstable
Neutral
Stable
Unstable
Neutral
Stable
Neutral
50
60 +
60 +
60 +
60 +
60
60 +
60 +
55
60 +
70
50
60 +
60 +
SO
60 +
60 +
60 +
80
45
60 +
45
45
60 +
60 +
90
36
49
51
48
49
47
100
38
41
25
35
38
34
FM
110
17
26
32
23
26
21
3-7
120
15
23
10
15
I. Worst case MOPP open time—information in the table indicates the time for VX to
weather below 5 percent incidence of incapacitation due to vapor-on-skin and inhalation.
DO NOT OPEN MOPP WITHOUT FOLLOWING MOPP OPENING PROCEDURES! DO NOT
UNMASK WITHOUT FOLLOWING UNMASKING PROCEDURES!
2. Opening the MOPP suit—unzip and/or unsnap MOPP clothing; do not remove.
3. When the actual temperature is between two listed temperatures, enter the table
with the lower temperature. To get times for grass terrain, multiply numbers in the chart
by 0.4. DO NOT INTERPOLATE!
4. See FM 3-6 for definition of stability categories.
FM 3-7
Table 3-26. Estimated worst case
MOPP open/unmasking times.
Agent: VX
Terrain: CARC
The numnbers in the chart represent hours.
8.25 s.25
1.25 0.75
0.25 0 25
1.25 0.75
0.25 0 2S
Wind Speed
KMPH
0-10
1-24
> -25
NOTES:
Temperature (OF)
Stability
Unstable
Neutral
Stable
Unstable
Neutral
Stable
Neutral
50
9.25
5.75
3.25
60
3.25
3.5
70
3.5
3.25
3.75
2.25
80
2.2S
2.5
90
1 .25
0.5
100
0.5
0.5
0.75
0.5
110
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.5
0.5
120
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.25
0.25
1.25 0.75
1 . Worst case MOPP open/unmasking time—information in the table indicates the time
for VX to weather below 5 percent incidence of incapacitation due to vapor-on-skin and
inhalation. DO NOT OPEN MOPP WITHOUT FOLLOWING MOPP OPENING PROCEDURES!
DO NOT UNMASK WITHOUT FOLLOWING UNMASKING PROCEDURES!
2. Opening the MOPP suit—unzip and/or unsnap MOPP clothing; do not remove.
3. When the actual temperature is between two listed temperatures, enter the table
with the lower temperature. DO NOT INTERPOLATE!
4. If soldires are working on vehicles. avoid skin contact with the vehicles,
5. See FM 3-6 for definition of stability categories.
6. For planning, ensure the following steps are taken:
a. Remove as much earth and debris as possible from the CARC painted surface and
conduct operator spraydown.
b. Above times are estimated weathering times for CARC painted surfaces; confine
contamination-free status by using detection devices before MOPP reduction.
c. If possible, move uncontaminated equipment from the contaminated area.
d. Anything not painted with CARC (such as concrete, plastics, and weapons) must
be individually checked for contamination.
3-28
FM 3-7
Table 3-27. Estimated worst case MOPP open times.
Agent: TGD
Terrain: Sand
The numnbers in the chart represent hours.
Wind Speed
KMPH
0-10
1 1-24
> -25
NOTES:
Stability
Unstable
Neutral
Stable
Unstable
Neutral
Stable
Neutral
Temperature (OF}
so 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
25
22
18
13
10
1. Worst case MOPP open time—information in the table indicates the time for TGD to
weather below 5 percent incidence of incapacitation due to vapor-on-skin effects. DO
NOT OPEN MOPP WITHOUT FOLLOWING MOPP OPENING PROCEDURES!
2. Opening the MOPP suit—unzip and/or unsnap MOPP clothing; do not remove.
3. When the actual temperature is between two listed temperatures, enter the table
with the lower temperature. To get times for grass terrain, multiply numbers in the chart
by 0.4. DO NOT INTERPOLATE!
4. See FM 3-6 for definition of stability categories.
3-29
FM 3-7
Table 3-28. Estimated worst case UNMASKING times.
Agent: TGD
Terrain: Sand
The numnbers in the chart represent hours.
Wind Speed
Stability
KMPH
Unstable
Neutral
0-10
Stable
Unstable
Stable
Neutral
NOTES:
Temperature (OF)
50
60 +
60 +
60
60
18
60
60 +
45
45
12
70
47
60 +
30
30
80
40
60
15
15
90
33
48
12
12
100
110
18
24
120
10
13
1. Worst case MOPP open time—information in the table indicates the time for TGD to
weather below S percent incidence of incapacitation due to vapor-on-skin effects. DO
NOT UNMASK WITHOUT FOLLOWING UNMASKING PROCEDURES!
2. When the actual temperature is between two listed temperatures. enter the table
with the lower temperature. To get times for grass terrain, multiply numbers in the chart
by 0.4. DO NOT INTERPOLATE!
3. See FM 3-6 for definition of stability categories.
3-30
FM
3-7
Table 3-29. Estimated worst case MOPP open times.
Agent: TGD
Terrain: CARC
The numnbers in the chart represent hours.
0.25 0.25 0.25 025
0.25 0.25 0.25 0 25
0.25 0.25 0.25 0 2S
1.25 0.75
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0 25
Wind Speed
KMPH
0-10
1 1-24
> = 25
NOTES:
Temperature F)
Stability
Unstable
Neutral
Stable
Unstable
Neutral
Stable
Neutral
50
1.75
1 .75
60
0.75
0.75
70
0.75
0.75
0.5
0.5
0.5
100
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0 25
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0 2S
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0 25
80
0.5
0.5
0.5
90
110
120
1.25 0.75
0.75 0.5
I. Worst case MOPP open time—information in the table indicates the time for TGD to
weather below 5 percent incidence of incapacitation due to vapor-on-skin effects. DO
NOT OPEN MOPP WITHOUT FOLLOWING MOPP OPENING PROCEDURES!
2. Opening the MOPP suit—unzip and/or unsnap MOPP clothing; do not remove.
3. When the actual temperature is between two listed temperatures, enter the table
with the tower temperature. DO NOT INTERPOLATE!
4. If soldiers are working on vehicles, avoid skin contact with the vehicles.
5. See FM 3-6 for defination of stability categories.
6. For planning, ensure the following steps are taken:
a. Remove as much earth and debris as possible from the CARC painted surface and
conduct operator spraydown.
b. Above times are estimated weathering times for CARC painted surfaces; confine
contamination-free status by using detection devices before MOPP reduction.
c. If possible. move uncontaminated equipment from the contaminated area.
Anvthinn nnt nninted with C. ARC. Isorh AS concrete_ nlmstice *nd wennonsi must
be individually checked for contamination.
3-31
FM
3-7
Table 3-30. Estimated*worst case unmasking times.
Agent: TGD
Terrain: CARC
The numnbers in the chart represent hours.
1.25 0.75
1.25 0.75
0.25 0.25
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
1.25 0.75
1.25 0.75
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Wind Speed
KMPH
0-10
1 1-24
NOTES:
Temperature {OF)
Stability
Unstable
Neutral
Stable
Unstable
Neutral
Stable
Neutral
50
3.25
3.25
3.5
2.25
60
2.25
70
0.5
100
0.5
0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
80
0.5
0.5
0.5
90
0.5
0.5
0.5
110
120
0.25 0.25 0.25
0.25 0.25 0.25
1.25 0.75
1. Worst case unmasking time—information in the table indicates the time for TGD to
weather below 5 percent incidence of incapacitation due to vapor-oneskin effects. DO
NOT UNMASK WITHOUT FOLLOWING UNMASKING PROCEDURES!
2. When the actual temperature is between two listed temperatures, enter the table
with the lower temperature. TDO NOT INTERPOLATE!
3. If soldiers are working on vehicles, avoid skin contact with the vehicles.
4. See FM 3-6 for defination of stability categories.
5. For planning. ensure the following steps are taken:
a. Remove as much earth and debris as possible from the CARC painted surface and
conduct operator spraydown.
b. Above times are estimated weathering times for CARC painted surfaces; confine
contamination-free status by using detection devices before MOPP reduction.
c. If possible, move uncontaminated equipment from the contaminated area.
d. Anything not painted with CARC (such as concrete, plastics, and weapons) must
be individually checked for contamination.
3-32
FM 3-7
Decontamination Resources Available
at Each Level of Organization
Individual Soldiers
One M258Al or M291 skin decon kit.
One canteen of water.
Operators and crews
One onboard Mll decon apparatus or M13 decon apparatus, portable (DAP), for
major pieces of equipment.
Soap and water, M258A1 or M291 kits as needed for decon of sensitive or
vulnerable surfaces.
HTH mixture or bleach.
M280 or M295 decon kit.
Company Level
One 50-pound drum of STB.
Two 5-gallon pails of DS2 or 2 M13 DAPs.
Six long-handled brushes.
300 plastic garbage bags.
Six 3-gallon buckets.
Six large sponges.
Two 32-gallon galvanized trash cans (from mess section).
Two immersion heaters (from mess section).
Battalion PDDE Crews
Power-driven decontaminating equipment (PDDE) or light weight decon system
(LDS).
Basic load liquid detergent.
Chemical Company Decon Squad
Ten 5-gallon pails of DS2, or M13 DAPs, per M12A1 (IAW CTA 50-970).
Twenty-six 50-pound drums of STB per M12A1 (IAW CTA 50-970).
Power-driven decon equipment.
3 - 3 3
FM 3-7
Basic load of liquid detergent.
Chemical Company Decon Platoon
5-gallon pails of DS2 or M13 DAPs, per M12A1 or M17 LDS (IAW CTA
50-970).
50-pound drums of STB per M12A1 (IAW CTA 50-970).
Power-driven decon equipment or M17 light decon system (dual purpose platoon
only).
Basic load of decontaminants.
Levels of Decontamination
There are three levels of decon: immediate, operational, and thorough.
Immediate Decon minimizes casualties, saves lives, and limits the spread of
contamination. Immediate decon is carried out by individuals upon becoming
contaminated. There are three immediate techniques: skin decon, personnel
wipedown, and operator’s spray down.
Operational Decon sustains operations, reduces the contact hazard, and limits the
spread of contamination to eliminate the necessity or reduce the duration of wearing
MOPP gear. Operational decon is carried by individual and/or units. It is restricted
to specific parts of operationally essential equipment/material and/or working areas,
in order to minimize contact and transfer hazards and to sustain operations. Further
decon may be required to reduce contamination to negligible risk levels. There are
two operational decon tehniques: vehicle washdown and MOPP gear exchange.
Thorough Decon reduces or eliminates the need for individual protective clothing.
Thorough decon is carried out by units with assistance from chemical units to reduce
contamination on personnel, equipment/material, and/or working areas to the lowest
possible level (negligible risk) to permit the reduction or removal of individual
protective equipment and maintain operations with minimal degradation. This may
include decontamination of terrain as required. There are three thorough decon
techniques: detailed troop decon, detailed equipment decon, and detailed aircraft
decon.
The three levels of decon—immediate, operational, and thorough-are presented as
part of this chapter to explain the seven standard decon techniques used for most
decon operations. Your chemical officer or NCO advises on efficient ways to
conduct operational or thorough decon operations. For example, conducting decon
operations might require the use of one or a combination of the seven decon
techniques.
3-34
FM
Table 3-31. Comparison data for decon types.
3-7
Level
Technique
Skin Decon
Immediate
Personal
Wipedown
Operational
Thorough
Operator
Spraydown
MOPP Gear
Exchange *
Vehicle
Washdown
Detailed
Equipment/Aircraft Decon
Detailed Troop
Decon
Best Start
Time
Before 1
minute
Within IS
minutes
Within 6 hours
When mission
allows
reconstitution
Done By
Individual
Individual or
Crew
Unit
Battalion Crew
or decon
PLT
Decon platoon
Unit
Gains
Stops agent
from
penetrating
Possible
temporary
relief from
MOPP4. Limit
liquid agent
spread.
Probable
long-term
MOpp
reduction with
minimum risk
The techniques become increasingly less effective the longer they are delayed.
Performance degredation and risk assessment need to be considered when
exceeding 6 hours. See FM 3-4, BDO risk assessment.
Vehicle washdown is most effective if started within 1 hour, but wilt often have to
be delayed for togistical reasons.
3-35
FM 3-7
Operational Decontamination
Table 3-32. Operational decon responsibility matrix.
Unit
Battalion
Contaminated
Phase
Task
PDDE Battalion Brigade
Planning Preparation Request
Coordination
Detection
Rendezvous
Site Setup
Execution Site Control
and Security
Processing
Site
Cleanup
Clearance
Marking and
Reporting
P = Primary responsibility,
Unit
Crew
Legend:
3-36
S = Supporting responsibility
FM 3-7
Table 3-33. Sample operational decon checklist.
3-37
Task
Decon
assessmnet
Coordination
Site selection
Rendezvous
Site setup
Site control
and security
Processing
Cleanup
Marking and
reporting
Procedure
If the battalion has no decon assets, request assistance from
the next higher headquarters for needed support.
Battalion chemical section conducts coordination with
contaminated unit on where to meet. The decon should be
done between one to six hours after becoming contaminated.
The contaminated unit chooses the decon site in coordination
with the battalion. Consider the following items when
selecting a site:
Off main route but easy access
Large enough area, (1 00 square meters per site for a
squad-size element)
Good overhead concealment
water source, (plan for 100 gallons per vehicle)
Good drainage
Ensure the battalion decon crew knows where to meet the
contaminated unit, and site iocation for set up.
Ensure the PDDE are positioned properly and ready to
dispense hot, soapy water. Ensure that the contaminated unit
operates the MOPP gear exchange at the same time as the
vehicle washdown.
Ensure the drivers of the contaminated vehicles know when to
move into position at the washdown location. Ensure the
contaminated unit has provided site security.
Ensure the decon NCOIC is processing vehicles at a rate of
three minutes per vehicle. Also ensure soldiers are going
through the MOPP gear exchange, if needed.
Decon NCOIC ensures the MOPP gear exchange area is
cleaned up.
Decon NCOIC has his team properly mark the decon site and
send NBC 5 report forward.
FM
3-7
Table 3-34.
Unsupported one4ane washdown.
Steps and Risks
Step 1. Button up
vehicle/equipment.
Performing this step
prevents contamination from
being washed or splashed
into uncontaminated areas.
Risks. Failure to perform
this step may result in
contamination being washed
into uncontaminated areas,
subjecting crew and
maintenance personnel to
hazards.
Step 2 Washdown
vehicle/equipment.
Performing this step limits
spread of contamination,
minimizes hazards, and
enhances weathering to
make detailed equipment
decon easier and faster.
Risks. If you do not do this
step, expect casualties from
contact hazards. Spreading
or transferring the hazard
most likely will increase.
Weathering of the hazard
most likely will be slowed,
You will not be able to
reduce MOPP level
immediately because an
after-vehicle washdown
check for contamination is
not made. (See decon in
combat, Chapter 1. for
when to unrnask for brief
periods.)
Step 3. Vehicles move into
assembly area.
3-38
Equipment
None
Use for all forms of
contamination:
One PDDE.
Adequate fuel for water
heater (if available) and
pump unit.
Adequate water supply
(about 100 to 150 gallons
per vehicle).
Liquid detergent to mix
with water (see Appendix J).
Procedure
Equipment crew/operators
close all access doors,
hatches, windows, and
other openings before
washdown. Put muzzle
covers on weapons.
Nonessential personnel can
dismount and begin MOPP
gear exchange. They then
act as "buddies" for
essential crew/operators.
NOTE: Ensure that vehicles
equipped with over
pressurized systems are
operating with system on.
Chemical, biological, and
radiological: Two soldiers
from the battalion PODE
crew operates washdown
equipment. A third soldier
supervises. Soldiers must
wear toxicological agent
protective (TAP) aprons or
wet weather gear worn over
MOPP gear to keep MOPP
gear from becoming
saturated. Soldiers spray
hot, soapy water (under
pressure) from PDDE onto
equipment surfaces. This
removes, neutralizes, or
destroys most of the gross
contamination trapped in dirt
and mud. Unheated soapy
water or plain water may be
used, if necessary, but is
less effective than hot,
soapy water. Start at the
top decks of vehicles and
wash downward.
Exchange chemical suit.
Unsupported one-lane washdown with one Ilghtweight decontaminating system (shown
and with two lightweigM decontaminating systems ( above)
FM 3-7
STEP 1
BUTTON UP
VEHICLE AND
EQUIPMENT
3-39
25
STEP 2
WASHDOWN
VEHICLE &
EQUIPMENT
WIND
STEP 3
ASSEMBLY AREA
MOPP GUR
EXCHANOE
ALLOW SO METERS FROM THE
LAST WAS-IDOWN PONT TO
THE ASSEMBLY AREA
STEP 1
BUTTON UP
VEHICLE AND
EQUIPMENT
Figure 3-2.
STEP 2
WASHDOWN
VEHICLE &
EQUIPMENT
so
METERS
WIND
STEP 3
ASSEMBLY AREA
MOPP GEAR
EXCHANGE
Unsupported one-lane washdown.
Preaction: Unit tactically disperses in
concealed marshalling area. Makes
contact with control point for final
orders. Control point monitors and
supervises rate of movement into lanes
to prevent congestion.
Step 1. Button up vehicle/equipment.
Performing this step prevents
contamination from being washed or
splashed into uncontaminated areas.
This step applies for both lanes.
Risks. Failure to perform this step may
result in contamination being washed
into uncontaminated areas, subjecting
crew and maintenance personnel to
hazards.
Step 2. Wash down
vehicles/equipment. Crews/drivers
remain in vehicles. Sprayers use cross
diagonal technique for two to three
minutes, removing gross
contamination. This technique avoids
water splashing the crew members.
Performing this step limits the spread
of contamination. minimizes hazard,
and enhances weathering to make
detailed equipment decon easier and
faster.
fire-fighting
equipment,
and/or
combination.
Step 3. Vehicles move into assembly
area. MOPP gear exchange is
determined by the commander
FM
3-7
Table 3-35. Unsupported two lane washdown
3-40
Steps and Risks
Equipment
Watch
None
Adequate fuel
for water heater
(if available) and
pump unit.
Adequate
water supply
(about 100 to
1 50 gallons per
vehicle).
Liquid
detergent to mix
with water (see
Appendix F).
— vOTE: Use MI 2
PDDA, MI 7
LDS, 65-GPM
pump,
Procedures
One soldier from the battalion decon
crew. Every three minutes two vehicles
will be released from the marshalling
area. On signal vehicles will proceed to
the decon station in their respective
Equipment crew/operators close all
access doors, hatches, windows, and
other openings before washing down.
Put muzzle cover on weapons.
Nonessential personnel can dismount
and begin MOPP gear exchange upon
commander's orders. They they can
act as "buddies" for essential
crew/operators.
NOTE:: Enswe that vehicles eq.'ipped
with overpressurized systems are
operating with the systems on. No
MOPP gear exchange is required if
crew/operators are inside vehicle and
have not been exposed to any
contamination.
Chenical, biological, and radiological:
Two soldiers per lane from the
battalion decon crew wash down
equipment. A third soldier supervises.
Soldiers must wear TAP aprons or wet
weather gear over MOPP gear to keep
MOPP gear from becoming saturated.
Soldiers spray hot, soapy water (under
pressure) from PDDE onto equipment
surfaces. This removes, neutralizes, or
destroys most of the gross
contamination trapped in din and mud.
Unheated soapy water or plpain water
may be used, if necessary, but is less
effective than hot, soapy water. Start
at the top decks of vehicles and wash
downw ard.
Exchange MOPP suit.
MARSHALLING
AREA
CONTROL
POINT
STEP 1
BUTTON UP
VEHICLE AND
EQUIPMENT
STEP 2
WASHDOWN
VEHICLE &
EQUIPMENT
TO TACTICAL
ASSEMBLY
AREA
50 METERS
MINIMUM
OF
50 METERS
SO TO 70
METERS
STEP 3
ASSEMBLY AREA
MOPP GEAR
EXCHANGE
FM 3-7
STEP 1
BUTTON up
VEHICLE AND
EQUIPMENT
STEP 2
WASHDOWN
VEHICLE &
EQUIPMENT
Figure 3-3. Unsupported two lane washdown
3-41
FM 3-7
Table 3-36. Supported two-lane washdown.
Steps and Risks
Preaction: Unit tactically
disperses in a concealed
marshalling area. Make contact
with control point for final
instructions. Control point
monitors and supervises rate of
movement into lanes to prevent
congestion.
Step 1. Button up
vehicle/equipment. Performing
this step prevents
contamination from being
washed or splashed into
uncontaminated areas. This
step applies to both lanes.
Risks. Failure to perform this
step may result in
contamination being washed
into uncontaminated areas,
subjecting crew and
maintenance personnel to
hazards.
Step 2. Wash down
vehicles/equipment.
Crews/drivers remain in
vehicles. Vehicles stop by the
first wash. Sprayers decon half
of the vehicle/equipment facing
their side, for one and one-half
minutes. Vehicles then move to
the second wash where
sprayers will decontaminate the
other half of the
vehicle/equipment for one and
one-half minutes.
Step 3. Vehicles move into
assembly area. MOPP gear
exchange is determined by the
commander.
3-42
Equipment
Watch
None
3 MI 7 LOS.
Adequate fuel for
water heater and
pump units.
Asequate water
supply (approximately
100 to 150 gallons
per wash point per
vehicle).
Liquid detergents to
mix with water.
NOTE: Use MI 2
PDDE, M17 LDS.
65-GPM pump,
fire-fighting
equipment, and/or
combination.
Procedures
One soldier from the battalion
decon crew required. Two
vehicles will be released from
tha marshalling area every three
minutes. On signal vehicles will
proceed to the decon station in
theor respective lane.
Equipment crew/operators close
aJJ access doors, hatches,
windows, and other openings
before washdown. Put muzzle
covers on weapons.
Nonessential personnel can
dismount and begin MOPP gear
exchange, upon commander's
orders. They then act as
"buddies" for essential
crew/operators.
NOTE: Ensure that vehicles
equipped with overpressurized
systems are operating with
systems on.
Chemical, biological, and
radiological: Four soldiere from
the chemical decon platoon
wash down equipment. A fifth
soldier supervises. Soldiers
must wear TAP aprons or wet
weather gear wom over MOPP
gear to keep from becoming
saturated. Soldiers spray hot,
soapy water (under pessure)
from PDDE onto equipment
surfaces. Start at the top decks
of vehicles and wash downward.
Exchange MOPP suit.
FM
STEP 1
BUTTON UP
VEHICLE AND
EQUtPMENT
3-7
STEP 1
BUTTON UP
VEHICLE AND
EQUIPMENT
20 TO ao
METERS
TO TACTICAL
ASSEMBLY
AREA
Figure 34.
MARSHALLING
AREA
CONTROL
POINT
STEP 2
WASHDOWN
VEHICLE &
EQUIPMENT
STEP 3
ASSEMBLY AREA
j.
MOPP GEAR
EXCHANGE
Supported two-lane washdown.
3-43
Steps and Risks
STEP 1 DECON GEAR.
Performing this step removes
gross contamination from
individual gear (weapon, helmet.
load-bearing equipment, and
mask carrier).
RISKS. If you do not do this step,
you will transfer contamination
from your individual gear to your
new MOPP gear. You will have to
change MOPP gear within 24
hours, even if you do not receive
any more contamination. If
chemical/biological contamination
is not removed from individual
gear, weathering process will
be delayed (see FM 3-4).
If radiological contamination is
not removed, your radiation
exposure may increase over time,
prolonging the time you must
remain in MOPP gear.
STEP 2. PREPARE FOR DECON.
Performing this step allows the
soldier to remove his overgarment
trousers and boots later. It also
allows for the hood to be rolled
easier.
NOTE: A soldier can do this step
by himself or with the help of his
buddy.
FM 3-7
Step
2.
3.
4.
s.
6.
7.
8.
3-44
MOPP Gear Exchange
Procedure
Decontaminate gear.
Prepare for Decontamination.
Decontaminate hood
Remove overgarments and overshoes.
Remove gloves.
Put on overgarments.
Put on overboots and gloves.
Secure hood.
Table 3-37. MOPP gear exchange (buddy team method).
Procedures
Equipment
CHEMICAL/BIOLOOICAL: If the
ALL
personnel armor system, ground
CONTAMINATION:
troops (PASGT) helmet is wom,
remove and discard the chemical
long-handled
protective helmet cover. Brush or
brushes.
rub STB into personal equipment.
Large piece of
Brush or rub STB dry mix onto
plastic (poncho or
hose if wearing the M24,
similar material)
M2SA1. or M42 mask. Gently
shake off any excess. Set aside
CHEMICAL/B'Ogear on an uncontaminated
LOGICAL:
surface.
One 5-gallon
container STB dry
RADIOLOGICAL: Shake or brush
mix.
contamination off.
RADIOLOGICAL:
None.
Unfasten the shoulder straps on
ALL
the hood and pull them over the
CONTAMINATION.
shoulder and reattach them to the
Cutting tool.
Velcro @ fastener. Loosen
drawcord on hood of protective
mask. Remove M9 paper. Untie
drawcords on trouser legs of the
garment, unzip the trouser legs.
and roll a cuff in each leg. Ensure
that the cuff does not come over
the top of the overboot. Unfasten
or cut fasteners on green vinyl
overboots or untie/cut the laces
on the protective overboot.
Steps and Risks
STEP 3 DECON HOOD.
Performing this step removes the
gross contamination from the
mask and hood. The squad leader
and companion or two personnel
from the squad stand in the
center of a circle. They supervise
the other teams while they go
through the technique themselves.
RISKS: CHEMICAL/BIOLOGICAL
CONTAMINATION. If this step is
not done, small amounts of
contamination may still be on the
mask and hood. You will risk
spreading contamination to your
skin during the undressing.
RISKS: RADIOLOGICAL
CONTAMINATION. If you do not
do this step, excessive radiation
exposure could occur from
contaminants on the hood and
mask. You also risk spreading
contamination to your skin during
the undressing.
FM
3-7
Table 3-37. MOPP gear exchange (buddy team method)
3-45
(Continued).
Equipment
CHEMICAL/BIOLOGICAL:
One M258A1
or two M295 skin
decontaminating
kits per person.
RADIOLOGICAL:
Three
containers (about
3-gallon
capacity)
Two sponges.
Soapy water.
Rinse water.
Paper towels or
similar drying
m aterial.
One IDK kit per
person, if water is
not available.
Procedures
CHEMICAL/BIOLOGICAL: Using
the M258A1 or M29S skin decon
kit, decontaminate the hood and
exposed parts of your buddy's
mask. Start with the eye lens
outserts, wiping from the top
down. Then decon the rest of the
hood, wiping from the top of the
head to the bottom of the hood.
When you have finished
decontaminating your buddy's
mask, decontaminate your gloves
in preparation for rollong your
buddy's hood. (NOTE: When
decontaminating the mask, do not
press so hard that you break your
buddy's seal). Leave the zipper on
the hood closed. Grab the straps
where they connect to the back
of the hood and lift the hood
straight up of tho buddy's
shoulders. Pull the hood up and
over the head until the bottom of
the back of the hood is to the top
of the eye lens outserts, but not
over. Check for contamination on
the underside of the hood edges
and decon if necessary. Roll your
buddy's hood. Put one tuck
(about two inches) on the
forehead, then begin rolling at
both temples simultaneously by
tucking in with the thumbs as you
roll toward the bottom of the
zipper.
M40 MASK. The contaminated
soldier holds the mask firmly in
place to avoid breaking the seal.
Make the rolls from each side of
the hood come to a point at the
bottom of the zipper, forming a V.
Put a half twist in the V, forming
two sides into a tail. Then tuck
the tails between the upper part
of the canister and mask. (Tie tail
over and under the hose of the
M42.)
(Step 3 continues on next page.)
FM
3-7
Table 3-37. MOPP gear exchange (buddy team method)
Steps and Risks
STEP 3. DECON HOOD
(continued)
STEP 4. REMOVE
OVERGARMENTS/OVERSHOES.
Performing this step limits the
spread of agents and helps
prevent agents from penetrating
through to skin or undergarments.
RISKS: If you do not do this step.
the agent will penetrate your
overgarment. The more agent on
the garment, the quicker it will
penetrate. If you do not do this
step properly, you risk spreading
the agent onto your
undergarments or skin. causing
casualties.
3-46
(Continued).
Equipment
ALL
CONTAMINATION:
Two discard
containers
(recommend
plastic bags.)
Procedures
RADIOLOGICAL: Wipe your
buddy's mask and hood with
sponge dipped in hot, soapy
water. Rinse with sponge dipped
in clean water. Dry with paper
towels or rags. The buddy does
his or her own gloves. Cool,
soapy water is not as effective
for removing contamination, but
can be used if you scrub longer.
Use IDK skin decon kit ONLY if
no water is available. If water
supply is limited, soldier may use
some of his drinking water (from
his canteen) with a wet sponge or
cloth. Do not reverse rolls. Only
your buddy's hood will be
decontaminated and rolled at this
CHEMICAL/BIOLOGICAL:
Unfasten the three snaps on the
back of overgarment trousers. Do
this by grasping the outside
overgarment jacket and
unsnapping the snaps individually.
Untie the drawcord at the bottom
of the jacket. Unfasten the Velcro
@ at the wrist and unfasten.
Unfasten the Velcro@ closures
over the zippered front of the
jacket and unzip the jacket. Grasp
the jacket at the shoulders.
Instruct the buddy to make a fist.
Pull the jacket down and away
from the soldier, ensuring that the
black part of the jacket isn't
touched. Lay the overg arment
jacket on the ground , black side
up. (It will be used for the buddy
to stand on later.) Carefully
unfasten and unzip the trousers.
Do not loosen the waist tabs.
Instruct the soldier to break the
seals on the overshoes by
attemately stepping on the heefs
and pulling up his foot. Grasp the
trousers and pull them down to
the knees. Instruct the soldier to
walk out of the trousers/GVOs,
(Step 4 continues on next page.)
Steps and Risks
STEP 4. REMOVE
OVERGARMENTS/OVERSHOES
(continued).
STEP 5. REMOVE GLOVES.
Performing this step removes
contaminated gloves and limits
the spread of contamination.
RISKS: If this step is not done, it
is quite probable the agent will be
transferred to clean overgarments
(Step 6). Contamination may get
on your skin because gloves, tear,
rip, puncture, and wear out.
STEP 6. PUT ON
OVERGARMENTS. Performing this
step restores MOPP protection.
RISKS: If you do not do this step
properly. you risk contaminating
your new overgarment or your
skin.
STEP 7. PUT ON OVERBOOTS
AND GLOVES. Performing this
step restores MOPP protection.
RISKS: If you do not do this step,
you run the risk of becoming a
casualty by touching
contamination remaining on unit
equipment. You risk spreading
contamination to your skin or
undergarments. You risk
contaminating your regular
combat boots.
FM
3-7
Table 3-37. MOPP gear exchange (buddy team method)
3-47
(Continued).
Equipment
ALL
CONTAMINATION:
Two discard
containers (from
Step 4)
ALL
CONTAMINATION:
One set of
chemical
protective
overgarments per
person (correct
size).
ALL
CONTAMINATION:
One set of
chemical
protective
overboots per
person.
One set
chemical
protective gloves
per person
(correct size).
M9 paper.
Procedures
taking care not to step on the
contaminated side of the
overgarment. If wearing
overboots, remove trousers first,
then step out of overboot6 (with
buddy's help) onto the black side
of jacket. The 60Sdier should step
onto the jacket wearing mask,
battledress uniform (BDUs), and
gloves.
Hold finger tips of the gloves and
partially slide the hand out. When
fingers of both hands are free,
hold arms away from body and let
gloves drop off.
Open package containing new
overgarments, but do not touch
the garment. Have your buddy
reach into the package and pull
out the overgarment without
touching the outside of the
package. Your buddy puts on the
trousers and jacket, fastens
overgarment, and leaves trouser
legs open. Do not reverse roles.
Only your buddy will put on clean
overgarments at this time.
Pick up a package of clean
overboots and open without
touching the overboots inside.
Have your buddy reach into the
package (without touching
outside of package), remove the
GVO/overboots, put them on, and
fasten trouser legs. Open a
package of clean gloves without
touching gloves. Have your buddy
remove them from package (without touching the outside of the
package) and put them on. Put on
M9 paper. Do not reverse roles.
Only your buddy witt put on clean
overgarments at this time. Table
3-37 continued on next page.
FM
3-7
Table 3-37. MOPP gear exchange (buddy team method)
Steps and Risks
STEP 8. SECURE HOOD.
Performing this step restores
MOPP preotection.
RISKS: If you do not do this step,
you risk tranferring contamination
to the inside of the hood.
Thorough Decon
(Continued).
Procedures
Equipment
Decontaminate your rubber
ALL
CONTAMINATION: gloves with M258A1 or M295
skin decon kit. Once gloves are
One decon 1
and one decon 2
decontaminated, unroll your
buddy's hood and attach the
wipe packet
straps and tighten neck cord.
fromM2581 kit.
Check all zippers and ties on the
One M295 SDK
hood and overgarment to ensure
decon packet.
they are tight.
Table 3-38. Thorough decon support matrix.
UNIT
Request
Coordination
Site Selection
Advance Party Link-up
Site-Setup
Site Control/Security
Predeocn Actions
Processing
Cleanup
Marking & Reporting
P = Primary Responsibility.
3-48
Preparation Phase Tasks
S or S
Execution Phase Tasks
Site Clearance Phase Tasks
= Supporting Responsibility
Three containers (2-gallon capacity).
One will hold an immersion heater.
Three containers (3-gallon capacity).
Four additional containers required for
radiological decon.
Two M258A1 or M291 decon kits per
person.
Two boxes of plastic bags.
Ten 50-pound drums of STB.
One 5-pound drum of general purpose
detergent.
One I-gatlon container of mask
sanitizing solution per ten tanks.
Four long-handled brushes.
Four large sponges (four additional
sponges for radiological decon).
Four bundles of rags.
Four cutting tools (scissors, knives).
One filter-pair or filter canister per
mask.
One hood per mask.
Three AN/PDR27 radiacmeters or
ANIVDR2 (for radiological only).
FM
3-7
Table 3-39. Equipment recapitulation for detailed troop decon
of an average-sized company.
3-49
Two books of M8 paper per squad.
One role of M9 paper per squad.
Four MI chemical agent monitors
(CAMs).
Four M8A1 automatic chemical agent
alarms.
Two immersion heaters with fuel.
Two shovels.
First aid supplies and antidotes.
One M2S6A1 detector kit per squad.
One role plastic per company.
One case paper towels per company.
Engineer tape.
Protective mask PLL parts.
NOTE: If only one radiacmeter is
available, use it at Station 5 to
monitor personnel. Pile together
decontaminated equipment from
Station 1 and decontaminate masks
from Station 7. After a squad has
been monitored through Station S, an
attendant should monitor the
equipment pile.
FM
3-50
3-7
Table 3-40. Detailed Troop Decon
personnel and equipment recapitulation.
Station
Personnel
2 attendants
Equipment
3 30-galion containers
Station 1
Individual Gear Decon
Station2
Overboot and Hood
monitor (CAM operator) 2 long-handled brushes
attendant
Decon
Station 3
Overgarment
Station 4
Overboot end
Removal
Station 5
Monitor
Station 6
Removal
Glove
Mask Removal
Station 7
Mask Decon Point
Station 8
Reissue Point
attendant
attendant
attendant (CAM
operator)
aidman (or combat
lifesaver)
attendants
2 attendants
monitor
Unit supply NCO
Unit NBC NCO
2 ponchos or plastic
sheets
1 CAM
8 M8 detector paper
4 M2S6A1 kits
100 trash bags
2 cutting tools
60 M2S8A1 or M295 (or
one per person)
2 ponchos or plastic
tarps
100 trash bags
10 M258A11M295
2 30-gallon containers
100 trash bags
2 30-gallon containers
100 trash bags
Engineer tape
Cutting tool
1 CAM
S MB detector paper
24 M258A1 /M29S
1 MBA 1 chemical alarm
4 3-galton containers
1 CAM
2 sponges
1 case paper towels
1 immersion heater
w/container
Mask sanitizing solution
Mask PLL
3-7
DIRTY DUMP
CASUALTY
DECON STATION
HOT UNE
(DIRTY SIDE)
HOT LINE
(CLEAN SIDE)
TRIAGE POINT
SHUFFLE PIT
30 TO 5 ARDS
CLEAN
TREATMENT
STATION
PATIENT
DISPosmoN
POINT
FM
CONTAMINATED
AREA
(DOWN MND)
CONTAWNATED
EMERaENCV UEDICAL
TREATMENT
STATION
CLEAN AREA
(UP WIND)
WIND DIRECTION
Figure 3-9. Layout for a patient decontamination station and a
clean treatment area without Collective Protection Shelter (CPS).
3-61
FM 3-7
Chemical Patient Decontamination Procedures
Step 1. Decontaminate the patient’s mask end hood.
Step 2. Remove gross contamination from the patient’s overgarment.
Step 3. Remove patient’s protective overgarment and personal effects.
Step 4. Remove patient’s battledress uniform.
Step 5. Transfer the patient to a decon litter.
Step 6. Decontaminate skin (M291/M258A1 kit or 0.5% chlorine solution).
Step 7. Transfer the patient across the shuffle pit.
3 - 6 2
Decontaminant
Table 3-50. Natural Decontaminants.
3-63
Chemical Biological
Weathering
Absorbents (earth,
Sealants (concrete,
Water
Steam
sawdust, ashes, rags)
asphalt, earth, paint)
FM 3-7
Nuclear
Table 3-51. Average DS2 and Water Usage
for Thorough Decon.
Vehicle
Tank
Truck
APC
DS2 Req (gal)
8.5
4.9
3.8
M17
57
42
31
Water Req (gal)
M12A1
215
157
151
Ref: Tech Report DPG/JOD-91/017 dated 26 Aug 91.
NOTE: Sump requirements calculations for the sump at each station are:
Total gallons x 0.00495 = cubic yards
Cubic yards x 1.5 = size hotd to dig
FM
3-7
Table 3-52. Nonstandard Decontaminants.
Decontaminant
Oxidizing agents (potassium permanganate, potassium
or sodium dichromate. nitric acid, or aqua regia
Complexing (chelating) agents (citric acid, tartaric acid,
sodium tartrate), kerosene, segesterene, sodium citrate,
oxalic acid, sodium oxalate, or orthophosphoric acid
Iodine water purification tablets
Disinfectant, chlorine, food service
Formalin (formatdehyde)
Peracetic acid (PA A)
Ethylene oxide
C arboxide
IOiiiüf"
Sodium hypochlorite solution (household bleach)
Calcium hypochlorite (HTH) [high-test bleach (HTB). or
high-test hypochlorite)
2-Propanone (acetone}
Diethyl ether
Ethylene glycol
Solvents (gasoline, JP4, diesel fuel, kerosene)
Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda or lye)
Sodium carbonate (washing soda, soda ash, saj soda,
or laundry soda)
Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash)
Hexachloramelamine
Ammonia or ammonium hydroxide (household ammonia)
Perchloroethylene (tetrachloroethylene)
Dichloramine-B and Dichloramine-T
Acids (sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid. acetic acid, or
oxalic acid)
Chemicat Biological Nuclear
A S percent solution hypochlorite solution is an effective decon solution against most
chemical and biological agents. This solution can be used effectively for skin decon
provided it is followed by a soap-and-water wash. Calcium hypochlorite is in the Army
supply system.
FM 3-7
Decontamination of Specific Items
The following table lists more than two dozen specific surfaces or materials, and it
explains briefly how to best decontaminate each for chemical, biological, and
nuclear contamination. The best method for decon of a particular surface or material
in a given situation could be any of those listed for that surface or material.
The order in which the methods are listed does not indicate preference of one over
another. You should choose the beat method for decon of a particular item. For a
more in-depth understanding of the decon methods, refer to FM 3-5.
3 - 6 5
FM
3-66
3-7
Table 3-53.
Decontamination of Specific Items (continued).
Sud•ce
MaterSot
m•ou.
coauu«
Cbemlcal
POOE.
10 (4
Cotem
h wur
M (1 lb sae E IO w.t.;
SS o'
h for
by method..
ütry.
Wunc (•xe•m tot V wnt•).
Wodon n« neemm.M•d)
wum (IO", supy w•tM
for
dM may *6M))
G gene.
wam
uøanie
0K sut•c•.
PS2 may
dmp —dins).
q"mmt.
wih STO Ot
ot STL
pais by u" 04
Type of Contamln•t'on
Blobgic•l
boa in
30
hrn«u 2% 'O
IO SO
remow 'O IS
mint*'Wuh soap
e Wipe
procedure bet*
ot Mao kh.
oap nd
Bwn.
Sune u rues.
Nuclear
eeäWüä.
b'
No
may
(DS2
wane
may
e Wey
e waw.
o.W•nts.
M2sut kit
ot mum be
to panni
u earth.
FM
Sudee
luapON•d)•.
Änöd):
* •pone,
'Wipmmt
Buti"
(opaque):
hsuiagon.
pan.' baud'.
cuopi•a
emenwd
Table 3-53.
Decontamination of Specific Items (continued).
3-67
C hemleal
wih
30
wit DS2.
paint).
with hoe. Md
tiny.
Spt•y POE
from in Md
od Wd•o•.
W•atwr.
may b' uud
con.
Maeo
(may •onan or émae. 'om
pk•tiG'.
Wuh with hot. øapy
Wash wih hm. soapy md
off
Type of ContM1in•tlon
BJoIoglc•l
Wp• wit
wih
2% pee"e
bod
pet IO W wüf).
h 15
IO
w•tgJ,
bhuh
(IA to eal
h HTH
2S mhut•t, hen
Ynm•no STB b
wog)
h •old 'Ot
IO mlNt••, •nd tot IO
to 15 mhut••.
detergent •nd
hiØ-pc•su
30 r.mw. by
a *tam 01
duÉn.
Saaw as mses
as foe
Nuclear
Btu* wipe.
Wuh detuøenq.
so. water,
eau•ue
on swlac•s),.
Wash d'"'9tnts.
wih waW.
Kpe or bruh
Same pl•stlc• Wp•qu•).
FM
Table 3-53.
3-68
Decontamination of Specific Items [continued).
Sud•c
or
Material
(Imp«m
Rems
R,bb«
Gbv••. 0000
Mask
Md omer
tubbu
coagng in
dinet oanbet
witl the •n.
Tires. hoses.
mat'.
Sand
o viW
anas mty):
Beach",
deserts.
(hd•rgrowö
nd tall
Meadows.
junghs.
'onse
{&AieaW
go unan
Weed
(unpüt'd):
E"ing•.
vehicle
bows.
simiar
con•øw•'
Chemical
*tay wilh O" Md
30 Naut•o.
Mt. soapy w•t•« Cust
bobw b0iSne point' lot ho"': do
agitate. Nnw with water
and hma up d".
FM G use "dium
boæt• 'duion. •nd
Wiy w•ty with
ins..
Way with 'om POOE
a "w wuh ON
dau
>mywiü milu.ue HTH
nd 'Ing.
hm•n
4 hmm. •nd
M29i in
USE kit in
with warm. mapy water.
decan kit, Individual •quipmem.
witl HTH •nd
pasta. NIQw to
with water (may b'
on ins).
hM •o•py
kat•e.
wim
STB spray "urry over
surf...
WMh•r.
paths wih roofing paper.
Scr.. ON S to 10 cm (2 to 4 hch.s)
of layer.
{downwiM vap« hazard).
POOE.
Wauw.
apbde drums M STB.
pans d•tmedne eord.
medo•s. 0' o.molitim
PDDE. b•oom•.
Of swot. "wry remain 12" 24
nxn; Md repeat •pplic.tm,
hen •ush •gain.
soapy •nd
Type of Contamination
B101091e•I
Sams as
9m. u luau.
Wan h wum. •oey 'hw
h Md •t room
e Wp• Eid;
otf Md
'O to 15 miNg-s.
samo m•mods uud
decon.
Burn.
WM with
coconduy don
d•ooa).
Wy b'.cå soluNon.
Wy sluwy STB nd
93 putt tby
sodium hßroxw•.
Sun• n
detrochWite. Lnw •t
hasa 30 with wat•r.
App'y STB dun
may be •R an interion.
tsun rin
most one
Burn.
Nuclear
*unng.
ar tlua.hhe wan'
wat•r.
SM' impume.bl
Wp• o' brush
with
w•ttin9 mau
u tubber.
To axt•nt possiü, uu same proce.
duos ••rü.
extuior wih unounts o!
may
soak into surlaces.
FM
3-7
Surface
Material
baint•d
url•c.):
(OS2 may
onon
Odit'a.
boxes
Food:bt
canned
by
Canned.
NfU'd.
by
omo'
Table 3-53.
Decontamination of Specific Items (continued).
3-69
Chemical
POOE, Woom•.
'2 •0 24
OS2 and
01 be
by p•t
Food ot b.
omnmitut•d with •oeno
oot b.
by
M29' k" skin
susp•cwd to b' eon —
tuninat•d: deem kit.
quixn•nt. MZO.
oap if
Type of Cont•mlnatlon
Biologkal
nod
boxes in"cawa .
15
Md was.' puMeaSon
E ot water.
h w.bC IS Cook
food 0' b0d peeled
ot pama may b' hm.tsed
maa •nd canned ration•.
Wi-h so. deon
q•m.nt.
Nuctear
"tyiy with
ugl•c•.
peeid
E •u.eod•d
man. water).
kom
S" ratöns.
&ush or "in Md
SO. Md hot water.
FM 3-7
Chapter 4
Nuclear Protection
There are three types of radiation:
ALPHA — Travels only a few centimeters, internal hazard only.
BETA — Travels a few meters in air, limited penetrating power, external and internal
hazard.
GAMMA — Travels speed of light, cannot be totally shielded.
Actions Before an Attack:
The best defense against a nuclear attack is to dig in. Unit defensive positions, which
vary from soldier’s foxholes to improved defensive positions, should be prepared
whenever the tactical situation permits.
Foxholes: A deep, round foxhole with overhead cover offers the best protection
from blast, thermal radiation, initial nuclear radiation, and fallout.
Field shelters: Well-constructed fighting positions and bunkers provide excellent
protection against all the effects of a nuclear detonation.
Tunnels, caves, culverts, and storm drains provide good shelter.
Armored personnel earners, infantry fighting vehicles, and tanks (in a hull-down
defilade) give excellent protection.
Weapons, individual equipment, clothing, and other items should be secured in their
foxholes. Supplies, explosives, and flammables should be dispersed and protected
or shielded. If left unsecured, these may become lethal weapons from the blast wave.
4 - 0
FM 3-7
ABOVEGROUND
*IELTER
BELOW-GROWD
SHELTER
Figure 4-2. Section views of shelters.
WALLS ARE
FAIR
PROTECTION
DITCHES ARE
GOOD
PROTECTION
CULVERTS ARE
EXCELLENT
PROTECTION
Figure 4-3. Expedient cover against blast and thermal effects.
FM 3-7
4-2
Figure 44. Shelter in a building.
Table 4-1. Shielding values of earth cover for a
2,400-centigray free-in-air dose.
Soldier in
Open
Open foxhole, 4' deep
Same with 6" earth cover
Same with 12 R earth cover
Same with 18" earth cover
Same with 24" earth cover
Radiation Protection Factor Resultant Dose cGy
one
12
24
48
96
2,400
300
200
100
50
25
Table 4-2. Radiation protection factors of
sand-or clay-filled sandbags.
Soldier In
Open foxhole, 4' deep
Same with 1 layer (4 inches)
Same with 2 layers (8 inches)
Same with 3 layers (12
inches)
Radiation Protection Factor Resultant Dose cGy
None
16
32
64
2,400
300
150
75
38
FM 3-7
Actions During an Attack
Immediately drop face down.
Close eyes.
Protect exposed skin.
Wait until blast wave passes and debris stops falling.
Stay calm, check for injury.
Check weapons and equipment.
Prepare to continue the mission.
4 - 3
FM 3-7
Actions After an Attack
Begin continuous monitoring.
Organize survivors.
Secure and organize equipment.
Cover mouth with handkerchief.
Assist casualties.
Send NBC 1 report.
Improve protection against possible fallout.
Conduct damage assessment and restoration of combat power.
Simplified Fallout Prediction (M5A2)
1. Information required: NBC 2 nuclear report and effective downwind message
(EDM).
2. Record date-time of burst, GZ, and wind direction on M5A2.
3. Determine Zone I from the nomogram printed on the M5A2, draw arc on M5A2,
4 - 4
FM 3-7
and label.
4. Zone II = 2 x Zone I; draw an arc, and label.
5. Draw tangents from cloud radius to end of Zone I.
6. Darken the perimeter.
7. Draw time-of-arrival arcs and label.
8. Orient azimuth on predictor with grid north.
Significance of Predicted Fallout Zones
Exposed, unprotected personnel may receive the following doses from fallout:
Zone I— Immediate operational concern. More than 150 centigray (cGy) within 4
hours.
Zone II— Secondary hazard. Less than 150 cGy within 4 hours. More than 50 cGy
within 24 hours.
Outside the predicted area— No more than 50 cGy in 24 hours. No more than 150
cGy for an indefinite period.
Detailed Fallout Prediction (Unit Level)
1. Obtain a valid NBC 3 report.
2. Determine scale at which the prediction will be drawn (must be the same as the
map on which it will be displayed.)
3. On overlay paper, mark GZ.
With Line YANKEE (from NBC 3 report):
4. Mark grid north.
5. Extend radial lines at their proper azimuths from GZ (from line YANKEE).
6. Using GZ as center, draw Zone I arc (from line ZULU) between radial lines.
7. Using GZ as center, draw Zone II arc (2 x Zone I) between radial lines.
8. Using GZ as center, draw circle with radius equal to the cloud radius (from line
ZULU).
9. Draw two tangent lines from the GZ circle to the points of intersection of the
two radial lines with the Zone I arc.
10. Using GZ as center, draw dashed time-of-arrival arcs (from line ZULU). No
arcs are drawn beyond the end of Zone II.
11. Label zones, times of arrival.
4 - 5
FM 3-7
12. Add marginal information:
a. Strike serial number (from line ALFA).
b. Date-time of attack (from line DELTA).
c. GZ coordinates (from line FOXTROT).
d. Scale.
Without Line YANKEE:
4. Using GZ as center, draw Zone I circle (the only 3 digits on line ZULU).
5. Using GZ as center, draw Zone II circle (2 x Zone I).
6. Label zones and GZ.
7. Add marginal information:
a. Strike serial number (from line ALFA).
b. Date-time of attack (from line DELTA).
c. GZ coordinates (from line FOXTROT).
d. Scale.
NOTE: If you need more detailed information on fallout prediction, see FM
3-3-1. Figure 4-6. Four parts of completing a fallout prediction.
Marginal Information
Map designation
Grid reference data
Nuclear burst ground zero identification
H-hour
Reference time
Decay rate (exponent)
Time of preparation
Validity time
Source of contamination (fallout, neutron-induced, or radiological agents)
Dose rate information
Radiological Monitoring
Periodic monitoring (readings at least once every hour) is done when–
Intelligence indicates a threat of nuclear war.
Nuclear war has been initiated or NBC threat status (nuclear) is Serial 3.
Continuous monitoring falls below 1 centigray per hour (cGyph).
4 - 6
FM 3-7
Continuous monitoring is done when—
A nuclear detonation is seen, heard, or reported.
Periodic monitoring records 1 cGyph or higher.
Ordered by the unit commander.
A warning of expected contamination (NBC 3) is received.
Automatic NBC 4 reports are—
Initial report.
Peak report.
Special reports--send when a condition exists that warrants the commander’s
attention—for example, when the commander’s operational exposure guidance
(OEG) is exceeded.
Additional directed reports are—
Series reports.
Summary reports.
Verification reports.
Radiological Survey Briefing
1. Situation: Enemy and contamination situation
2. Mission: Who, what, when, where, and why
3. Execution:
Concept of operation
Assignments
Coordinating instructions:
Time of departure
Primary and alternate routes
Coordination required
OEG, turn-back dose (Dtb), turn-back dose rate (Rtb
Actions on reaching Dtb or Rtb
Areas requiring marking
Debriefing - when, where, by whom
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
4. Service Support: Forms, equipment, POL, decontamination, and so forth
5. Command Signal:
Command. Location of control party
Signal:
Reporting requirements
SOI
Codes and call signs
Primary and alternate communication means
a.
b.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
4 - 7
FM 3-7
Aerial Radiological Survey Briefing
Control party briefing includes—
Time of departure.
Course legs and routes.
Tentative height.
Coordination required.
OEG.
Actions on reaching Dtb or Rtb.
Debriefing: when, where, by whom.
Height of aircraft (150 meters AGL [above ground level] maximum, 60 meters
AGL optimal).
Ground speed (53 knots [98 kmph] maximum; slower is more accurate).
Establishment procedures for the air-ground correlation factor (AGCF).
Time interval between readings (500 meters maximum).
4 - 8
FM 3-7
To use the above table to find the downwind distance of Zone I, enter the left-hand
column with the yield as indicated on line NOVEMBER of the NBC 2 nuclear
report. Read across the top to locate the nearest wind speed (always round UP to
safe-side). Where the two columns intersect is the Zone I distance Distances are
in kilometers.
Radiological Calculations*
(For use with pocket calculator)
Decay
R1 = Dose rate measured at H + 1.
Rt = Dose rate measured at time (t) after burst (other than H + 1)
t = Time that Rt was measured (in H +m- hours after burst).
n = Decay exponent (use 1.2 if unknown).
Total Dose**
Use if Te < H + 25: D = (R1/1-n) (Tx1-n - Te1-n)
Use if Te > H + 25:D = RTeX Ts
D = Total dose.
TX = Time of exit from area (in H + number of hours after burst).
Te = Time of entry into area (in H + number of hours after burst).
Ts = Time of stay in area (hours).
Decay Rate of Fallout (n)
n = Log (Ra/Rb) / Log (Tb/Ta)
Ra = Dose rate measured at time a (Ta) (after peak dose rate).
Rb = Dose rate measured at time b (Tb) (last dose rate).
Ta = time (in H + number of hours after burst) that Ra was measured.
Tb = time (in H + number of hours after burst) that Rb was measured.
**
For neutron induced radiological calculations, use nomograms in FM 3-3-1.
When decay constant n = 1, use 1.000001 for the above equation.
4 - 9
FM 3-7
Validity Time for Decay Rate (TP)
Tp = 3 (Tb-Ta) + Tb
Ta = Time (in H + number of hours after burst) that Ra was measured.
Tb = Time (in H + number of hours after burst) that Rb was measured.
Normalizing Factor Formulas
For H + l: NF = (T
2)
or H + 48: NF = (T
2/48)
T2 = Elapsed time after burst
n = Decay Exponent
R1= Rt x NF
4 - 1 0
Table 4-5.
MI tank
M60 tank
M2 IFV
M3 CFV
Transmission Factors for Residual Radiation.
M93 NBC Recon (Fox)
MI 13 APC
M109 SP howitzer
M88 recovery vehicle
M548 cargo vehicle
MS 77 carrier; command post
MSSI Armored Recon Airborne Assault Vehicle
M 728 Combat Engineer Vehicle
M9 ACE
Grader
Bulldozer
Scraper
HMWWV
cucv
21/2-ton truck
4- to 7-ton truck
Multistory building
Top floor
Lower Floor
Frame house
First floor
Basement
Urban area (in open)
Woods
Underground shelter (3-foot earth cover)
Foxholes
* These factors do not apply to ground survey dose rates.
.04
.04
.2
.2
.2
.3
.2
.09
.7
.3
.2
.3
.8
.5
.5
.6
.6
.6
.5
.01
.6
.0002
Note: The above TFs are for planning purposes only. Calculate the actual TF for a given
shelter using the following transmission factor formulas.
ID (Inside Dose Rate)
OD (Outside Dose Rate)
4-12
ODxTF
Shielding
MI tank (Abrams) *
M60 tank
M2 IFV (Bradley)
M3 CFV
MI 13 APC
M109 SP howitzer
M88 recovery vehicle
M577 command post
Carrier
SSI armored recon
airborne assault vehicle
HUMMWV family (M998)
21/2-ton truck
4- to 10-ton truck
M1008 CUCV Series
Multistory building
Top floor
Lower floor
Frame house
First floor
Basement
Underground shelter
(3-foot earth cover)
Foxholes
FM
3-7
Table 4-6. Correlation Factors for Residual Radiation. *
3.6
3.5
3.4
6.9
2.5
4.6
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
4-13
Location of Survey Meter
Turret, rear top
Turret, front
VDR2 mount, left of driver intercom box
AN/VDR2 mount on
hull wall
AN/VDR2 mount on
hull wall
hull wall by heater
AN/VDR2 mount on
Near driver, left side
Rear right side
Commander position
AN/VDR2 mount above TC's intercom
box
Near driver, right side
AN/VDR2, by radio mount
AN/VDR2 mount on cab floor
Correlation
Factor
20.0
25.0
53.0
23.0
9.1
10.0
10.0
5,000.0
10.0
These CFs are for planning purposes only. Calculate the actual CF for a
using the following correlation factor formulas.
given shelter,
CF OD (Outside Dose Rate)
ID (Imide Dose Rate)
IDxCF
FM
3-7
Table 4-7. AN/VDR2 Attenuation Factor DIP Settings.
Row G Row H Row J
M577
M60 Tank
MI Tank
MI 13
M2/M3
M8801M1008
M998
Table 4-8. Dose Criteria for Placing a Unit in a
Radiation Exposure Status Category.
Radiation Exposure Status Numerical Criteria Total Cumulative Dose (cGy)
RES Zero
RESI
RES2
RES3
O (no exposure)
> o-s70
> 70 -A 150
> 150
FM 3-7
Radiation Injury
Immediate Injury but Delayed Effects
Since a radiation injury victim does not show symptoms immediately after exposure,
except for nausea and vomiting, these initial symptoms are not reliable by themselves
to evaluate casualties or treat patients. Currently, the only available method to
quickly estimate the radiation injury to a soldier is with a personnel dosimeter.
Without this dosimetry, many days must pass before definitive diagnostic techniques
of the secondary radiation exposure symptoms can provide an accurate estimate of
radiation injury.
Tolerance:
IM93
± 10% certified and leak checked
± 10% certified and leak checked
± 30% or ± 30 cGy, whichever is less, with 95% confidence after 24
hours
IM147
DT236
4 - 1 5
FM 3-7
Self-aid and Buddy Aid
Key Factor in Nuclear Combat
Nuclear detonations can produce large numbers of blast, bum, and projectile injuries
that initially must be managed by individual soldiers trained in critical frost-aid
procedures.
Critical Period
The great physical damage to the surrounding area as a result of a nuclear detonation
will increase delays in medical assistance and evacuation. Quality self-aid and buddy
aid will improve casualty survival rates and conserve medical resources. Prompt
stabilization will ensure casualties can better withstand evacuation to appropriate
medical treatment facilities.
Radiation Guidance
Radiation guidance is the advice by the medical staff officer to the commander
concerning the medical effects of predicted and actual radiation received by a unit.
Commanders use medical advice and information to weigh the options of retaining
soldiers with radiation injury (with the possibility of increasing lethality) versus
entry into the medical support system.
Importance of Fitness and Wellness
The percentage of deaths that will occur from a given exposure is not a constant
value, and it is, in fact, changed by many conditions. For healthy soldiers, LD + 50
is estimated to be about 450 cGy if no medical care is provided, if there are no other
injuries, and if they are required to perform little physical labor. If, however,
soldiers with no other injuries are worked to exhaustion or are in poor general
health, LD + 50 is be reduced to approximately 300 cGy. Soldiers in good health,
promptly evacuated to a CONUS hospital, and provided extensive medical care are
expected to have their LD + 50 increased to 600 cGy. Soldiers’ fitness and health
are, therefore, critical factors for survival on a nuclear battlefield.
4 - 1 6
Dose
Range
(cGy)
to
70
71
to
150
151
to
300
301
to
500
501
to
800
FM 3-7
Table 4- IO. Effects of radiation exposure on combat personnel.
4-17
Initial
Symptoms*
None to
slightincidence of
transient headache
and nauses,
vomiting in up to
5% of personnel in
upper part of range
Transient mild
nausea and vomiting
in of
personnel, vomiting
in up to 5% of
personnel in upper
part of range.
Transient mild to
moderate nausea
and vomiting in
of
personnel, mild to
moderate fatigue
and weakness in
of
personnel.
Transient moderate
nausea and vomiting
in of
personnel, moderate
fatigue in
of
personnel.
Moderate to severe
nausea and vomiting
in of
personnel.
Time of
initial
Symptoms
(approx)
6—12 hours
2—20 hours
2 hours to 2
days
2 hours to 3
days
Within
hour
Performance
Capability
(mid-dose range)
Combat effective
Combat effective
D T: PD from 4 hours
until recovery.
UT: PD from 6 hours
until 1 day.
PD: 6 weeks until
recovery.
D T: PD from 3 hours
until 2 weeks, for
death or recovery.
UT: PD from 4 hours
to 2 weeks until
death or recovery.
D T: PD from 2 hours
until 3 weeks. Cl
from 3 weeks until
death.
Final Disposition
Duty
Duty. No deaths.
Duty; less than 5%
deaths at low end of
exposure range;
death may occur in
10% of personnel.
Duty at low end of
exposure range; less
than 10% deaths.
At high end of
exposure range,
death may occur in
more than SO % of
personnel beginning
after 4 weeks.
At low end of
exposure range
death may occur in
more than of
personnel beginning
after 4 weeks. At
high end of
exposure range
99%. beginning
after 3 weeks.
Table 4- IO. Effects of radiation exposure on combat personnel
(continued)
Dose
Range
(cGy)
Initial
Symptoms
Moderate to severe
fatigue and
weakness in
of
personnel.
801
Moderate to severe
to
I ,500 nausea, vomiting,
disorientation, and
dizziness in 100%
of personnel;
moderate fluid loss
in 80% ot personnel.
= demanding task
DT
UT
= undemanding task
PD
Cl =
Time of
Initial
Symptoms
(approx)
2 hours to 6
weeks
45 minutes to
2-1/2 days
Performance
Capability
(mid-dose range)
OT: PD from 2
hours to 2 days and
7 days until 4
weeks.
DT: PD 1 hour until
6 hours and 1-112
days until 1 week.
C): 6 until
141/2 days and 1
week until death.
UT: PD 1-1/2 hours
until 8 days.
Cl: 8 days until
death.
Final Disposition
1 *000 cGy; death in
1 to 3 weeks.
= performance decrement (25% 75% of preirradiation performance level)
combat ineffective (< 25% of preirradiation performance level)
Doses are free-in-air dose values.
Vomiting and nausea from tension or fear was reported by 20% of US combat troops
in a survey of WWII veterans, particularly in the presence of horrible sights and smells.
Extreme fatigue and weakness are also common symptoms of combat stress (battle
fatigue). Therefore, none of these symptoms alone are a reliable indicator of the amount
of radiation exposure a person may have received.
The effects listed in Table 4-10 represent a continuous exposure spectrum broken into
dose range segments. When looking at symptoms/performance, the high end of one
segment is very close to the low end of the next segment.
4-18
FM 3-7
CHAPTER 5
Biological Protection
Actions Before An Attack:
Up-to-date immunizations
Good hygiene
Area sanitation
Physical conditioning
Biological Attack Indicators:
Mysterious illness (large number of soldiers)
Large number of insects or unusual insects
Large number of dead wild and domestic animals
Artillery shells with less powerful explosions
Aerial bombs that pop rather than explode
Mist or or fog sprayed by aircraft
Actions During Suspected Attack:
Wear protective mask
Keep clothing buttoned up
Consider any known biological agent cloud as a chemical attack
Actions After An Attack:
Send NBC 1 Report
Identify casualties (from symptoms they exhibit)
Isolate soldiers with symptoms
Biological Hazard’s Prediction
Suspect A Biological Attack When
There are indications of a chemical attack, but no immediate effects
A presumed chemical attack has occurred, but the agent has not been identified
Three Types Of Biological Attacks Are:
Type A Case a—Point-source attack (example aerosol generator, bomb) or an
area attack (as in artillery or bomb let attack). This type of attack includes toxins.
Type A Case b—A spray fine.
Type B—Large, liquid drop/ground contaminating attack
Biological Calculations
Maximum Downwind Hazard (MDWHD) = 4 X windspeed (kmph) X cloud
duration *of greatest effects (Zone I)
- The cloud duration is a measure of the length of time a biological agent is likely to remain
effective end aerosolized in the environment.
5 - 0
FM 3-7
Example of MDWHD Computation:
Time of attack: 0130
BMNT: 0430
Wind direction: 150 grid
Windspeed: 13 kmph
Cloud duration = 5 hrs MDWHD = 4 X 15 X 5 = 300 km
(3 hrs from time of attack to BMNT + 2 = 5 hrs)
Cloud Duration of the Greatest Effects (Zone I)
Daytime (from BMNT to sunset) 8 hours
Nighttime (from sunset to BMNT) # of hours from time of attack to BMNT + 2
(max of 8 hours)
Cloud Arrival Time (CAT) =
Simplified Downwind Hazard Prediction
for Biological Agents
Downwind hazard prediction for biological agents is very similar to the procedure
for chemical agents. The resulting prediction provides a minimum estimate of the
danger zones for biological agents in general. After employment, actual sampling
will produce a better indication of areas affected.
Indications of a Biological Attack
The NBCC will issue an NBC 3 chemical report to alert units in the immediate
downwind hazard area. The NBC 3 chemical report equates to approximately 50%
of Zone I of the simplified biological downwind hazard prediction. This warning
will be adequate for the first 1 to 5 hours (depending on wind speed) units in the
remainder of Zone I and Zone II of the biological hazard will need to receive NBC
3 biological reports for adequate warning.
The hazard area prediction will be less reliable as the distance and time from the
point of attack increases. (If the wind changes, follow the same procedures for
recalculation as for chemical hazard prediction.
The NBC 3 chemical report equates to approximately 50 percent of Zone I of the
simplified biological downwind hazard prediction. This warning will be adequate
for the first 1 to 5 hours (depending on wind speed). Units in the remainder of Zone
I and Zone II of the biological hazard will need to receive NBC 3 biological reports
for adequate warning.
All attacks during daytime and all toxin attacks must be presumed to have a cloud
5-1
FM 3-7
duration of the greatest effects of 8 hours. Only for night attack is it necessary to
compute this duration.
The 8-hour maximum for cloud duration is based upon agent decay by environmental
conditions, particle fall, and cloud dissipation. The actual effectiveness to minimum
hazard levels may extend to as much as 32 hours. (Four times the cloud duration
of greatest effects.)
Meaning of Zones for Biological Areas
Zone I-More than 20% to 30% casualties.
Zone II—20% to 30% casualties, gradually decreasing to 1% to 3% casualties.
Outside the predicted area—No more than 1 % to 3% casualties.
Type A Case a (Point Source Attack)
1. Derive the location of the attack from NBC 1 chemical report and plot the location
on a map or template.
2. Draw a 1-km radius circle around the point of attack.
3. Determine the maximum downwind hazard.
MDWHD = 4 x windspeed (kmph) x cloud duration of greatest effects * (Zone I)
- The cloud duration is a measure of the length of time a biological agent is likely to remain
effective end aerosolized in the environment.
5 - 2
FM 3-7
4. Draw a line from the point of attack along the representative downwind direction,
equal in length to the MDWHD.
5. Draw a line perpendicular to the representative wind direction, intersecting the
point of the MDWHD.
6. Extend the line along the representative wind direction for a distance twice the
radius of the circle around the attack area from GZ, in the direction behind the
attack area.
7. From the rear endpoint of the representative wind direction line, draw two lines
that intersect this point, are tangent to the attack area circle, and intersect the line
of MDWHD.
8. Erase the area bebind the attack area circle. The remaining area constitutes the
Zones I and II hazard area. The points shown on the diagram define the hazard area.
Indicate these points on line PA of the NBC 3 Report.
9. Divide the MDWHD by 4. Plot this distance along the representative wind
direction line. Draw a line perpendicular to the representative wind direction and
which intersects both tangent lines at this point. The area within this smaller plot is
the Zone I hazard area.
10. Report the two points at which the Zone I hazard line intersects the tangent lines
on line ZB of the NBC 3 biological report.
Time of attack: 0330
BMNT: 0530
wind speed: 13 kmph
wind direction: 90 deg grid
MDWHD = 4x13x4=208 km
(2 hours from time of attack to BMNT + 2 hours = 4)
Type A Case a (area attack)
1. Derive the location of the attack from NBC 1 chemical report and plot it on the
map.
2. Plot a circle with a radius of 1 km, unless the attack area radius is known to be
more than 1 km. If the attack area is known to be greater than 1 km, plot a circle
with a radius equal to the radius of the attack area around the center of the attack
area. The circle must have a minimum radius of 1 km.
3. All subsequent procedures are exactly as outlined in the Type A, Case a
point-source sample.
5-3
FM 3-7
Time of attack: 2230
BMNT: 0700
wind speed: 15 kmph
wind direction: 60 deg grid
MDWHD=4x15x8=480km
(maximum 8 hours BMNT)
Type A, Case b (linear spray)
1. Derive the location of the attack area from NBC 1 chemical report. (A number
of reports may need to be evaluated). Plot the attack area or spray line on the map.
a. Draw a line through the attack area from the start point to the end point.
2. Draw l-km-radius circles around the beginning point and endpoint of the spray
line.
3. Determine the MDWHD, as in Case a.
4. From each endpoint of the spray line, draw a line equal in length to the MDWHD
along the representative downwind direction.
5. Draw a perpendicular line intersecting the MDWHD point on the representative
wind direction line drawn from the attack area endpoint furthest downwind. This
is the line of maximum downwind hazard.
6. Extend each representative wind direction line 2 km behind each endpoint of the
spray line.
7. Draw a line from each point 2 km behind the endpoints tangent to the outer side
of each circle, until it intersects the MDWHD line.
8. Draw a line tangent to the rear of both attack circles. Erase the area behind the
attack circles. This figure encompasses the Zone II hazard area. Report the points
delineating this area.
9. Divide the MDWHD by 4. Plot this distance from the attack area endpoint furthest
downwind on the representative wind direction line. Draw a line perpendicular to
this point and which intersects both tangent lines. This smaller figure is the Zone I
hazard area. Report the point of intersection with the tangent lines as Zone I on line
ZB of the NBC 3 biological reports.
Time of attack: 0930
BMNT: 0700
wind speed: 2 kmph
wind direction: 90 deg grid
spray length: 10 km
MDWHD=4x12x8=384km
Type B (large, liquid drops, ground contaminating attack)
5 - 4
FM 3-7
1. Derive the location of the attack area from NBC 1 biological report, and plot it
on the map.
2. Draw a circle with a radius equal to the radius of the attack area. This circle
should have a minimum radius of 5 km.
3. Report the hazard area as three digits on line PA of the NBC 3 biological report.
5-5
FM 3-7
CHAPTER 6
Smoke
Smoke in the
Battlefield applications of smoke include—
Obscuring
Screening
Protecting
Marking
Offense
Friendly forces use projected, generated, and self-defense smoke toMark targets.
Obscure enemy gunners and surveillance.
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). (For
friendly LZs, DZs, and PZs the smoke is placed to restrict enemy observation
without interfering with friendly operations.)
Conceal river-crossing operations and reduction of obstacles.
Conceal logistics operations (for example, fast refuel sites).
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.
Smoke in the Defense
In the defense, forces use smoke primarily to increase survivability and counter
enemy reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. Forces use smoke in
the defense to—
Obscure enemy direct-fire gunners and artillery forward observers.
Disrupt enemy movement and command and control.
Conceal obstacle emplacement, preparation of battle positions, and movement to
alternate positions.
Conceal reconstitution, holding, and staging areas.
Conceal MSR activities.
Signal.
Mark targets.
Deceive the enemy as to areas of main effort and battle positions.
Reduce the effectiveness of enemy directed-energy weapons.
6-1
FM 3-7
Enhance air defense by degrading nap-of-earth flight patterns and forcing the
enemy to fly higher.
Silhouette targets.
Support MOUT operations.
Tactical Countermeasures
Disperse laterally and in-depth to increase lines-of-sight.
Position forward observers outside anticipated coverage.
Position laser designators to front or flanks to avoid preplanned smoke.
Position visual air defense systems on high ground.
Position thermal/MMW air defense systems in smoke.
Use obstacles to disrupt enemy timing.
Use electronic jamming to preclude adjustments of smoke.
Use remote sensor systems to track enemy progress.
Engage at choke points with indirect or preaimed direct fire.
Deceive the enemy about unit location.
Prepare positions and alternates in friendly smoke.
Conduct rigorous counter-reconnaissance.
Use decoys.
Use helicopters to identify and fire through gaps in coverage. Use remote piloted
vehicIe (RPV) to look down through smoke.
Employ scatterable mines in friendly or enemy smoke to slow an attacking enemy.
When moving in smoke, plan for tighter formations, slower speeds, and easily
recognized routes.
In the defense, prepare and rehearse movement to alternate and subsequent
positions. Use range cards, T&E mechanisms, and multiple lines-of-sight for paired
weapons. Plan for target hands-off.
Smoke coordination and reconnaissance checklists for smoke unit leaders are
outlined on Page 6-5.
Smoke Planning Process
Each echelon of command plans for smoke employment to support current and
future operations.
Integrate smoke into the overall tactical plan.
Synchronize smoke use with key events or decision points.
Base smoke planning on the same factors as the tactical plan—
Mission
Enemy situation
6 - 2
FM 3-7
Terrain
Weather
Troops available
Time
Distance
Mission considerations include—
Types of smokes and obscurants available.
Unit capabilities.
Detailed planning and preparation.
Employment techniques.
Communications.
Intelligence.
Whether the unit has successfully operated in smoke previously
Chemical staffs must coordinate with other staff sections to—
Develop estimates that define enemy capabilities and our own courses of
action.
Analyze smoke targets.
Prioritize smoke resources.
Recommend courses of action to the commander.
When the commander approves the staff estimates, the staff prepares orders that
combine smoke with combat power.
Situation and Target Development
Targeting begins with the commander’s guidance and continues through the
development of a prioritized list specifying what targets to attack and when to attack
these targets (DECIDE), plus acquiring high-payoff targets (DETECT), and what
will defeat these targets (DELIVER).
Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield
For smoke planners
Evaluation of area of interest and operation.
Terrain analysis
Weather analysis
Threat evaluation
Threat integration
Smoke Estimate
Chemical officer, in coordination with the G3/S3, FSO, and smoke unit
commander/platoon leader prepares the smoke estimate.
Estimate goes to the S2 and targeting officer for inclusion into the target value
analysis (TVA) for fire support planning, and to the S3 and chemical staff for smoke
6 - 3
FM 3-7
target planning.
Smoke Support Plan Development
Prepared simultaneously with the smoke estimate.
Obtain the restated mission/commander’s intent.
Obtain required fire and smoke planning information.
Recommend smoke support coordinating measures.
Update status displays.
Brief smoke support plan to obtain concurrence from commander (or G3/S3 as
required by local policy).
Coordinate fire support plan changes with the commander or S3 and with the
FSO.
Coordinate the smoke support plan with adjacent units.
Brief smoke unit leader(s) on the smoke annex to the OPORD.
Smoke Support Plan Execution
Use covered and concealed maneuver techniques.
Time smoke delivery with decision points, IPB, and human feedback.
Use unobscured weapons to overwatch.
Do not let your smoke silhouette your own forces.
Plan to engage through or around the smoke.
Plan for enemy countermeasures.
Plan for additional maneuver time under smoke.
Verify enemy locations (responsibility of recon).
Smoke Support Plan Execution
The impact of smoke on tactical operations mandates close coordination, control,
and planning for contingencies.
Command/staff supervision are essential to ensure the use of smoke enhances
rather than degrades mission success.
Commanders must control smoke in their areas of operation.
Smoke unit leader monitors the communications nets for the supported unit and
internal nets.
6 - 4
FM 3-7
Plan to minimize friendly force degradation from our use of smoke.
Smoke Mission Coordination Checklist for Smoke
Unit Commanders or Leaders
Grid coordinates of the smoke target area.
Tactical or operational missions to be supported.
Visibility criteria required in the smoke target area?
Type of screening smoke (haze, blanket, or curtain).
Type of smoke unit support for logistics, security, and fire support available or
needed.
Will weather and terrain influence the mission?
Anticipated duration of the mission.
Direction of known or suspected enemy forces.
Supported units’ frequencies, call signs, and brevity codes.
Signals for starting, stopping, shifting, or continuing the smoke mission.
Tactical situation in the proposed smoke area of operations concerning enemy
contact, obstacles, etcetera.
Actions taken should the smoke unit make enemy contact.
Grid coordinates of supported unit TOCs/CPs.
Challenge/password and code weds.
Fog oil and fuel (both diesel and gasoline) resupply.
Maintenance support and recovery provided.
Projected requirement for Class V.
What aviation assets will be available to supported and supporting units?
Where are LZs, and FARPs?
Smoke Recon Checklist for Smoke Unit Leaders
Locate selectcd target areas.
Determine supported and subordinate unit positions.
Designate subordinate unit smoke positions and/or lanes.
Locate smoke control point(s).
Designate supply routes, access routes, fuel resupply points, and/or fuel/fog oil
6 - 5
FM 3-7
forward prestock points if required.
Determine local weather and terrain conditions. (While it is important to note
local weather conditions at the time of the recon, the unpredictable nature of
weather necessitates that the smoke unit leader consider all possibilities when
drafting the operations order.)
Determine security support requirements and internal smoke unit defense
measures.
6 - 6
FM
3-7
Table 6-2. Wind Speed Estimation.
Observed Conditions
Smoke, vapor from breath. or dust raised by vehicles or personnel rises
vertically. No leaf rnovement.
Smoke, vapor from breath, or dust raised by vehicles or personnel
moves slightly in direction of wind. Leaves move slightly and
intermittently.
You can feet slight wind on your face. Leaves rustle.
Leaves and small twigs in constant motion.
Wind raises dust from ground. Loose paper and small branches move.
Small trees with leaves sway. Coastal wavelets form on inland waters.
Wind Speed
Kmph
0-2
3-5
6-10
11-14
15-25
26-32
Table 6-3. MOGAS Consumption (number of gallons).
Mission (Hours)
Generators
Formula
30
36
54
12
72
84
108
144
216
288
18
27
36
40
108
126
162
216
324
432
12
24
120
144
168
216
288
432
576
36
54
72
1 80
216
252
324
432
648
864
48
240
288
336
432
576
864
1.152
30
90
1 20
240
300
360
420
540
720
1 ,080
1 , 440
MPH
7-12
13-18
19-24
36
72
108
288
360
432
504
648
864
1,296
1,728
Gallons of MOGAS = mission duration (hours) times number of
generators times 3 gallons/hour.
FM 3-7
Table 6-6. Smoke Pot Placing Guide.
Wind Speed
Terrain
Description
Open/Water
Wooded
Open/Water
Wooded
Openmater
Wooded
Position Spacing
(meters)
Kmph
1-14
26-32
Formula
Mph
1-9
9-16
1 6-20
Temperature
Gradient
All: Stable
Unstable or
Neutral
All
Ait
Haze
so
60
70
40
50
30
40
Blanket
25
30
35
20
25
15
20
Distance
Smoke Line
from Target
(Meters)
250
300
350
200
250
1 so
200
Duration of Mission min
Number of pots/points required —
Burn Time of Pot (min)
CLASSIFICATION
1. Grid coordinates of the smoke mission (target location):
2. Start and stop date/time/event of smoke mission:
START Date/Time/Event:
STOP Date/Time/Event:
3. On/off-station date/time for the smoke unit(s):
ON-STATION date/time:
OFF-STATION date/time:
4. Type of visibility in the smoke required:
(Blanket: less than SO meters.) (Haze:
S. Enemy location(s)/activity:
6. Communications:
50 to 1 50 meters.)
(a) Supported unit's frequencies and callsign:
Alternate:
Primary Frequency:
Callsign:
(b) Supporting unit's frequencies and callsigns:
Primary Frequency:
Callsign:
Figure 6-7.
Alternate:
CLASSIFICATION
Sample smoke mission coordination checklist.
FM 3-7
CLASSIFICATION
7. Supporting unit's command relationship to the supported unit (DS, GS,
attached, OPCON):
8. Supported units' responsibilities to the supporting unit (for example,
maintenance, transportation, fuel, and feeding):
9. Required staff coordination for the mission: (Check applicable staff
sections.):
ENG
ALO
IO. Location of supported unit's TOC:
1 1. Challenge, password(s), and code word(s):
12. Coordination effected with subordinate units, DATE/TIME:
Coordination effected with adjacent units, DATE/TIME:
13.
14. Designate supply route(s) in/out of area:
15. Determine local weather conditions and peculiarities:
Determine any additional security requirement (for example, supporting
16.
unit requirement(s) for security forces):
17. Liaison information (between supported unit and supporting unit):
18. Smoke operation overlay:
19. After action report (AAR) to division NBCC:
Date/Time Mission Started:
Duration of Mission:
Fog Oil/MOGAS Consumption:
Mission Issues/Problems:
Mission Results (success or failure):
CLASSIFICATION
Figure 6-1 (cont'd). Sample smoke mission coordination
checklist
6-10
FM 3-7
CHAPTER 7
Flame Field Expedients
Flame Field Expedients (FFE) Checklists
Location of Fuel Mixing Site
No fire hazards
Firm, well-drained terrain
Convenient to supply delivery
Central location
Well-ventilated and outdoors
Posted with NO SMOKING signs
Employment in the Offense
Raids
Ambushes
Low-intensity conflicts
MOUT operations
Employment in the Defense
Reinforce obstacles
Augment final protective fires
Cover dead spaces and gaps in the
defense
Illuminate critical areas of the battle
Items neceesary to mix fuel
Water-free, standard-issue gasoline,
JP4, JP5, or JP8 fuels.
Nongalvanized fuel containers
Wooden paddles
Air hose and air supply source
M4 fuel-thickening compound
FM 3-11 or FM 5-250
Unthickened fuel (a 60/40 mixture of
gasoline and oil)
Basic items required to construct
an exploding device
Container to hold the fuel
Fuel (thickened or unthickened)
Buster: explosive charge
Igniter: trip flare, M34 wP
Grenade, raw gasoline
Method of initiation: blasting caps
Basic items required to construct an
illuminating FFE
Container to hold the fuel
Fuel (thickened or unthickened)
Igniter: trip flare
7-1
FM 3-7
Safe Handling and Minimum Safe Distance
for Explosives
Safe Handling
Handling, transport, and storage of
explosive items must conform to
caps, and demolitions must—
Personnel handing explosives, blasting
AR 385-63 and local regulations.
Responsibility for preparing, placing,
Follow safety rules.
and firing of charges must not be
Observe post regulations.
divided. Supervising all phases of
Adhere to local unit SOPS.
the mission must rest with one person.
Minimum Safe Distance for Missile Hazard
The MSD table gives distances at which personnel in the open are relatively safe
from missiles created by bare charges placed in or on the ground, regardless of type
or condition of the soil. See AR 385-63 and FM 5-250 for further details.
Fire and Burn Safety
Thickened flame fuel—
Bums much longer than raw gasoline.
Sticks to objects and continues to bum.
Cannot be stamped out with a boot, it will only spread and continue to burn.
Burning Fuel on Personnel
If burning fuel splashes on an individual, he or she must react as follows:
DO NOT run (running can result in extensive and severe burns).
React quickly to extinguish the fire.
Fall to the ground, face down, if burning fuel is on the front.
Fall to the ground, face up, if burning fuel is on the back.
Remain motionless.
Smother the flame by depriving it of oxygen.
7 - 2
FM 3-7
Soldiers not affected by the flame must —
React quickly to help smother the flame.
Use soil, sand, canvas, or C02 tire extinguishers (in training).
Use BDU garments, poncho liners, or shelter halves (in combat).
Burning Fuel on Equipment
If FFE fires are on equipment, personnel must use either standard Army C02 fire
extinguishers or expedients (water, sand, soil, other nonflammable dry substances).
Detection of Water in Gasoline
Water in gasoline is one of the chief causes of poor or unsatisfactory flame fuel.
When mixing flame fuel, assume that all gasoline contains water unless it has just
been removed.
Water in gasoline is most easily detected by sampling the liquid at the bottom of
the container with an aspirator.
Removing Water from Gasoline
Siphon
Tilt the drum and allow it to stand for several minutes. Water will accumulate in
the lowest portion of the drum. Insert a flexible tube or hose and siphon off the
water. See FM 3-11 for additional methods.
Fuel Mixing Procedures
1. Determine quantity of M4 thickener needed.
Rule of thumb: Number of ounces of M4 thickener = gals of gasoline x 3
(constant)
Example M4 = 50 gallons of gasoline x 3
M4 = 150 ounces of my fuel thickening compounds = 3 3/4 cans
(2 1/2 pounds each) of M4 thickener to be added to the gasoline.
2. Add unclotted M4 thickener to gasoline while stirring.
3. Mix until applesauce texture is achieved (5-10 minutes).
4. Allow the fuel to age for 6 to 8 hours (can be emplaced while aging). Although
aging is desirable, newly mixed fuel may be fired with acceptable results.
Unthickened Fuel
When M4 (or Ml) fuel thickening compound is not available, an acceptable
alternative fuel can be prepared using a 60% - 40% combination of MO GAS and
oil. (NOTE: Any kind of oil will work, such as standard 30 weight motor oil, fog
oil, or crank case draining. ) The best oil to use is 90 weight oil. Example: In a
7 - 3
FM 3-7
55-gallon drum, 30 gallons of MOGAS should be mixed with 20 gallons of oil. Join
the two substances and shake or stir vigorously for a minute or two. The fuel is
now ready for use.
Exploding Flame Devices
See FM 3-11 for step-by-step instructions.
Vertical Flame Mine with Detonating cord
Area coverage is approximately 50 to 80 meters in diameter. Each 55-gallon flame
land mine requires the following:
One 55-gallon container.
Fitly gallons of gasoline.
One hundred feet of detonating cord.
Two electric blasting caps.
One hundred and fifty ounces of M4 thickening compound.
One M49 trip flare or (in combat) M34 WP grenade.
Six or seven sandbags.
7 - 4
FM 3-7
The illustration below shows a horizontal exploding 55-gallon flame device
(detonating cord).
Area coverage is approximately 80 to 10 meters in diameter. Each horizontal
55-gallon flame land mine requires the following:
One 55-gallon container.
Fifty gallons of gasoline.
One hundred feet of detonating cord.
Two electric blasting caps.
One hundred and fifty ounces of M4 thickening compound.
One M49 trip flare or (in combat) M34 WP grenade.
Two 1.25-pound blocks of composition C4 or two l-pound blocks of TNT.
5-Gallon Flame Device
The illustration below shows a 5-gallon fragmentation exploding flame device
(explosive charge or M4 burster). Area coverage is approximately 20 to 25 meters.
Each 5-gallon flame device requires the following:
One 5-gallon container.
Five gallons of gasoline.
Twenty-five feet of detonating cord.
Two electric blasting caps.
One M4 field incendiary burster.
Fifteen ounces of M4 thickening compound.
7 - 5
FM 3-7
55-Gallon Flame Fougasss Container
Area coverage is approximately 150 to 200 meters in diameter.
Each 55-gallon flame fougasse device requires the following:
One 55-gallon drum.
Fifty gallons of gasoline.
One hundred feet of detonating cord.
Two electric blasting caps.
Two 1.25-pound blocks of composition C4 or two l-pound blocks of TNT.
One hundred and fifty ounces of M4 thickening compound.
One M49 trip flare or (in combat) M34 WP grenade.
Fifty to eighty sandbags.
One ammunition-can flame bunker bomb requires the following eight items:
One small-arms ammunition container.
One gallon of gasoline.
Fifty feet of detonating cord.
One nonelectric blasting cap.
One M60 fuse igniter.
Seven and a half feet of M700 time fuse.
Three ounces of M4 thickening compound.
One M49 trip flare or (in combat) M34 WP grenade.
7 - 6
FM 3-7
Area coverage is approximately 5 to 10 meters in diameter. The bunker
bomb is designed as a portable FFE device to be used during mobile defensive
operations or raids into enemy rear areas during deep operations. This device is
ideally suited for use in built-up areas during mobile operations in urban terrain.
Propellant Charge Container
Area coverage is approximately 30 to 45 meters in diameter. Each propellant charge
fougasse requires the following:
One metal cylinder or propellant charge container.
Three gallons of gasoline.
One hundred feet of detonating cord.
Two electric blasting caps.
Nine ounces of M4 thickening compound.
One M49 trip flare or (in combat) M34 WP grenade.
One 1.25-pound block of composition C4.
Twenty to thirty sandbags.
The 155 powder charge Fougasse has a range of approximately 30 to 40 meters.
7 - 7
FM 3-7
Flame Illuminators
The Husch-type flare is a sealed, metal container (powder canister) 3/4 full of
thickened fuel with a 1/8 to 3/16th-inch hole in the bottom. The container is placed
with cap end down in half of a 55-gallon drum 3/4 full of thickened fuel. A reflector
assembly made from 24-inch culvert should extend about 24 inches above the top
of the drum half rim (figure below). When the fuel in the drum half is ignited, the
heat from the burning fuel produces vapor in the powder canister, this vapor is
7 - 8
FM 3-7
expelled as a burning jet through the hole in the canister.
A Husch-type flare will illuminate an area of about 50 meters radius for 4 to 5 hours.
Methods of Firing
Exploding flame devices can be wired to fire electrically on an individual basis, in
groups, or with simultaneous ignition. Also, they may be rigged with trip wires for
immediate or delayed firing.
NOTE: Electric and nonelectric blasting caps can be used with various bursters
or igniters.
An exploding or illuminating FFE device can be constructed, emplaced and
camouflaged by 3 trained soldiers in less than an hour, provided all necessary
equipment is on hand and the selected shot sites designated in advance.
Alternative explosive charges
Although M4 field incendiary bursters are designed specifically for field expedient
flame weapons, this does not mean they are the only charge to be used. Alternative
explosive charges, such as composition C4, TNT, claymore mines or detonating
cord, may be used in lieu of M4 bursters to produce a powerful explosion.
7 - 9
FM 3-7
APPENDIX A
Combat Orders
Combat orders are written or oral communications used to transmit information
pertaining to combat operations.
Warning Order
A warning order gives advance notice of a contemplated action or order which is
to follow. Although a warning order has no prescribed format, all known elements
should be included. Figure A-1 represents a suggested format.
Operation Order (OPORD)
The operation order sets
-forth the organization for combat (task organization), the
situation, the mission, the commander’s decision and plan of action, and the details
of the execution needed to ensure coordinated action by a unit. The standard OPORD
format is shown in Figure A-2.
A-O
FM 3-7
CLASSIFICATION
OPORD NO.
REFERENCES. List any maps or documents needed to understand the order or
that were used in the preparation of the order.
TIME ZONE USED THROUGHOUT THE ORDER:
TASK ORGANIZATION:
1. SITUATION
a. Enemy forces
(I) Situation (enemy, weather, and terrain)
(2) Capabilities
(3) Probable course of action
b. Friendly forces
(1) Mission of your parent unit
(2) Mission of unit providing your support
(3) Mission and/or route of adjacent units that may affect your operation
c. Attachments and detachments
2. MISSION
Who, what, when, where (coordinates). and why
3. EXECUTION
e. Concept of operation. The overall plan (scheme of maneuver) for the unit
and plan for fire support (refer to annex).
b. Commander's intent. How commander views the upcoming operations.
c. Sub-unit missions. For sections, teams and individuals.
d. Coordinating instructions
(1) Time schedule
(2) Formations and order of movement
(3) Route (primary and alternate)
(4) Movement within friendly front lines
(5) Rally points and actions at rally points
(6) Actions on enemy contact at danger areas and at the objective
(7) Nuclear, biological, and chemical {NBC) safety instructions and
mission-oriented protective posture (MOPP) level and Priority
intelligence requirements (PIR)
(9) Fire support (if not already discussed)
(10) Rehearsal and inspections
(11) Debriefing (including essential elements of information (EEI). other
intelligence requirements (OIR), time, and place
(12) Annexes (other actions may be covered separately)
CLASSIFICATION
Figure A-2. Format for an operation order.
FM 3-7
CLASSIFICATION
4. SERVICE SUPPORT
a. Supply
(1) Rations
(2) Uniforms
(3) Arms and ammunitions
(4) Captured material
b. Transportation
c. Medical evacuation
d. Personnel
e. Prisoners of war
S. COMMAND AND SIGNAL
a. Command
(1) Commander leader location
(2) Chein of command.
b. Signal
(1) Frequencies and call signs
(2) Pyrotechnics and signals
(3) Challenges and passwords
Cade words
NOTES:
1. The OPORD heading items may be omitted depending on the situation.
2. Details under subparagraphs should be tailored to provide all relevant and
essential information.
3. Items covered by standing operating procedures (SOP) need not be
covered in the OPORD.
CLASSIFICATION
Figure A-2. Format for an operation order (continued).
FM
(Classification)
(Change from oral orders, if any)
copies
Copy _ of
Issuing Headquarters
3-7
Place of issue (may be in code)
Date-time Group of signature
Message Reference Number
ANNEX _ (CHEMICAL SUPPORT) TO OPERATION ORDER NO
References: Map, charts, and other relevant documents.
1. SITUATION.
a. Enemy Forces. Information should include:
(Intelligence) to OPORD
See annex
e Capabilities of enemy NBC weapon systems (munitions/agents).
Decontamination/reconnaissance assets.
b. Friendly Forces. Information conceming NBC decontamination,
reconnaissance, and smoke assets, not covered by the operation order,
that are available in higher, adjacent, supporting, and reinforcing units.
c. Attachments and Detachments. List the NBC decontamination, smoke,
and reconnaissance units attached to or detached from the issuing
headquarters.
d. Assumptions (OPLAN Only). Include information on the ability of
friendly forces to conduct chemical operations and defend against NBC
attack. Include assumptions as to the probability of enemy use of NBC
weapons. Include assumptions of vulnerability of civilian population to
NBC attack.
2. MISSION. See basic OPORD.
3. EXECUTION.
a. Concept of Operations. The concept for employment of NBC
decontamination, reconnaissance, and smoke assets should be described.
Priorities for NBC reconnaissance, decontamination, and smoke support
established.
b. In subsequent, separate lettered subparagraphs, state the specific tasks
to be accomplished by NBC decontamination, smoke, and reconnaissance
assets.
(Chemical Fire Support Plan) to
c. Fire Support. See appendix
(Fire Support) to OPORD
annex
(Classification)
Figure A-3. Mode/ Chemical Support Annex.
FM
3-7
(Classification)
d. Coordinating Instructions.
(1) Operational exposure guidance.
(2) Troop safety criteria.
(3) MOPP level.
(4) Location of decontamination sites.
(5) Directions for rendering assistance to local populace.
IRI nthar onnre{inntinn nr enntrnl mensures Rnnlic:nhle to two or
more elements of the command.
4. SERVICE SUPPORT.
a. General. Division installations remain in present locations. Annex H
b. Material and Services. Information pertaining to availability, procedure for
distributing, prestock points, location of decontamination sites, and
transportation of NBC defense supplies, materiel, decontaminants, and
chemical munitions.
5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL.
a. Command. Location of primary and alternate NBC defense units.
b. Signal.
(1) Procedures for requesting NBC defense support.
(2) Fmernenev NRC attack Riana'- if different from that soecified in the
SOP.
(3) Designate NBC 1 (nuclear) observers.
Acknowledgment instructions.
Last name of commander
Rank
Authentication:
Appendixes:
Distribution:
(Classification)
Pirmræ n-? Mndæl Chemical Sunnnrt Annex(continued}-
FM
(Classification)
Copy _ of _ copies
Issuing Headquarters
Date-time Group
3-7
Message Reference Number
ANNEX _ (SMOKE SUPPORT) to OPLAN/OPORD
References: Map, charts, smoke overlays, and other relevant documents.
Time zone used throughout the order:
1. SITUATION.
a. Enemy Forces. See Annex (inteiiigence) to ur-LAlwurunu
b. Friendly Forces. Include information concerning smoke assets, not
covered by the operation order, that are available in higher, adjacent,
supporting. and reinforcing units.
c. Attachments and Detachments. List assets supporting the smoke
mission, attached to. or detached from the issuing headquarters.
2. MISSION. State the smoke mission, including deception operations.
3. EXECUTION.
(Commander's intent).
a. Concept of Operation. From next higher headquarters commander.
(Describe the concept for employment of smoke assets, to include
priorities. Cover the role of smoke in support of the division deception
plan.)
b. (In subsequent lettered subparagraphs, give the specific tasks to be
accomplished by smoke assets.)
c. Coordinating Instructions. (State coordination or control applicable to two
or more elements of the command.)
4. SERVICE SUPPORT.
a. Material and Services. (Include information pertaining to availability,
procedure for distribution, prestock points, and transportation of smoke
aenerator fuel and other supplies.)
b. Miscellaneous
(Classification)
Figure A-4. Model Smoke Support Annex.
FM 3-7
(Classification)
5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL.
a. Commend. (State procedures for control of smoke assets, and location of
primary and alternate command posts.)
b. Signal. CEOI reference.
(COMMANDER)
(AUTHENTICATION)
1 ENCLOSURE (Operation overlay is enclosed)
Describe enclosure (if there is one)
DISTRIBUTION:
(Classification)
Figure A-4. Model Smoke Support Annex (continued).
FM 3-7
Fragmentary Order
A fragmentary order is used to change or modify the OPORD. It normally follows
the OPORD format but only includes the items to be changed or modified.
A-7
FM 3-7
(Classification)
copies
Copy _ of
Issuing Headquarters
Place of issue (may be in code)
Date-time Group of signature
Message Reference Number
SITUATION REPORT NO
Period covered: (date end time to date and time).
References: Maps (series number, sheet(s), edition, scale).
1. ENEMY
a. Units in contact.
b. Enemy reserves that can affect local situation.
c. Brief description of enemy activity during period covered by report.
d. Brief estimate of enemy strength, materiel means, morale, and his
probable knowledge of our situation.
e. Conclusions covering courses of action open to enemy.
2. OWN SITUATION
a. Location of forward elements.
b. Location of units, headquarters, and boundaries.
c. Location of adjacent units and supporting troops.
d. Brief description and results of operations during periods of report.
e. Noneffective units.
3. ADMINISTRATION
General statement of the administrative situation, if other than normal, as it
directly affects the tactical situation.
4. GENERAL
Information not covered elsewhere.
S. COMMANDER'S EVALUATION
To be completed when directed by higher authority.
Authentication:
Commander
Annexes:
Distribution:
(Classification)
Figure A-6. Format for Operational Situation Report.
(Based on STANAG No. 2020. Operational Situation Reports)
(NOTE: Omit subparagraphs not applicable.)
FM 3-7
APPENDIX B
NBC Defense Equipment and
Training Items
B-1
FM
3-7
Table B-2. Training Items
Nomenclature
AN/TDQ-TI, Large Area Radiac Training Set (TSC Local)
Atomic Explosion Simulator, MI 42
Gloves, Neoprene, Training, Small
Medium
Large
Grenade, Hand, Riot, CS. M7A3 (16
Polyethylene Glycol-200 (PEG 200), 55 Gal
Refills, Training Kit, M58A 1
Riot Control Agent. ABC, CS Capsule (50 ea)
Simulator, Projectile. Airburst, Liquid (SPAL) M9
Talc. Tech, T3, 8 lb
Training Kit, M58A1
Adapter, Sampling
Decontaminating Kit, Skin, ,M291 (Dual Purpose)
Simulator, Automatic Alarm, MBI (Locat TSC)
netnetnr Kit Trnininn M 956
Training Device Diazepam Injection Automatic
Applicator, Disposable
Brush, Acid
Brush, Cleaning
Brush. Dusting
Brush, Scrub
Calcium, Hypo
Cleaning Compound
Cheesecloth
Alcohol, Rubbing
Knife. Pocket
Lacquer, Black
N-Amyl Acetate (Banana
Pail, Utility
Paint, Face Camofl.
Polish, Plastic
Spoon, Measuring
Drafting Set, Plotting
Goggles
Riot Control Agent, ABC,
Talc, Tech, T3, 8 lbs.
Oil)
CS
Pint Container
Capsule (50 ea)
NSN
6930-01-060-1627
FSC-DODIC 1370-L605
8415-01-081-8314
8415-01-081-8315
8415-01-081-8316
-R-Q17
FSC-DODIC 1330-G963
6810-01-074-9719
6910-01-113-2434
FSC-DODIC 1365-1<765
1 370-01-047-3479 L595
6810-00-142-9849
6910-01-101-1768
6910-01-113-3754
4230-01-276-1905
6665-01-088-4789
6665-01-1 1 2-1644
6910-01-275-4833
6510-00-3030-8250
7920-00-514-2417
1005-00-494-6602
7920-00-205-0565
7920-00-061-0037
6810-00-242-4770
6850-00-592-3283
8305-00-222-2423
6505-00-655-8366
51 10-00-162-2205
8010-00-085-0559
6810-00-123-7047
7 240-01-094-4305
6850-00-161-6203
7930-00-935-3794
7330-00-875-6912
FSD-DODIC 1365-K765
6810-00-142-9849
FM
3-7
28 CM—q
Name of Agent (If
Date and Time of
c,
Known)
Detection
Name of A ent (If Known)
Date and T?me of Detectlon
ATOM
Dose Rate
Date and Time of Reading
Date and Time of Burst
(If Known)
Surface of Marker Facing
Away From Contamination
(Front)
GAS MINES
Chemical Agent In Mine
Date of Emplacement
Surface of Marker Facing
APPENDIX C
NBC Signs
CHEMICAL
Yellow Background
Wlth Red Lettering
BIOLOGICAL
Blue Background
With Red Lettering
RADIOLOGICAL
White Background
With Black Lettering
CHEMtCAL MINEFIELD
(UNEXPLODED MINES)
Red Background
With Yellow Lettering
and Stripe
Surface of Marker Facing
Contamination (Back)
Surface of Marker Facing
Minefleld (Back)
Away From Minefield (Front)
Figure C-1. NBC contamination marking signs.
c-1
Warsaw Pact Markers
3APAXEHO
qEPE3 5300M
Baer ground: Red
L •t t •rt•g:
Rectangle on th• side
cont•tnc coal•mlnatio.a
symbol.
OD Chemic.t
3APAXEHO
AR arrow (dotted 11M on
Indicet•s dlr•ctlon of con•ret. A set
Indlcetes • dec»tyniMtee path
the A to
the of the
width of this peot.
3APAXEHO
66bE3A
HEPE3 1400M
A1 U.. bottom sign HEPE3
(whICh mens across. over. or
followed bg 0 number
dlst•nc
.crø.s contornlnot.d •reo.
YEPE3 Is crossed out end
rept.ctdbg O'bE3A (d'taw),
Soviet Contamination Markers
3APAXEHO
flag
Cloth n.g
Coir; PIIOW
In nag ts for
det•.
3APAXEHO
Figure C-2.
Bodlo:oglcel cone•mlnatlon flag
Cloth flag
O•ckground colors:
I cGy/hr
Yellow
5 cGy/hr
Red
multicolor- '100
Threat Markers. Former Warsaw Pact.
c-2
FM 3-7
APPENDIX D
Tactical Operations
MEDEVAC Request
1. Location of pick-up site.
2. Radio frequency, call sign, suffix.
3. Number of patients.
4. Special equipment required.
5. Number of patients by type of casualty (litter, walking wounded).
6. Security of pick-up site.
7. Method of marking of pick-up site.
8. Patient nationality and status.
9. NBC contamination (omit if NA).
Troop-leading Procedures
1. Receive the mission.
2. Issue the warning order.
3. Makes tentative plan.
4. Conduct coordination.
5. Make a reconnaissance (map, physical).
6. Complete the plan.
7. Issue the order.
8. Inspect/supervise/refine.
Declination Diagrams
The declination diagram (usually located in the lower right margin of a map)
graphically illustrates the relationships between grid north (symbolized by the letters
GN), true north (symbolized by a star), and magnetic north (symbolized by a half
arrowhead). Typical declination diagrams are shown in the figure D-1.
D-1
FM 3-7
Of particular interest to the military user is the relationship of grid north to magnetic
north, since this defines the relation of azimuth directions on the map (grid) to an
Azimuth obtained with a compass (magnetic). This relationship (the GM angle), is
expressed in degrees and minutes and accompanies the declination diagram. Some
maps also contain a note for converting from grid to magnetic azimuth and from
magnetic to grid azimuth as shown. When the note is not given, conversion must
be determined based on the declination diagram.
NOTE: Declination diagrams and GM Angles vary from map to map. Users
should exercise extreme care to insure that the proper conversions from grid
to magnetic azimuth or magnetic to grid azimuth are used.
To convert a magnetic azimuth to a grid azimuth, subtract the GM angle.
To convert a magnetic azimuth to a grid azimuth, add the GM angle
To convert a grid azimuth to a magnetic azimuth, add the GM angle.
To convert a grid azimuth to a magnetic azimuth, subtract the GM angle.
Combat Preparations
Tactical Road Marches
Movement Order
Movement order of briefing should include as a
minimum the following:
Enemy and friendly situation.
Destination.
Start, critical, release, and rally points.
Rate of march and catch up speed.
Support (indirect, direct, and medical)
and communications.
Actions on contact.
Order of march.
Route/alternate route.
Spot Report
1. Size
2. Activity
3. Location
4. Unit/Uniform
5. Time
6. Equipment
Distance between vehicles (day -50 meters; night -25 meters).
Departure time.
Location of commander.
Lead vehicle (security/reconnaissance).
March security
Each vehicle must be assigned a sector of fire. Vehicle crew maintains a 360-degree
observation and an air guard.
D-2
FM 3-7
Halts
Security is first priority on any scheduled, unscheduled, or disabled vehicle halt.
Defense Planning Considerations
1. Establish Security (OP/Patrols/PEWs, M8)
2. Position Key Weapons:
a. Coordinate w/units on left and right
b. Establish FPF or PDF for MG.
c. Mutual support between MG.
d. Cover armor approaches with antiarmor systems.
e. Establish fire control measures.
3. Prepare Positions:
a. Cheek sectors of fire.
b. Check overhead cover and view
c. Position in depth and achieve support between positions.
d. Select/Prepare alternate and supplementary positions.
4. Integrate indirect fires, CAS and obstacles with direct and indirect fires.
5. Check commo and establish emergency signals.
6. Designate ammo, supply, PW, and casualty points.
D-3
FM 3-7
NUT'ON
DYLECTN
MUAR";
DA.Fotm
Figure D-3.
STMDARO RMGE CAD
sæez
DATA SECTm
DATE
38
EACH CIRCLE EQUALS
ELEVATION
15
METERS
RANGE
AMMO
MAGNETDC
NORTH
DESCRPTON
PDF LWDG0RJ
g.4RM
VE06ER0W
Example of completed DA Form 5517-R.
o AR
AR
AR
AR
FM 3-7
AB003
TREES
FOX
TREES
AB004
TRP
ABOOI
ALT
AR
TRP
AB002
STREAM—
ROAD
Figure D4. Example of a platoon sector sketch.
FM 3-7
Bivouac and Assembly Areas
Area must be organized to provide a continuous 360-degree perimeter security.
When any element leaves the perimeter, either shrink the perimeter or redistribute
the perimeter responsibilities. Crew-served weapons are the basis for the unit
defense. Individual weapons provide security for the crew-served weapons and must
have overlapping sectors of fire.
Section characteristics are:
Concealment.
Cover from direct and indirect fire.
Defendable terrain.
Drainage and a surface that will support vehicles.
Exits and entrances, and adequate internal roads or trails.
Space for dispersion of vehicles, personnel, and equipment.
Suitable landing site nearby for supporting helicopters.
Quartering party responsibilities are:
Reconnoiters the area.
Checks the area for NBC hazards.
Cheeks the area for obstacles and mines, then marks or removes them.
Marks platoon and squad sectors.
Selects a command post location.
Selects a company trains location.
Provides guides for the incoming unit(s) to accomplish immediate occupation.
Recommended priority of work:
Post local security (LP/OP).
Position crew-served weapons (combat engineer vehicle (CEV), antitank (AT)
weapons, and machine guns) and chemical alarms.
Assign individual fighting positions.
Clear fields of fire, prepare range cards and camouflage vehicles.
Prepare hasty fighting positions.
Install/change to land line communication.
Emplace obstacles and mines.
Construct primary fighting positions.
D-6
FM 3-7
Prepare alternate and supplementary fighting positions.
Stockpile ammunition, food, and water.
Recommend actions at the bivouac and assembly area are
Reorganization.
Weapons check.
Maintenance.
Distribution of supplies.
Rest and personal hygiene.
Consumption of rations.
Fire Support Procedures and Characteristics
Call for Fire Elements
Identification
Call signs.
Warning order
Type mission, adjust fire, fire for effect, immediate suppression. Method of target
location: grid, polar, shift from known point.
Target location
Grid: six-digit grid (degrees (roils, or cardinal directions) direction
Polar: direction (degrees, roils, or cardinal directions) distance vertical correction
(fire direction center must know observer location)
Shift: right/left from known point
add/drop from known point
vertical correct from known point
(fire direction center must have known point)
Target description
Size, number, type, degree of protection, status.
Method of engagement (optional)
Ammunition/fuze desired, sheaf corrections, high angle, danger close.
Method of tire and control (optional)
At my command, time on target, request splash.
Adjustments
The adjustments that may be needed to obtain round on target arc spotting, lateral,
and range.
Spotting
Is where round lands in relation to target, such as short or long and number of roils
right or left of target. Example of spottings: short 40 right or long 50 left.
D-7
FM 3-7
Lateral correction (right/left)
Adjust the lateral shift from impact to observer target (OT) line in meters.
Corrections of 20 meters or less will be ignored until firing for effect.
W = Rm W = Lateral shift correction in meters
m = mils between burst and target
R = OT factor = target range (to nearest 1,000 meters)
1,000
NOTE: If target range is less than 1,000 meters, round to nearest 100 meters.
Range correction (up/down)
Mechanical time fuze only. Initial range shift correction is used to bracket target
(Table D-3).
Range deviation
Target location examples
Grid Coordinates
"F6A15, THIS IS F6A27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Call signs of the fire direction center
(FDC) and observer.
ADJUST FIRE, OVER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Warning to alert the firing unit.
"GRID 135246, OVER.". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Normally, a six-digit grid is best.
"2 MACHINE GUNS FIRING. . . . . . . . . Description of the target.
VT IN EFFECT, OVER". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adjustment is conducted with fuze quick.
Fuze variable time (VT) will be used in
fire for effect.
"DIRECTION 1650, OVER. . . . . . . . . . . . . Must be sent before or with first correction.
D-8
Polar Coordinates
'' F6A15, THIS 1S F6A27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Call signs of the FDC and observer.
FIRE FOR EFFECT, POLAR, OVER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Warning to alert the firing unit.
"DIRECTION 0250 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Direction from the observer to the
target.
FM 3-7
DISTANCE 3500, OVER.". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Distance from the observer to the
target.
"25 INFANTRYMEN IN OPEN. . . . . . . . . . . .Description of the target.
ICM, AT MY COMMAND, OVER.". . . . . . . . .Improved capabilities missile (ICM)
rounds will be used. The observer
will command FIRE at the
appropriate time after the FDC
informs the observer that the tiring
unit is READY.
NOTE: Direction must be given before any subsequent corrections when
adjusting fires
Shift From A Known Point
"F6A1, THIS IS F 6A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Call signs of the FDC and observer.
FIRE FOR EFFECT, SHIFT
BG43, OVER. '' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Warning to alert the firing unit.
"DIRECTION 5470 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Direction from the observer to the
target.
LEFT 400,OVER. '' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The target is located 400 meters to
the left of BG43 and at the same
range. (Lateral shift or range
changes can be omitted when not
needed.)
"25 INFANTRYMEN IN SHALLOW . . . . .Description of the target.
FOXHOLES, VT IN EFFECT, OVER. ". . . . . . .Airbursts are most effective against
protected personnel without
overhead cover.
Fratricide Risk Assessment Matrix
Example of Unit Defense Perimeter TACSOP
A. Upon arrival to new site, ALL personnel:
(1) Position mission-essential vehicles for easy access to main avenue of approach.
(2) Drape camouflage over all vehicles.
(3) Prepare hasty fighting positions.
Range cards
Fields of tire
Concealment
Berms
Choose M60 positions
Choose primary line of tire
(4) Choose secondary positions.
(5) Run TA-1 wire to M60/Forward dismount point.
D - 9
FM 3-7
B. If no enemy action is imminent, reduce security to 1/4, and:
(6) Improve vehicle camouflage.
(7) Download vehicles.
(8) Prepare biouvac:
CP first
292 and PRC-77
Tentage
Camo systems
Latrine site
Garbage site
Concertina wire
Hasty minefield
(9) Perform daily PMCS on ALL equipment.
(10) Prepare duty rosters.
(11) Improve fighting positions:
Overhead cover
Concealment
Early warning devices
Pyrotechnics
What can a commander expect from his chemical staff?
D-10
FM 3-7
TOC OPERATION CHECKLIST
Section I: Mission requirements.
1. All radios (AM/FM) are operational and manned by qualified
personnel.
2. Situation map is posted with the current operation(s) and updated
YES
NO
3. The Staff Duty Journal (DA Form 1594) is opened as soon as TOC
is operational, and all significant developments are entered on the
form.
Section II: Additional requirements that improve efficiency and
survivability.
A n ætc n npnc•a
5. Planning map and/or planning overlays are available to the
commander.
K defenewe eeetnr«_ Rnd hnst_v defensive
positions are prepared.
7. Access to TOC is controlled (e.g., concertina and sentries
positioned and ID badges used).
8. TOC duty shifts are designated.
9. Vehicles, equipment, and positions are camouflaged.
10 Fncilities are blacked out.
11. Generators are sandbagged.
12. Fighting positions are improved.
D-11
FM 3-7
A P P E N D I X
Conversions and Measurements
Conversion Factors
E-O
FM 3-7
To Convert—
Kilograms
Kilometers
Liters
Meters
Miles
Miles (Nautical)
Milliliters
Mittimeters
Ounces
Ounces (Fluid)
Ounces (British Fluid)
Toa
Long Tons
Metric Tons
Feet
Miles
Fluid Ounces
Quarts
Gallons
British Gallons
Cubic Inches
Cubic Feet
Cubic Meters
Cubic Yards
Inches
Feet
Yards
Nautical
Feet
Yards
Meters
Miles
Statute Miles
Fluid Minnnims
Fluid Drams
Cubic Ounces
Inches
Inches
Grains
Drams
Pounds
Grams
Kilograms
Minims
Quarts
Gallons
Cubic Inches
Cubic Feet
Milliliters
Liters
Teaspoons
Tablespoons
Fluid Ounces US
Multiply Bya
0.00098
0.001
3,280.8
0.62137
33.814
1 .05669
0.2642
0.21 98
61.02374
0.03531
0.001
0.00131
39.37
3.2808
1 .094
0.869
5,280
1 ,760
1.609.344
1.1508
1 6.231
0.2705
0.0338
0.061
0.03937
437.5
16
0.0625
28.34952
0.02835
480
0.0625
0.031 25
0.00781
1 .80469
0.00104
29.57353
0.02957
0.96
FM 3-7
To Convert—
Pound s
Pounds of Water
Quarts (Dry)
Quarts (Fluid)
Square Centimeters
Square Feet
Square Inches
Square Meters
Square Miles
Square Yards
Tons (Long)
Tons (Short)
Tons (Metric)
Yards
Ton
Ounces
Grams
Kilograms
Short Tons
Long Tons
Metric Tons
Gallons
Cubic Inches
Fluid Ounces
Cubic Inches
Cubic Feet
Millimeters
Uters
Square Inches
Square Feet
Square Inches
Square Yards
Square Centimeters
Square Meters
Square Centimeters
Square Feet
Square Yards
Acres
Square Kilometers
Square Meters
Pounds
Kilograms
Short Tons
Metric Tons
Pounds
Kilograms
Long Tons
Metric Tons
Pounds
Kilograms
Long Tons
Short Tons
Centimeters
Meters
Multiply Byu
16
453.6
0.453592
0.0005
0.0004466
0.0004536
0.1198
67.2006
32
57.749
0.033421
946.358
o. 946333
0.00108
144
929
0.0929
6.452
10.765
1.196
640
2.589998
0.836
2.240
1.016.185
1.12
2,000
907.1 85
0.89286
0.907185
2,204.62
1 .ooo
0.984206
1.10231
91 .44
0.9144
FM
Drum,
3-7
Decontaminant Containers Measurements and Weights
Containers
55-gallon, 1 6-gage
(NSN 81 10-00-597-2353)
Drum, 55-gallon, 1 8-gage
(NSN 81 10-00-292-9783)
Ash and Garbage Can,
32-gailon (GI can)
(NSN
Gasoline Can. 5-gallon
(NSN 7240-00-178-8286)
Pail, 5-gallon, DS2
(NSN 7240-00-575-2243)
Drum, 8-gallon, STB, 16-gage Cubage —1 .4 cubic feet
(NSN 6850-00-297-6693)
Measurement
Cubage —1 2 cubic feet
Length —35 inches
Width —27.5 inches
Cubage —1 2 cubic feet
Length —35 inches
Width —27.5 inches
Cubage —7 cubic feet
Length
—26.5 inches
Width —20 inches
Cubage —1 cubic Teet
Length —18.50 inches
Width —6.75 inches
Cubage —1 cubic feet
Length —13.75 inches
Width —1 1 .12 inches
Length —14 inches
Width —14 inches
Weights
Empty, 70 pounds
Filled with water, 526 pounds
Filled with STB (slury), 600 pounds
Filled with DS2, 507 pounds
Empty, 50 pounds
Filled with water, 506 pounds
Filled with STB (slury), 600 pounds
Filled with DS2, 487 pounds
Empty, 33 pounds
Filled with water, 300 pounds
Filled with STB (slury), 353 pounds
Filled with DS2, 288 pounds
Empty, 10,5 pounds
Filled with water, 52 pounds
Filled with STB (slury), 66 pounds
Filled with DS2, 50 pounds
Empty, 6 pounds
Filled with water, 48 pounds
Filled with STB (stury), 61 pounds
Filled with DS2, 46 pounds
Empty, 1 1 pounds
Filled with water, 78 pounds
Filled with STB (slury), 91 pounds
Filled with DS2, 71 pounds
Glossary
BDO— battle dress overgarment
BMNT— beginning morning nautical twilight
C— Celsius
CAM— chemical agent monitor
CARC— chemical agent resistant coating
CB— chemical-biological
CDM— chemical downwind message
CF— correlation factor
cGy— centigray(2)
cGyph— centigray per hour
CI— combat ineffective
COA— courses of action
CONUS— continental United States
CPOG— chemical protective overgarment
CPS— Collective Protection Shelter
CUCV— Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle
FM 3-7
DAD— detailed aircraft decon
DAP— decon apparatus, portable
DED— detailed equipment decon
deg— degree(s)
DGN— degrees grid north
DMN— degrees magnetic north
DTN— degrees true north
DGZ— desired ground zero
Glossary-1
FM 3-7
DKIE— deamtamination kit, individual equipment
DS2— decontaminating solution No. 2
DTD— detailed troop decon
EDM— effective downwind message
EENT— early evening nautical twilight
est— estimated
ETO— ethylene oxide
F— Fahrenheit
gal— gallon(s)
GEOREF— World Geographic Reference System
GMT— Greenwich mean time
GN— grid north
GZ— ground zero
H— high-test hypochlorite
HC— hexachloroethane
HMMWV— high-mobtity, multi-wheeled vehicle
HOB— height of burst
hr— hour(s)
HTB— high-teat bleach
hvy— heavy
IAW— in accordance with
ID— inside does rate
IPB— intelligence preparation of the battlefield
IPE— individual protective equipment
Glossary-2
FM 3-7
km— kilometers
kmph— kilometers per hour
KT— kiloton
lb— pound(s)
LDS— light decon system
LL— latent lethality
LSD— least separation distance
m— meter(s)
MDWIID— maximum downwind haazard distance
mech— mechanized
met— meteorological
min— minute(s)
mm— millimeter(s)
MOGAS— motor gasoline
MOPP— rnission-oriented protective posture
MGN— mils grid north
MMN— mils magnetic north
MTN— mils true north
MRL— multiple rocker launcher
MSD— minimum safe distance
mtr— motorized
NATO— North Atlantic Treaty Organization
NBC— nuclcar, biological, and chemical
NBCC— NBC center
NBCWRS— NBC warning and reporting system
Glossary-3
FM 3-7
NF— normalizhg factor
No.— number
oetant— one of eight world areas
OD— outside dose rate
OEG— operation exposure guidance
OPLAN— operation plan
OPORD— operation order
PAA— peracetic acid
PD— performance decrement
PDDE— power-driven decontaminating equipment
POL— petroleum, oils, and lubricants
qt— quart
RES— radiation exposure status
RP— red phosphorous
S2— intelligence officer
S3— operations and training officer
SCPE— simplified collective-protective equipment
SG— smoke generator
SITREP— situation report
SOI— signal operating instructions
SOF— special operations forces
SOP— standing operating procedures
STANAG— NATO standardization agreement
STB— supertropical bleach
Glossary4
FM 3-7
TF— transmission factor
TOC— tactical operations center
unk— unknown
US— United States of America
UT— undemanding task
UTM— universal transferse mercator
WP— white phosphorous
Glossary-5
FM 3-1
References
Sources Used
These are the sources quoted in this publication.
FM 3-3. Chemical and Biological Contamination Avoidance. 16 November 1992
FM 3-3-1. Nuclear Contamination Avoidance.
FM 3-4. NBC Protection. 29 May 1992.
FM 3-5. NBC Decontamination. 17 November 1993.
FM 3-6. Field Behavior of NBC Agents (including Smoke and Incendiaries).
3 November 1986.
FM 3-9. Potential Military Chemical/Biological Agents and Compounds.
12 December 1990.
FM 3-11. Flame Field expedients. 19 September 1990.
FM 3-18. Special NBC reconnaissance (LB Team). 7 May 1993.
FM 3-19. NBC Reconnaissance. 19 November 1993.
FM 3-100. NBC Defense, Chemical Warfare, Smoke and Flame Operations.
23 May 1991.
FM 3-101. Chemical Staffs and Units. 19 November 1993.
FM 3-101-1. Smoke Squad/Platoon Operations.
FM 3-101-2. NBC Reconnaissance Platoons and Squads.
Documents Needed
These documents must be available
to the intended users of this publication.
DA Form 2028. Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms.
February 1974.
CTA 50-900.
Reference-0
FM 3-7
Index
Agents, type A, type B. See Chanical hazard prediction.
Air stability category, 2-2—2-3
Alarm. See M8A1.
Assembly areas, D-6—D-7
Atmospheric stability charts, 2-1
Biological warfare agents, potential, 5-6—5-7
Biological hazard prediction, 5-0—5-5
Blister agent casualties, 1-7
CAM, 3-19, 3-52
CARC surfaces, 1-4
Chemical agents
wind speed effects on, 3-17
persistency, 2-12
Chemical hazard prediction
Type A, case b,
Type B, case b,
adjusted, 2-11
flow chart, 2-5 ,
plotting, 2-4
Type A,
case a,
1 ype D,
case a ,
Type B,
case c,
Type B,
case d,
2-8
2-7
2-7
4-7
2-9
2-10
2-10
Chemical downwind message, 1-20
Collective protection, 2-13—2-16
Conversions and measurements, E-O—E4
Correlation factors. See Residual radiation.
Decontaminants.
decontamination mixturs, 3-51
DS2 application, 3-51
natural, 3-63
standard, 3-62
Index-I
FM 3-7
Decontamination
comparison data, 3-35
detailed troop, 3-49—3-50
layouts, 3-53, 3-55, 3-57, 3-59, 3-61,
levels, 3-34
nonstandard, 3-64
operational, 3-36—3-43. See also MOPP gear achange.
personnel and equipment requirements, 3-54. 3-56. 3-58, 3-60
rinse station, 3-51
specific items, 3-65—3-69
supplies, 3-33
thorough decontamination support matrix, 3-48
Detailed fallout prediction, 4-5—46
Effective downwind message, 1-20
Equipment,
individual protective, 3-1
NBC defense, B-l—B-5
Filter exchange criteria (wartime), 3-3
Fire support, D-7—D-10
Flame field expedients
5-gallon flame device, 7-5
bunker bomb, 7-7
checklists, 7-1
flame fougasse, 7-6
minimum safe distances, 7-2
propellant charge fougasse, 7-8
safety, 7-2—7-3
vertical flame mine, 7-1
Fog oil. See Snoke.
Fragmentary order, A-7
Hazards, biological. See Biological hazard prediction.
Hazards, chemical agent. See Chemical agent hazard.
n USCH mare, 1-0—1 -Y
M8A1 alarms, fixed placement, 3-18
Index-2
FM 3-7
Markers, Threat, C-2
Marking signs, contamination, C-1
MEDEVAC request, D-l
MOGAS. see Smoke.
Monitoring. See Radiological monitoring.
MOPP
analysis, 3-5
flexibility, 3-6
worst case open/unmasking times, 3-21—3-32
MOPP gear exchange, 3-44
buddy team, 3-45—3-48
NBC warning and reporting system 1 1
, - —1-22
NBC reports
flow of, 1-8
line items, 1 1-12
NBC 1 report,
1-13
NBC 2 report,
NBC 3 report, 1-14—1-15
NBC 4 report,
1-14—1-15
NBC 5 report, 1-14, 1-16
NBC 6 report,
1-14, 1-17
Nerve agent casualties, 1-7
Normalizing factors, 4-10—4-11
Nuclear attack.
actions after, 4-4—4-5
actions before, 4-0—4-3
actions during, 4-3
Observer's report. See NBC 1 report
Operation order, A-O—A-2
chemical support annex, A-3—A-4
smoke support annex, A-5—A-6
Operational situation report, A-8
Patient decontamination, 3-62
Prediction. See Chemical hazard prediction.
Protection, biological, 5-0
Protection, troop, 3-4—3-5
Index-3
FM 3-7
Radiation.
effects of, 4-17—4-18
injury, 4-15
types of, 4-0
Radiological.
calculations, 4-9
monitoring, 4-6
survey, 4-7; aerial, 4-8
Range card, D-4
Residual radiation.
correlation factors, 4-13
transmission factors, 412
Situation report. See Operational situation report.
Signs. See Marking signs.
Simplified fallout prediction, 4-4
Smoke.
countenneasures, 6-2
estimate, 6-3
fog oil consumption, 6-8
in the defense, 6-1—6-2
in the offense, 6-1
mission checklist, 6-5, 6-9—6-10
MOGAS consumption, 6-7
planning, 6-2—6-3
recon checklist, 6-5
support plan, 6-4—6-5
Smoke pot placing guide, 6-9
Spot report, D-2
STANAG 2984, 1-1
Strike serial log, 1-22
STRIKWARN message, 1-14, 1-16
format, 1-18
protection requirements, 1-19
Survey. See Radiological survey.
Tactical road march, D-2
TOC operation checklist, D-11
Toxins, 5-8
Training items, B-6
Transmission factors. See Residual radiation.
Index-4