CAMP HUMPHREYS, REPUBLIC OF KOREA -- CAMP HUMPHREYS, REPUBLIC OF KOREA - On the modern-day battlefield, there is always a risk that the enemy will use nuclear, biological and chemical weapons against American troops fighting for freedom on the frontlines. It is up to the Marines who are trained for NBC attacks to ensure that all other Marines in their respective units know how to properly respond to an attack, if and when it ever occurs.
Marines specializing in the NBC field within Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, which is currently deployed here from MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, in support of Exercise Foal Eagle, are well aware of the fact that chemical attacks are always a threat to the security of Marines. With this in mind, they have recently established a new set of counter-chemical warfare concepts of operations.
Marines must understand the seriousness of an NBC threat said Cpl. Lisa White, NBC noncommissioned officer with MAG-24.
Within the new concepts, there are four different threat conditions titled with different colors. As the level increases, the seriousness of the threat does as well.
The first threat level is coded with the color green. This means that an NBC attack is not probable, but the enemy has the ability to employ chemical weapons. It is the responsibility of NBC Marines to ensure that 50 percent of all high-value assets are covered with plastic wrap to prevent chemical agents from contaminating the equipment.
Further, NBC specialists break an installation up into different zones. If a chemical hits a particular zone, only that zone is considered contaminated.
"The purpose of zoning off the base is to ensure that all the other zones that were not affected by the attack can still remain operative and allow missions to continue," said Staff Sgt. Brian Barksdale, NBC chief for MAG-24.
During threat level green, Marines must have their mission-orientated, protective posture gear available.
The second threat level is coded the color yellow, meaning an attack is probable. Green level conditions still apply, and Marines must further ensure that 75 percent of all high-value assets are wrapped in a protective layer of plastic.
Also, the placement of NBC detection devices around the outside of the compound is necessary, and Marines must assume MOPP level two, where they don their protective suit and gloves, all which is immediately available.
Threat level red, the third threat level, means an attack is occurring or is imminent. All personnel must assume MOPP level four by putting on their protective mask, gloves and boots. Marines are assigned different tasks that must be completed within five minutes after the level is established. For example, one task is to cut off all air-conditioning units outside of the tents in order to prevent a flow of chemicals into a confined area. The remaining 25 percent of the vital equipment is then wrapped in plastic, and Marines then assume predetermined positions providing overhead cover.
After a set period of time, threat levels will then elevate to black. Survey teams are then sent out in MOPP level four to check the contamination markers to determine which zones of the base will be deemed inoperable. Marines in the zone(s) that are not hit will then decrease their MOPP level as instructed by NBC Marines.
"Since we have been deployed to Foal Eagle, we have had a chance to train with Marines from the Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 out of Okinawa, and exchange ideas with them on how to combat NBC attacks," said White.
"This is the first time that many of us in MAG 24 have had a chance to interact with our fellow Marines in the 1st MAW stationed in Okinawa," added Barksdale. "We are thankful that we had this opportunity to train with them during Exercise Foal Eagle."
Being in the NBC field, Marines know that there is a serious worldwide threat that NBC agents could be used added White.