MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — December 04, 2015 — Marines with 2nd Transport Support Battalion are now more capable to handle a chemical weapons attack due to their completion of a chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear defense training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Dec. 1, 2015.
During the training, Marines put into practice skills they learned in classes about an active chemical threat and the proper protective equipment to decontaminate themselves in a hazardous situation.
Practicing self-decontamination procedures is vital to mission accomplishment because exposing Marines to CBRN agents could cause serious health risks.
“These Marines can go back to their units with this information and share the knowledge they learned with their unit,” said Cpl. Tanner Watson, a CBRN training instructor. “The knowledge these Marines pass on is something that applies to everyone. That’s why the training is so necessary. It saves lives.”
The Marines simulated a chemical threat and conducted different safety procedures as would be expected in an emergency.
Simulations included clearing an M50 gas mask and putting on a Mission Oriented Protective Posture suit. Marines were also taught safety positions for chemical spray and a nuclear detonation.
Educating Marines on the threats and chemical hazards they may be exposed to increases their readiness and ability to operate in hazardous environments. Marines need to know not only about the threats but how their gear can be utilized to function efficiently and save lives.
“The MOPP gear is made to prevent your skin from being exposed to chemicals,” said Cpl. Craig Craine, a field wireman with Combat Logistics Regiment 2. “It’s meant to seal and protect your body against any number of chemical agents.”
As the training concluded, Marines were confident they could protect themselves and their fellow Marines in a chemical disaster by executing the techniques they had been taught during the CBRN training.
“At the end of the day, I want these Marines to be as knowledgeable as they can be about these types of threats,” said Watson. “If Marines know how to detect and counteract a threat, then I’m confident we can be ready for anything.”