MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- 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.”