IDENTIFYING THE IRAQI CHEMICAL THREAT AND HOW THEY USE IT

File: 090496_jul96_decls53_0006.txt
Page: 0006
Total Pages: 7
Subject: IDENTIFYING THE IRAQI CHEMICAL THREAT AND HOW THEY USE IT       

Box  ID: BX000420

Document Number:         93

Folder Title: HISTORIANS BACKGROUND MATERIAL FILES - G3 NBC MIS 1 OF 4                                        

Folder Seq #:          2

Unit: ARCENT      

Parent Organzation: CENTCOM     




                                    Force         Structure
                     The Iraqi army is structured with a chemical defense company
                     in each corps and division. Each infantry, mechanized, and ar-
                     mored brigade has a chemical defense platoon. These units estab-
                     lish decontamination sites, set up collective protection facilities
                     and conduct chemical reconnaissance. The chemical protection,
                     decontamination, and reconnaissance equipment used by Iraq is
                     Soviet in origin.
                     Chemical reconnaissance detachments will be found with the
                     lead recon elements, such as, the advance party of the advanced
                     guard. Chemical recon detects and reports contaminated areas to
                     facilitate movement of the force. Chemical recon also can report
                     weather data for planning chemical strikes and smoke operations.
                     In the defense, chemical recon posts will be established in the
                     security zone.


                                          Equipment
                     To ensure survivability of its troops from the effects of chemical
                     weapons, Iraq provides its forces with individual and collective
                     protection equipment.
                     Individual Protection
                     The individual soldier is issued a Soviet protective overgarment,
                     mask, and a personal protective kit, containing atropine injectors
                     and a blister agent decontamination kit.
                     Collective Protection
                     Most Iraqi tanks from the Soviets and the Chinese, and Iraws
                     IFVS, have NBC collective protection systems. Each system in-
                     cludes a filtration/overpressure system and a detector/alarm. With
lective protection allows the Iraqi
                     army to cross contaminated terrain quickly and safely.


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