File: 970903_oct1_0037.txt
Page: 0037
Total Pages: 106

NBC Dcfcnse -visor

and units joining I MEF were required to have completed basic NBC Defense survival
trair-Ling in CONUS.32

(S) Individual NBC training was believed effective both prior to deployment and
during operations in SWA. Of those surveyed, over 70% considered themselves
correctly or overtrained in NBC Defense (see Appendix E-1). Survey results also show
NBC training was effective both prior to deployment and afte- arrival in Saudi Arabia.
However, NBC training in SWA was perceived as much more effective than in CONUS
(see Appendix E-15). This supports the fact that greater emphasis was placed on unit,
mission oriented, NBC training in SWA. Additionally, once in the KTO, attention span
for NBC training was much greater.

(S) 2d MAPDIV encountered problems with the individual training readiness of
augmenting Reservists because they were lacking in NBC equipment, many of their
protective masks were obsolete, and they were deficient in NBC survival skills training.
Many Reservists indicated that earlie- NBC training in reserve units was typically not
effective. 3 3

(U) Many Marines had suggestions for improving NBC defense training. Some
suggested the Marine Corps establish and support annual NBC defense certification.
They commented NBC training is as important as rifle qualification, swim qualification,
and the PFT and should be considered for factoring into cutting scores for promotion.
Many emphasized the need to work NBC training into all aspects of Marine Corps
training and inspections. Many noted that units were significantly better trained when
o.Fficer and senior staff NCO rraffiffig was emphasized from the top down.

(S) En the wing, a prevaleit trend was noted on a lack of aaining and familiarity
by aviators with the Marine Corps standard helicopter protective mask, designated the
AR-5, prior to arrival in SWA. A significant number of pilots had never wom the mask
in flight operations prior to arrival in SWA. This same comment was true for the
special aviator protective suits. Many complaints surfaced from aviators on problems
with equipment that related mainly to a lack of prior nail@mg with the equipment.
Many recommended that aviators be required to wear the AR-5 mask to the gas
chamber for confidence n-dining at least once each year. 34

3 2Secret CG 11 MEF Message, 141859Z Dec 90
3-@4CCLS Tape #'s 598 and 829
34MCCLS Tape #'s 701, and 906