File: 970903_oct1_0040.txt
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NBC Dcfense

(U) b. Conclusions

(U) c. Recommendations

(S) 3. L-sme - Medical training for NBC

(S) a. Discussion

(S) According to all interviewed senior Navy medical officers attached to the
MEF, the Navy medical community was initially inadequately trained and equipped to
operate in an NBC environment and conduct chemical casualty handeng operations. To
compound matters, many medical personnel called to action were reserves with little
experience or knowledge in even basic NBC survival skills. In the words of one Navy
commander, "Some people who had been to classes knew the theories, buk couldn't
express them or teach them because their training was very superficial. In CONUS we
received at least an hour class on NBC medical skflls at each staging area. TI-ds training
covered the drugs for NBC casualties and how to treat patients, but very Uttle
instruction was received on how to put it all together."39

(S) Medical personnel with initial deploying units were clearly at a disadvantage
with respect to preparation for NBC operations, when compared to those deploying
later in the war. With more time for preparation, the 2d MARDIV arranged for special

3(@ACCLS tape #1058