File: 970903_oct1_0046.txt
Page: 0046
Total Pages: 106

NBC Def(!nsc

A-Cs)

(U) c. Recommendations

(S) 2. L%me - individual Protective Equipment

(S) a. Discussion

(S) NBC individual protective equipment is a Marines first line of defense against
chemical and biological agents. NBC individual protective equipment endured up to six
months of hard wear and tear in SWA, and many equipment specific issues were
surfaced. Survey results indicate that a clear majority of MEF personnel were confident
that their individual NBC Protective Equipment; mask, suit, boots, and gloves, would
protect them (see Appendix E-12). This data is significant because there were so many
different types of individual protective items in use by the MEF. Indications are that
training provided individuals confidence in whatever type of protective ensemble they
were issued. Many issues were surfaced in the field on the differences between
protective masks, suits, boots, and other protective items.

(S) There were five different field protective masks in use by forces under the
Mr.[-'; the Ml 7A2 Field Protective Mask, the Navy MCU2/P Field Protective Mask, the
M25AI Tank Protective Mask, the ABC-M24 Aircraft Protective Mask, and the Marine