Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations - Historic Naval Ships ...

Amphibious Operations Against Coastal DefensesDecontamination is organized into threecategories that reflect operationalurgency: immediate, operational, andthorough. In order to maintain theoperational tempo, the amphibious forceuses immediate and operationaldecontamination to the maximum extentpossible until the amphibious forceobjectives are secured. During anoperational pause, thoroughdecontamination is conducted. Servicepublications provide detailed tactics,techniques, and procedures for thetechnical aspects of decontamination.•• Immediate Decontamination. Thegoal of immediate decontamination is tominimize casualties, save lives, and helpto limit contamination exposure andspread. Upon becoming contaminated,individuals should carry out immediatedecontamination, which includes threetasks: skin decontamination, personalwipedown (hood, mask, gloves, andindividual equipment), and operatorspraydown of frequently touchedequipment surfaces using on-sitedecontamination equipment.•• Operational Decontamination.Operational decontamination limitscontamination exposure and spread, andhelps to sustain operations by providingtemporary and, in some cases, long-termrelief from wearing protectiveequipment. Operational decontaminationincludes two techniques: MOPP gearexchange for personnel, and operatorwashdown for mission-essentialequipment.•• Thorough Decontamination.Thorough decontamination reduces oreliminates the need for wearing ofprotective equipment. Specializeddecontamination units and personnelsupport thorough decontamination.There are three thorough decontaminationtechniques: detailed personneldecontamination, detailed equipmentdecontamination, and detailed aircraftdecontamination. Thorough decontaminationis required for total reconstitution of theamphibious force and the return tounrestricted embarkation of personnel,equipment, and materiel.IX-7