TAB G (MASKING PROCEDURES) to APPENDIX 4 (CBRNE OPERATIONS) to ANNEX J (CBRNE) to130th MEB (TACSOP)

MASKING/UNMASKING PROCEDURES

This card describes the masking/unmasking procedures to be used in the MEB.

  1. Automatic Masking Procedures. MEB orders will specify any special automatic masking criteria consistent with CBRNE threat. In absence of any special criteria, MEB soldiers will automatically mask under following conditions:
  2. Chemical alarm sounds off.
  3. Chemical/biological attack alarm/warning/marker is seen or heard.
  4. Chemical agents detected on M8 Paper, M9 Paper, CAM, etc.
  5. Chemical agent symptoms observed in self or others.
  6. Within 1 kilometer of detected chemical agent cloud.
  7. Within 2 kilometer of anticipated impact site of inbound TBM. Also within 2 kilometer of known TBM impact site where lack of chemical agents has not been verified.
  8. Observe unexplained death of animals or birds.
  9. This section outlines options available to unit commanders for unmasking procedures.
  10. Unmasking using a FOX Recon vehicle (immediate results).
  11. Desired when rapid unmasking is needed.
  12. FOX reports “all clear” to indicate no contamination.
  13. All clear relayed to higher and other units on command nets.
  14. Confirm that unit is not downwind of forthcoming vapor hazard.
  15. Commanders order all or part of unit to unmask (METT-T dependent).
  16. Watch for symptoms and have first aid immediately available.
  17. Unmasking using Scouts (immediate results). For a high-risk scenario.
  18. Enemy attacking or defending in MOPP-0, 1, or no mask (establish unmasking trigger).
  19. Scouts/Recon report enemy defending in MOPP-0, 1, or 2 (establish unmasking trigger).
  20. LTC or above orders all or part of the unit to unmask (METT-T dependent) report “All Clear” to higher and other units on command nets.
  21. Watch for symptoms and have first aid immediately available.
  22. Unmasking procedures with M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector kit. (Requires approximately 20 minutes.)
  23. Confirm negative results from two or more simultaneously conducted M256A1 CAAK tests.
  24. Senior leader selects one or two soldiers and has them:

(1)Move to a shaded area.

(2)Unmask for five minutes.

(3)Clear and reseal the masks.

  1. Observe soldiers for 10 minutes.
  2. If no symptoms appear, senior leader (after notifying higher) renders “All Clear.”
  3. Watch for delayed symptoms and have first aid available.
  1. Unmasking procedures without M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector kit. (Requires 40 minutes).
  2. Senior leader selects one or two soldiers and has them:

(1)Move to a shaded area and remove weapons from soldiers.

(2)Take a deep breath, hold it, and break the seal of the mask.

(3)Keep eyes open and seal broken for 15 seconds.

(4)Clear and reseal the masks.

  1. Observe soldiers for 10 minutes.
  2. If no symptoms appear, have the soldiers.

(1)Break the seal and take 2-3 normal breaths.

(2)Clear and reseal the masks.

  1. Observe soldiers for 10 minutes.
  2. If no symptoms appear, have the soldiers then unmask for 5 minutes then clear and reseal the masks.
  3. Observe soldiers for 10 minutes.
  4. If no symptoms appear, senior leader (after notifying higher) renders “All Clear.”
  5. Watch for delayed symptoms and have first aid available.