CF Concepts for NBCD 107 NBCD 01

Introduction Purpose of NBC Defence Introduction to NBC Warfare Local Alarms Warning Signals Survival Rule Immediate Actions

Introduction The strategic priority of DND is to maintain a multi-purpose, combat capable force to meet the objectives the Government set out in the 1994 Defence White Paper. Thus the CF will need to be able to operate with modern armed forces against a capable opponent. Given the world-wide proliferation and subsequent availability of NBC weapons to a capable opponent, the CF shall be prepared to survive and be confident of continuing combat operations in an NBC environment.

Introduction In certain circumstances such as Cyprus and Vietnam, chemical agents and defoliants were used and there has since been confirmation of the use of chemical agents by countries such as Iraq and Iran in more recent conflicts. We have only to look at current events to realize today’s very real NBC threat to our soldiers in the field. Even though Canadian Government policy does not allow Canada to initiate NBC warfare, it is essential that all our personnel be able to recognize the threat, so they can protect themselves against such attacks and maintain combat effectiveness

Canadian Forces Policy for NBCD Defence Biological Weapons Canada does not possess any biological or toxin-based weapons, and will not develop, produce, acquire, stockpile, or use such weapons. Chemical Weapons Canada does not possess any chemical weapons other than the devices used for crowd and riot control. Canada has renounced both the use of chemical weapons in war and the right to develop, produce, acquire, or stockpile such weapons for use in warfare, unless these weapons are used against the military forces or the civilian population of Canada or it’s allies.

Standardized warning systems have been established to warn troops who are potential targets. Details of these warning devices and the actions to be taken are normally given in Unit Standard Operating Procedures and/or Unit Standing Orders Threats of attack When there is a threat of an attack, units are responsible for warning their personnel. The unit will give the local alarm.

General Indicators of a Biological or Chemical Attack Suspicious liquids or solids on the ground or on vegetation Unexplained smoke or mist Dead or sick animals or birds Suspicious odors

Chemical Agent Indicators Irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and skin Headache, dizziness and nausea Difficulty with, or increased rate of breathing A feeling of choking or tightness in the throat or chest Strange or out of the ordinary orders Strange flavours in food or water

Biological Agent Detection An increase in sick or dead animals Unusual or unexplained increase in the number of insects Enemy fire that does not seem to have an immediate casualty effect

Chemical Agent Characteristics Symptoms Treatment Nerve Gas Breathing difficulties, tightness in chest, nausea, excessive sweating, vomiting, cramps, headache coma, convulsions, drooling Administer atrophine Blister agents, Mustard and Arsenical agents Eyes enflamed, burning, blisters and tissue destruction Apply protective Ointment to exposed areas Choking Agent Difficulty in breathing, tightness in chest Loosen clothing, avoid unnecessary exertion and keep warm Blood agents, Cyanide, arsine gases Breathing difficulties, tightness in chest Administer Amyl Nitrate and artificial respiration Ear Agents Eyes water, intense eye pain, irritation of upper respiratory tract Air skin, flush irritated surfaces with water Vomiting agents Sneezing, nausea, salivation, vomiting Vigorous activity helps reduce nausea and it’s duration Incapacitating Abnormal behaviour, muscle weakness, central nervous system disorders Support first aid and physical restraints in some cases.

Survival Rules A.R.O.U.S.E. Artillery or other enemy bombardment Raids or other hostile acts by enemy aircraft against your unit Odours, liquids or solids which are suspicious are detected Unusual bomblets or missiles are seen Smoke or mist from an unknown source Effects on your body, on others or on animals or plants are noticed

Immediate Actions Mask up Take cover Check detector papers Perform decontamination Administer atropine (if needed)

Conclusion Purpose of NBC defence CF policies for NBC defence Indicators of a NBC attack Survival rule Immediate actions