Buildings usually are not strong enough to provide
TREATMENT OF CASUALTIES.-- There are no
effective shelter, but the middle floors or basement of a
self-aid measures for the diseases that are caused by
reinforced concrete or steel-frame building offers
agents. In comparison to measles, the symptoms of
protection from all effects except the blast. Personnel
biological warfare diseases appear in a like manner.
should avoid the areas around windows and other
Although it maybe a matter of days before the types of
openings.
biological warfare agents are identified, medical
personnel will direct the decontamination of these
SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT.-- Individual
casualties.
equipment and supplies not being worn should be placed
in the fighting hole. None of this equipment can be left
Even though the Navy provides preventive shots for
unsecured because the blast wave converts them into
some diseases, additional shots have been developed
lethal missiles. Unit supplies, particularly explosives
that will be given to all hands if biological warfare ever
and flammables, should be dispersed within the unit area
occurs. If you contract a disease from biological warfare
in spite of the shots, the sickness should be mild, and
and protected or shielded. Debris must be kept to a
minimum and not be allowed to collect because it could
medical personnel will ensure that you receive the best
become afire hazard. Objects, such as radios, generator
treatment available.
tools, and gas cans, must always be secured to minimize
NUCLEAR DEFENSE
the danger of flying debris caused by the blast wave.
On a nuclear battlefield, units must be dispersed to
Defensive Measures during a Nuclear Attack
the greatest extent possible consistent with the situation
and the mission. Dispersed units present smaller targets
A nuclear attack may come without warning. The
and, hence, are less vulnerable. In contingency planning,
first indication will bean intense light. Heat and initial
the positioning, movement, and missions of units may
nuclear radiation come with the light and the blast
require adjustment by the commanders to minimize the
follows. There is little time to take protective measures
effects of nuclear bursts while maintaining the ability to
since the blast wave travels at the speed of sound (about
continue construction operations and hold defensive
1,000 feet per second). Individual defensive actions
positions. Defensive measures for individuals and units
must be automatic and instinctive. Unit activities will be
should include protection from blast, heat, and initial
suspended for a short period while all personnel take
and residual radioactive fallout.
cover. When a surprise attack is a possibility, all
personnel not engaged in essential activities should
Defensive Measures before a Nuclear Attack
remain undercover as much of the time as possible.
Individuals who are exposed when a nuclear detonation
When a nuclear attack is imminent, the best defense
occurs should do the following:
is to dig in. Earth is one of the best shielding materials
available in the field. Seabee defensive positions, which
Immediately drop flat on the ground (facedown)
vary from individual fighting holes to improved
or to the bottom of a fighting hole.
defensive positions, should be prepared whenever the
Close your eyes.
tactical situation permits. Read chapter 7 for detailed
information on constructing fighting holes and shelters.
Protect exposed skin from heat by putting hands
and arms near or under your body. Keep your helmets
FIGHTING HOLE.-- A properly constructed
on.
fighting hole provides excellent protection against
initial radiation. The deeper the fighting hole, the more
Remain down until after the blast has passed and
protection it provides. An overhead covering of earth or
debris has stopped falling.
other material will help reduce the amount of thermal
and initial nuclear radiation and fallout material from
Stay calm, check for injury, check weapons and
reaching the individual. However, this cover must be
equipment for damage, and prepare to continue the
sturdily constructed to withstand the blast wave.
mission.
FIELD SHELTERS.-- Tunnels, caves, and storm
Defensive Measures after a Nuclear Attack
drains provide effective shelter. Culverts and ditches can
be used in an emergency, although they offer only partial
protection. Vehicles made of steel, such as tank and
Following a nuclear attack, designated individuals
armored personnel carriers, provide some protection.
should begin fallout monitoring, so fallout arriving in
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