4th MEB(AT) Marines conduct NBC Warfare training
Submitted by: Task Force Kabul
Story Identification #: 20031286526
Story by Cpl. Douglass P. Gilhooly



KABUL, Afghanistan - (Jan. 28, 2003) -- Marines of headquarters platoon, Task Force Kabul, 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Anti-Terrorism), participated in nuclear, biological and chemical warfare training, at the United States Embassy, here, recently.

Cpl. Kevin P. Merrill, NBC defense specialist for the Task Force headed the class for the motivated group of Marines.


"Basically, I was giving the Marines a refresher course on basic NBC skills that every Marine learns in boot camp," said Merrill. "I then taught them the fundamentals of Monitor, Survey and Decontamination.


"The review consisted of going over the different Mission Orientated Protective Postures or MOPP levels and don and clearing the gas mask correctly," said the Meriden, Conn., native.


Merrill said the Marine Corps standard gives a time limit of eight minutes to get into full MOPP gear. He said that is why it is important for all Marines and our Navy counterpart to constantly study NBC techniques and review the different MOPP stages.


"Ultimately, you can become a casualty if you make a mistake during a real life situation," he said.


Monitor, Survey and Decontamination (MSD) training is extremely important according to Merrill. He said before he starts training anyone, he gives a basic overview. He teaches them what MSD stands for and a basic description of each.


"If an MSD team doesn't know what they're looking for during a mission, mistakes can be made," said Merrill.


He further explained brief definitions for each part of the training.


"First of all, monitor is constantly researching a certain area. The area may or may not be contaminated," he said.


He said you are looking or monitoring the levels of contamination.


When you survey, you know there is a contaminated area out there somewhere, and you go and try to find it.


"And finally," Merrill added, "decon or decontamination is getting the 'gross contamination' [contaminated area] off of personnel, equipment, weapons, basically everything."


Merrill said the Marine Corps says MSD team Marines should be trained once quarterly and all other Marines at least once a year.


"I would personally suggest MSD teams to conduct the training a lot more," said Merrill.


He suggested units practice MSD training quarterly and actual teams conduct training once a month to be ready and able to carry out a successful mission.


"I don't mean going to the gas chamber," he said, "but go over the basic MSD skills and individual training standards.


"This includes everything from conducting MOPP gear exchange to don and clearing your gas mask correctly to decontaminating an area to knowing what a NATO marking kit (signs you'd display in a contaminated area) is and how to employ it," he said.


Merrill said he was pleased with the way his NBC class went overall. He said he was impressed on how knowledgeable they were with basic NBC standards.


"The Marines were responsive and I believe they learned a lot," he said. "I could tell all of them had a good foundation of training from their respective units."


Lance Cpl. Evan K. Stewart, armorer for the task force said the class was informative and that he was glad he had the chance to take part in the training.


The Fort Pierce, Fla., native, said, "MSD team training is important, because Marines need to know how to react during an NBC attack.


"I think NBC training should be conducted often," he said. "People tend to forget things they don't practice."


Lance Cpl. Tristan P. Blickfeld, supply administration chief for the task force and a member of the task force MSD team added, "this is probably the most important type of training we can learn about."


The Troy, N.Y., native said he was proud to be part of the MSD team, but feels nervous in this real-life hazardous environment that he is currently stationed at. He said he believed that is why this training is so important. Because of the constant threat, he feels he should know exactly what to do in any NBC situation.


"As part of the MSD team, I feel that I have a lot of responsibility, but hopefully, I will never have to use it in a real life situation," he said.


Merrill used to teach NBC classes for Marine Forces Atlantic NBCD School at Camp Geiger, N.C., so he said he felt natural in front of the Marines. Now, with Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Support Battalion, 2nd Force Service Support Group, Camp Lejeune, N.C., he continues to teach and work with Marines on NBC issues.


With the threat in the world today as it stands, nuclear, biological and chemical warfare training must be constantly reviewed so today's warriors and tomorrow's heroes will have no problem conquering any obstacles that may come their way.