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This story was printed from Warfare,
located at /27393/dreamwvr/warfare/protection1.htm
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PROTECTION AGAINST AGENTS
There are basically two ways to guard oneself from these agents.
Prevention, and to a small extent, physical protection. Prevention may take many
forms. In the case of chemical and biological warfare, international disarmament
treaties and regular inspection by neutral parties could very well deter the
production and proliferation of such weapons.
For instance, the presence of international treaties like the Geneva Protocol,
the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) and the Chemical Weapons
Convention (CWC) have discouraged countries from developing offensive biological
and chemical weapons programs. More importantly, maintaining intelligence assets
may help to pinpoint potential threats and enable preventive measures to be
taken before the situation gets out of hand.
For example, in 1998, Afghan spies working for the US were inserted into Bin
Laden's terrorist cell. Using the information garnered by these brave undercover
agents, along with soil samples and satellite readouts, the US was able to
determine the factory producing the bacteriological agents and US warships
launched a barrage of cruise missiles at the target. The bombing is believed to
have set back Bin Laden's biological warfare capability by at least two years.
Unfortunately, a few of the undercover agents were killed in the bombing and so
the Afghans were pretty pissed with the CIA. Mass vaccination programs may
provide substantial protection against naturally occurring agents such as
Anthrax but such programs offer almost no protection against mutated or
genetically altered strains of the agent. Yet another form of protection is the
use of protective gear.
However, donning masks and special clothing has proved unbearable for many a
soldier, especially in hot countries like Iraq, where scientists reported
extreme discomfort when made to wear gas masks for more than two hours at a
time. However, as we shall see in the later chapters, a good number of
protective suits now come equipped with personal air conditioners.
Furthermore, a variety of handheld devices, such as the Improved Chemical Agent
Monitor to warn soldiers of an impending chemical attack. The protective suits
that will be briefly covered in this website are: Joint Service Lightweight
Integrated Suit Technology Self Contained Toxic Environment protective Outfit
PERSONAL PROTECTION
In the event of either a chemical or biological attack, the
respiratory system must be protected at all costs since gasses like VX and Sarin
attack the nervous system while Cyanide works by killing the cells. In the
meantime, the body must be protected from coming into direct contact with liquid
or solid forms of the agent since most agents can enter through the skin as
well. The use of protective gear will go a long way to ensuring the survival of
the soldier. He just might even get home in one healthy piece, instead of in
a) Pieces
b) A mass of chemically burnt flesh.
Chemical agents like VX Nerve Gas are horrible for your complexion. It might
also help to take up an insurance policy or two so that if you die, at least
your family would be able to claim some money.
COLLECTIVE PROTECTION
In many cases, especially when one has to protect a group of people,
using personal protection by means of a gas mask or special suits will prove
inadequate. In these circumstances, collective protection will have to be used.
This means sheltering the people in sealed tents or vehicles.
In this manner, not only are the people protected from chemical agents in their
liquid form, they also receive a certain degree of protection from gaseous
agents since the air turnover in such contained places is much lower. The
concentration will thus rise at a slower rate and protective masks can be easily
donned without rushing.
In special bunkers, the air supply is purified in much the same way as gas masks
since the air is drawn through an aerosol filter and a layer of carbon by means
of a fan. However, if there is a leak, it is almost certain that everyone in the
shelter will die if the concentration of the chemical agent is high enough.
Well, at least you'll die together. It's a whole lot more reassuring to know
that you aren't the only one to kick the bucket.
JOINT SERVICE LIGHTWEIGHT INTEGRATED SUIT
TECHNOLOGY
Consists of an overgarment to be worn over a standard Battle Dress
Uniform and Multipurpose Rain/Snow Overboot. Not exactly a fashion statement but
it allows heat to be managed effectively while tailoring the protection levels
relative to mission scenarios and threat.
SELF-CONTAINED TOXIC ENVIRONMENT PROTECTIVE OUTFIT
(STEPO)
This really cool looking spacesuit is one of the most effective
protective garments around. If you wear it, the manufacturers claim that you'll
be protected against chemical and biological agents as well as rocket fuel,
industrial chemicals and soup stains. It provides an amazing four hours of self
contained breathing and cooling and those cost conscious military commanders
will be glad to know that it can be decontaminated for reuse after five vapor
exposures.
Good value for money. What I would really like to see next is perhaps some kind
of portable waste disposal system because I'm pretty sure it's an inconvenience
to have to take off the whole thing to use the toilet.
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