The History of Chemical Decontamination Platoon Equipment

Chemical Decontamination platoons have been tasked with a vital mission, which began in World War I and has continued to be an essential asset to the current military inventory. As years have passed and threats have changed, the US Army has been tasked with developing apparatuses, decontamination solutions, and personnel decontaminates that can effectively neutralize chemical threats. While Decontamination platoons use the most advanced solutions and equipment in order to complete their required missions, this same equipment had an origin that was much less sophisticated.

Decontaminate Apparatuses

Decontamination apparatuses have significantly improved in design since first being introduced in the early 1900’s. Degassing trucks were among the first decontamination apparatuses- 5-ton trucks with 1,200 gallon tanks and piping that could create portable showers. The M-series decontaminating apparatuses began with the M1 and M2, which were handheld and capable of carrying 1.5 to 3 gallons of decontaminating agent CC1. By pursuing multiple platform applications the commercial market was considered; with this extension of resources, the M3, M3A1, and M4 (skid mounted) were developed. The modifications between the three apparatuses were minor; the tank sizes between the three ranged from 300-400 gallons and changed platforms from wheeled, to truck, to skid mounted assemblies. During the Korean War, the M4 received modifications in order to meet Navy requirements and it was re-designated to the M6.

In 1966, the Army made a significant standardization of the M12A1 skid mounted apparatus. This apparatus had multi-function capabilities; in addition to decontamination, the unit could be used for fire fighting, de-icing of aircraft, cl...

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... use M26JSTDSSS, M12A1, M17A1, STB, HTH, hot soapy water, M291, M295, and RSDL. It has taken many years for the progression of equipment to reach the solutions and apparatuses currently used in operations. As research improves and threat assessments change, the history of decontaminates and apparatuses used by decontamination platoons will continue to change and improve.

Works Cited

Field Manual. (2006). CBRN Decontamination Multiservice Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Decontamination (Publication No. FM 3-11.5). Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force.

Smart, Jeffery, K. (2002). History of Decontamination. Retrieved from http://www.scribd.com/doc/15688616/Decon-History

RSDecon The First Line in Chemical Defense. (2013). About RSDL [Data file]. Retrieved from http://www.rsdecon.com/pages/aboutUS.htm