NBC Weapons: October 27, 2002

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One major problem with American troops not having experienced a chemical warfare attack in over 80 years is that few troops take chemical warfare training seriously. The politicians simply appropriate money for protective gear, the generals see that stuff is bought and issued, but after that things begin to fall apart. Most of the protective gear doesn't worked and lower ranking commanders are encouraged to keep their mouths shut if they ever expect to get promoted. The troops will talk, off the record, and they all say the same thing; the stuff doesn't work and few soldiers are even allowed to train while using it. The chemical protection suits are bulky and it's been noted that they are hot and easy to damage. Get a leak or two in these suits and the nasty chemical weapons will get you. Armored vehicles are supposed to be gas proof, but the troops notice that every time their vehicles go through water, or are washed down, little pools of water are found inside the tank. Everyone looks the other way until an American unit is attacked with chemical weapons, then there will be a lot of finger pointing and perhaps a few generals will be hung out to dry. But the fact of the matter is, if a weapon isn't used for nearly a century, it's difficult to get the troops to be serious about defending against it.

 


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