Author Description

This multi-Service publication represents a significant revision of the November 1986 publication. The scope of the previous publication was limited to the effect that weather and terrain have on nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) operations and obscuration operations. This publication expands that scope to include the doctrinal employment of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) capabilities (organizations, personnel, technology, and information) to characterize CBRN threats and hazards, including toxic industrial material (TIM), to the commander and the force. It is designed to provide commanders and staffs at the operational and tactical levels with capability employment planning data and considerations to shape military operations involving CBRN threats and hazards (CBRN shape) and a better understanding of where and when to expect CBRN hazards by applying information management (IM) to the military decisionmaking process (MDMP)/Marine Corps planning process (MCPP). This publication incorporates the characteristics of CBRN shape as addressed in joint concepts and in doctrine; and it provides doctrine and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) for managing CBRN threats and hazards in the larger context of multi-Service military operations. The chapters present a doctrinal foundation, and specific TTP are included in appendixes. This manual also incorporates the joint doctrine elements for combating weapons of mass destruction (WMD), to include the passive defense capabilities of CBRN shape, CBRN sense, CBRN shield, and CBRN sustain. During military operations, this publication is subordinate to current joint publications (JPs) addressing this topic.