2nd MLG learns importance of decontamination

Photo By Sgt. Danielle Rodrigues | Marines with 2nd Marine Logistics Group use the Joint Service Transportable Decontamination System-Small Scale, or M26, to demonstrate the skills learned during a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 15, 2015. The Marines operate the M26 by adjusting the settings and spraying water at varying levels of pressure determined by what they were decontaminating. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Aaron Fiala/Released)  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

04.15.2015

Story by Cpl. Chelsea Toombs 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Several units with 2nd Marine Logistics Group participated in the chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear defense training held at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 13-17, 2015. The purpose of the training is to show the Marines how to use the Joint Service Transportable Decontamination System-Small Scale, or M26, and the proper protective equipment to decontaminate gear in a CBRN situation.

Decontaminating gear is vital to mission accomplishment because exposing Marines to CBRN agents could cause serious health risks. This training prepares Marines for this type of emergency.

Cpl. Steven Greenwood, a native from Saratoga, N.Y., and a CBRN training NCO, understands the importance of this training for the units and the individual Marine.

“You’re taking Marines from a bunch of different units and you’re throwing them together,” Greenwood said. “They have to learn how to work together, how to lead each other and how to organize themselves in a critical situation. That’s how to best accomplish the mission.”

Educating Marines on the threats and chemical hazards they may be exposed to increases their readiness and ability to operate in hazardous environments.

“I feel I am better prepared if any chemical warfare or radioactive disasters were to occur. I could help my fellow Marines in such situations and not be a liability,” said Lance Cpl. Joey Olewiler, from 8th Engineer Support Battalion and a native from Hagerstown, Maryland.

The CBRN training teaches Marines to protect themselves, their fellow Marines and their equipment in a chemical disaster.

“We change our sustainment training so that our Marines are always presented with the newest scenarios to prepare them the best we can,” Greenwood said.

• Date Taken: 04.15.2015
• Date Posted: 04.20.2015 15:01
• Story ID: 160562
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US