Generaciones Futuras (UNESCO, 12 Noviembre 1997)

D-32. Although a sample collected from an alleged attack area can be significant, it can become useless if the collector (SOF element) does not record essential information about its collection or improperly packs the sample and it breaks during shipment to an analysis center. The following paragraphs discuss information required when acquiring samples and describe the preferred methods for handling and packing samples for shipment. A complete history of the circumstances about each sample’s acquisition is provided to the agency exploiting the sample. Critical information includes—

z Meteorological conditions at the time of sampling and the alleged attack. z The length of time after the alleged attack when the sample was taken.

z Circumstances of acquisition, how the collector obtained the sample, and where the collector found the sample.

z A physical description. The physical state (solid, liquid, powder, apparent viscosity), color, approximate size, identity of the specimen (military nomenclature, dirt, leaves), and dose rate (if radiologically contaminated).

z Circumstances of agent deposition. The type of delivery system, a description of how the weapon functioned, how the agent acted on release, sounds heard during dissemination, a description of any craters or shrapnel found associated with a burst, and colors of smoke,

Appendix D

D-6 FM 3-05.132 30 November 2009

z Agent effects on vegetation. A description of the general area (jungle, mountain, grassland) and changes in the vegetation after agent deposition (color changes, wilting, drying, dead) in the main attack and fringe areas.

z Agent effects on humans. How the agent affected personnel in the main attack area versus fringe areas; the duration of agent effects; peculiar odors that may have been noticed in the area before, during, or after an attack; measures taken that alleviated or worsened the effects; and the approximate number of victims and survivors (including age and gender).

S

I

C

D-33. To prevent confusion, the collector uses the sample identification number when referring to the sample or to information concerning its acquisition. A sample identification number contains the following information:

z Country of acquisition. This two-digit alphabetic code stands for the country from which the collector took the sample. Note: The country acquisition codes are contained in FM 3-11.19, Appendix E.

z Date acquired. This six-digit numerical code stands for the year, month, and day that the collector took the sample.

z Sample sequence number. This three-digit numerical code is assigned by the CRD. It begins each collection day. The first sample collected is 001, the second 002, and so forth.

z Sampler identification. This two- or three-digit alphabetic abbreviation represents the sampler’s first and last name. When the sampler’s identity must be protected, he should code the identity using XA through XZ and then XXA through XXZ, if necessary. The collector maintains an index of codes and identities separately within the classified files so that the sampler can be recontacted. Example of sample identification number: LA850115-002-JD; LA—Collector took sample in Laos; 850115—Sample obtained on 15 January 1985; 002—This is the second sample obtained on 15 January 1985; JD—John Doe collected the sample. Samples must be carefully controlled to be of greatest value. The collecting element assigns an identification number and affixes it to the sample or its container to aid in the identification of samples.

A

S

S

D-34. The collecting element provides a formatted message for transmission when possible. During SO in a theater in which a SOF HQ is deployed, the collecting element transmits the message via the fastest means through the fewest channels to the radiological-chemical and biological sampling control element (R-CBSCE). If an R-CBSCE has not been deployed to the AO, sometimes in a low-sample volume peacetime operation, the collecting elements transmit the message via the fastest means through the fewest channels to the message addressee. In addition, a written report accompanies each sample or batch of samples. The collecting element properly classifies the acquisition message. An acquisition message contains the following information:

z The sample identification number is a part of the subject line if only a single sample is in the text. Otherwise, reference should be made to the sample number within the message body with its background information. If the logistics base team ships the sample immediately, then it must include the shipment date, the mode of transportation, courier identification, the air bill of lading number, the flight number, the destination, and the estimated time of arrival in the message. In addition, the element should maintain the chain-of-custody document.

z Background information surrounding the sample.

z Questionable circumstances surrounding acquisition of a sample.

z The name of another country or agency that got a sample from the same event or area and is not shown on the message address.

z A recommended priority and rationale for analysis to guide the analysis center on the operational element’s assessment of the potential value of the sample.

CBRN Sampling Techniques and Procedures z All details that relate to the acquisition of the sample despite how insignificant they may seem to

the collector.

z Disposition of samples according to their physical category.

D-35. The team ships all samples via the fastest, safest means (preferably via technical escort unit [TEU]) to the theater R-CBSCE or to a location that the R-CBSCE designates. If there is no R-CBSCE in-theater, the team sends the samples IAW preplanned instructions from the Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Analysis and Technical Evaluation Board (R-CBATEB) established at the Chemical Research, Development, and Engineering Center (CRDEC), Aberdeen, Maryland.

D-36. The R-CBATEB should be involved during the mission-planning process for technical and specialized support. The R-CBATEB will direct, in advance, that the collectors send the samples to the particular locations, dependent on the category of the sample. To decide the final destination of the sample, the R-CBATEB uses considerations, such as “Is the sample chemical or biological in content? Is the sample content completely unknown? Is the sample a possible combination of chemical and biological material?” D-37. Regardless, the R-CBATEB must be notified earlier than receipt of the sample so additional instructions or deviations from standard instructions can be given. The collector ships RA samples via the fastest, safest means (preferably via TEU) to the radiological laboratory at the U.S. Army Hygiene Agency, Edgewood, Maryland. Before shipment, the collector contacts Commander, Technical Escort Unit, ATTN: SMCTE-OPE, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010.

D-38. The TEU controls the transport of samples to their final destination. The TEU should not ship suspected toxic samples or munition systems to the CONUS technical centers or intelligence agencies without coordination and before approval by the recipient.