Appendix I
WAR DEPARTMENT
The Adjutant General’s Office
Washington
RESTRICTED
AG 353 (6-8-42) MS–C–M
15 June 1942
SUBJECT: War Department Chemical Warfare Training Directive.
TO:
The Commanding Generals, Army Ground Forces; Army Air Forces; Services of Supply; Defense Commands; All Armies; Departments; Army Corps; Divisions; and Corps Areas; Air Forces, Ports of Embarkation;
The Commandants, General and Special Service Schools;
The Superintendent, United States Military Academy;
The Commanding Officer, Base Commands.
1. General.
The probability of the early use of toxic gas by the enemy in the present war requires imparting to our troops a thorough knowledge of how chemical warfare can be waged by an enemy against us and the placing of added emphasis upon training in defense against chemical attack. In short, it is now necessary to review training directives of all commands in the light of the probable use of chemicals in combat.
2. References.
a. The principles governing offensive and defensive use of chemicals, together with combined operations and security in connection therewith, are found in FM 100-5, Operation; FM 3-5, Tactics of Chemical Warfare (now published as CWS FM VOL. 1) ; and TM 3-305, Use of Smoke and Lacrimators in Training.
b. The principles governing defense against chemical attack, together with the object of training and standards of proficiency for individuals and organizations, are covered in FM 21-40, Defense against chemical Attack.
3. Objective.
a. Defense Against Chemical Attack. The proficiency of every individual and every unit in security against chemical attack.
b. Employment of Smoke. The proficiency of all appropriate units in the employment of smoke in various types of combat.
c. Employment of Incendiaries. The ability of appropriate units efficiently to employ incendiaries in the destruction of hostile matériel and installations.
d. Employment of Toxic Gas. The training of all appropriate units in the projection of toxic chemicals to the end that in case it becomes necessary to retaliate in the use of such chemicals, they can do so promptly and efficiently.
4. Gas Defense.
Proficiency in gas defense requires:
a. The perfection in each unit of gas warning system including gas reconnaissance, and gas intelligence.
b. The training of every individual in the care and use of the protective equipment issued to him.
c. The training of every individual in appropriate first aid measures after gas exposure and of medical personnel in first aid treatment of gas casualties.
d. The ability of each individual to decontaminate the weapon with which armed and the provision in each unit of special decontaminating squads for the decontamination of ground and organizational equipment.
e. The training of all units in the collective measures and tactical procedure necessary to minimize or avoid gas casualties.
f. The introduction of gas situations in various types of field exercises.
5. Employment of Smoke.
a. Properly used, smoke greatly reduces the number of casualties in attacking forces and contributes to the success of the mission upon which engaged. Improperly used, smoke may interfere with other operations and aid the enemy rather than our own troops.
b. The proper use of smoke requires the training of the firing units in the technique of firing this agent and the supported units in operations in smoke. Infantry mortar units, chemical warfare units and appropriate field artillery units will be trained in the technique of firing smoke to deny hostile observation and to screen the movements of attacking infantry, cavalry, and armored units. The combined training of these units as essential.
6. Employment of Incendiaries.
The employment of incendiaries is primarily a function of the Army Air Forces. However, infantry, cavalry, field artillery, tank destroyer, parachute, engineer, armored, and chemical warfare units also will be trained to use appropriate incendiaries in the destruction of hostile matériel and installations.
7. The Employment of Toxic Gases.
The field forces must be prepared to use chemicals promptly, efficiently, and on a large scale if forced to do so by enemy action. Therefore, thorough training is required by appropriate chemical warfare, Army Air Forces, field artillery, and engineer units. This training will be initiated without delay by all commanders concerned.
8. Training Methods.
To the maximum extent possible, all instruction will be practical rather than theoretical. Simulated materials available locally will be used to supplement the training munitions and supplies authorized by AR 775-10., Tables of Allowances, and Tables of Basic Allowances.
9. Instruction at Service Schools.
It is directed that increased attention be given all service schools to the training of students in the principles and methods of gas defense. Attention will also be directed to the training of
appropriate personnel of the infantry, cavalry, armored force, field artillery, engineers, chemical warfare, and air forces in the tactics and technique of the offensive employment of chemical agents.
10. Responsibility.
Immediate action will be taken by all commanders to initiate the program of training outlined herein. Special attention will be given to the basic requirements of security against chemical attack to the end that every individual and every unit will be able to take proper protective measures in case of subjection to a surprise gas attack. Both offensive and defensive chemical warfare will be included in training and tactical inspections by appropriate commanders.
By order of the Secretary of War:
J. A. ULIO
Major General,
The Adjutant General
COPIES FURNISHED
Chiefs of Supply Services
The Divisions of the War Department
General Staff