Recently, a unit of the 82nd Army Group of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army organized a full-element practical combat exercise for its chemical defense detachment based on unfamiliar mountainous terrain in the field. This exercise aimed to comprehensively test the unit’s rapid response and emergency mitigation capabilities under complex conditions. Upon reaching the target area, the reconnaissance team took the lead in forming tactical formations, swiftly advancing into the core region, and conducting a thorough search of the areas under “attack.” After gaining accurate information, the decontamination team quickly secured the operation site, set up decontamination facilities, and conducted a three-dimensional decontamination of the “contaminated areas” to ensure the complete removal of toxic agent residues.

During the exercise, the scenario team randomly introduced simulated contingencies such as sudden changes in wind direction, personnel contamination, and blocked pathways. The officers and soldiers responded decisively, providing emergency protection to the “poisoned casualties” before quickly transferring them to a safe area. The stages of reconnaissance, search and rescue, and decontamination were closely linked, and the unit successfully completed tasks such as reconnaissance, personnel search and rescue, and area decontamination in a seamless manner.

Upon completion of the mission, the officers and soldiers immediately organized self-cleaning operations to thoroughly wash and neutralize personnel and equipment from all angles and without any blind spots. They strictly regulated the operation procedures to ensure that the residual toxins were completely eliminated. The leaders of the brigade stated that this exercise was conducted without interruptions or contingency plans, thoroughly testing the unit’s comprehensive combat capabilities in terms of rapid response, coordinated operations, and extreme handling. This further solidified the practical foundation for carrying out battlefield chemical protection support missions.

“Area 3 has been subjected to an enemy ‘chemical attack’. The reconnaissance team must quickly advance to clear a path!” Upon receiving the order, the soldiers and officers sprang into action, swiftly transitioning to a combat state. The vehicle formation moved rapidly towards the ‘contaminated area’. (Looking into the New Era)