CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea—Several employees of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Far East District (FED) left the FED’s vehicle maintenance facility unharmed and with their gas masks in tow after contingency training was recently completed at the district.
Mission essential civilians (MEC) and emergency essential civilians (EEC) completed the training Aug. 21-22, and Sep. 19-20 as part of their requirements.
MEC personnel are Korean National (KN) employees who will remain on the peninsula in the time of contingency operations. EEC personnel are Department of the Army civilians (DAC) employees who will do the same.
“These employees hold critical positions that are necessary to enhance our organization’s ability to maintain our readiness and our force structure throughout the peninsula,” said Capt. Courtney Walker, FED operations officer.
Walker went on to explain the training requirements for MEC and EEC personnel are in accordance with Army regulation 350-1. He stated that the personnel are required to maintain and understand technical tasks.
The subjects covered during these two training segments are field first aid and unit chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense.
“The MEC and EEC personnel are required to maintain and understand technical tasks,” said Walker. “Here they are training at the first responder level, not the surgical level. They are completing tasks such as evaluating the casualty, treating for burns, bruises and cuts. These minor critical skills that either prevent further injury or help possibly save a life if they’re injured.”
The CBRN portion of the training is one of the most critical for personal protection in the event there is an attack. Personnel learn how to properly place on their gas mask and their protective suit known as the joint lightweight integrated suit technology (JSLIST).
“The instructors will orient them how to don and clear their mask in a chemical attack or chemical induced environment,” said Walker.
Walker explained that the end result isn’t to make anyone an expert, but to introduce and refresh other personnel on the basics.
“Familiarization,” said Walker. “We’re not certifying or giving anyone authority to perform surgery on a casualty or to perform any serious medical aid. We want to enhance our readiness in the event that if a contingency was to occur, our MEC and EEC personnel can respond in a moment’s notice.”
Walker said the instructors presented the information in a well thought out manner, and that it was well received by the audience of DAC and KN employees.
“I think we’ve identified where we can improve, but overall a great job to the district - giving us the guidance to execute this [training], and to the division chiefs for getting their personnel to the training.”