A range of occupations are available in the Marine Corps for those interested in nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) substances and technologies, and corresponding contamination control and safety procedures. NBC substances include nuclear radiation as well as chemical and biological agents. Contamination control involves procedures to avoid, reduce, remove or render harmless NBC contamination for the purpose of maintaining or enhancing the efficient conduct of military operations.

Nuclear contamination involves the release and spread of radiological materials. Radioactive agents may result from a nuclear accident or be deliberately spread to deny access to resources. In either case, contamination can render an area useless and hazardous for years. There are also a wide range of technologies and occupations concerning nonviolent uses of nuclear power. Biological attacks involve the release and spread of living microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.) that cause diseases?ranging from cholera and diphtheria to anthrax and plague?in plant, animal and human populations. Infectious agents can enter the body via ingestion of affected plants and animals, bites from infected animals or insects, or inhalation. Biological agents may also cause deterioration of targeted materials.

Biotechnology is not used only for attack purposes. The field is undergoing progress beyond contamination and into the development of materials and coatings used in modern warfare. Advances extending into the next generation of biotechnology include lighter armor consisting of bioengineered protein molecules, microscopic health monitors for reporting vital signs and injuries, vaccines that harmonize with the specific genetic makeup of each individual, and foods that protect soldiers from illness and provide supplemental energy. Living organisms are even being used to produce genetically engineered computing devices that use DNA to make calculations. All of these advances will greatly enhance the performance of soldiers.

Chemical warfare agents are poisonous chemicals that can produce irritating effects, make materials or areas unusable, and cause death. The severity of injuries and damage depends on the type of agent, concentration of the agent used, and the method of dissemination. Chemical agents include nerve agents, blister agents, choking agents and blood agents. These agents are deployable via artillery shells, rockets, bombs, grenades, mines, aircraft sprays and missiles, or may be covertly used to contaminate food and water supplies. Many nations have a considerable variety of lethal and incapacitating chemical agents and the means to deliver them. The technology needed to produce these chemicals is similar to that used to make plastics, fertilizers, and detergents. As this knowledge spreads throughout underdeveloped countries, the increased possibility of chemical warfare becomes a harsh reality.

Chemistry has many essential defensive uses as well. The accurate evaluation of threats?including modeling, detection and response?are key factors to the success of a force. Chemistry also enables the fields of toxicology, veterinary science, pathology, forensic science, and medicine.

In the Marines, NBC jobs are classified under Occupational Field 57. Duties of personnel in the various positions include the detection, identification, warning, reporting and decontamination procedures associated with NBC contamination on the battlefield. Certain occupations also involve administrative, logistical and technical operation skills. To qualify for any of these occupations, applicants should be somewhat familiar with warehousing, supply, calibration, maintenance, serviceability and accountability procedures for NBC defense equipment. NBC occupations also require emotional stability, normal color vision and a GT score of 110 or higher. Applicants cannot be hypersensitive to protective clothing or immunization procedures, and can have no respiratory problems that may cause issues while wearing a protective mask or otherwise restrict the individual?s effectiveness in the field. Strict background checks must be passed and security clearance obtained.

While training for an NBC Military Occupation Specialty (MOS), extensive instruction will be given regarding safe handling procedures, the recognition of physiological symptoms and effects associated with exposure to NBC agents, administration of first aid to personnel exposed to NBC agents, proper storage and maintenance procedures for NBC materials and equipment, and operation of NBC defense technologies. Formal schooling is provided at the entry, intermediate and advanced levels. Some of the NBC courses include a Technical Escort Course, a Defense Packaging of Hazardous Materials Course, a Radiological Emergency Team Operations Course, a Basic NBC Rescue Vehicle Course, an NBC Defense Specialist Course and a Basic NBC Reconnaissance Course.

Billets available in the field include, but are not limited to, members of an NBC Defense Platoon, members of an NBC Defense Section in a Marine Aircraft Group, members of staffs involving the development of doctrine and the acquisition of new equipment, members of test and evaluation units, and NBC instructors. Marines entering this field initially receive MOS 5700, Basic Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense Specialist. As a specific example of an NBC occupation, a Marine within MOS 5702?Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Officer (III)?functions as supervisor, coordinator, technical advisor and staff officer to the commanding officer for operational and technical functions associated with NBC. The officer also provides technical expertise pertaining to the management, procurement and distribution of NBC equipment, and plans, coordinates and supervises NBC related training. MOS 5702 is responsible for advising commanders on the vulnerability of their own forces, and working with intelligence communities to collect, evaluate and disseminate information concerning enemy NBC capabilities.

Another example of an NBC occupation is MOS 5711: Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense Specialist. This position is responsible for maintenance, storage, serviceability and operation of NBC Defense equipment and supplies. Individuals with this MOS conduct and supervise training for NBC reconnaissance, chemical detection and identification, biological collection and sampling, decontamination of personnel and equipment, individual protective measures and first aid. MOS 5711 may work in combat operation centers to maintain operation journals and provide input for implementation into combat operation plans and orders. This specialist also reports to the commanding officer with technical information relative to radiation exposure status, location of contaminated land areas, and the status of their unit?s NBC defense equipment.

Marine NBC occupational training can open the doors for a number of related civilian professions, including forensic science, nuclear plant work and supervision, genetic engineering, and medical research and development.