Cpl. Shada Middleton, postal clerk, Marine
Corps Logistics Base Albany, sorts through dozens of letters and packages
daily.
One of her duties is to be able to identify
a suspicious package as she conducts her day-to-day routine of mail delivery.
To
help Middleton maintain a keen eye for detection, she attended a mail handling
awareness training class, Sept. 17.
“The
course reiterates how to identify a suspicious package that may have toxic
materials, how to handle it properly and how to make other postal workers and
proper authorities aware of one if found,” Middleton said.
The
training also helps ensure everyone knows the standard operating procedures and
how to respond correctly, she added.
During
the training, Middleton demonstrated how to properly wear her personal
protection equipment, a mask and latex gloves, if she encountered a suspicious
piece of mail.
Chris
Batley, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives analyst
and trainer, Camber Corporation, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, and part
of the Regional CBRNE Equipment Training Team, from Jacksonville, North
Carolina, conducted the refresher course.
“I
support the Marine Corps in the installation protection program,” Batley said.
“Basically, we train first responders on Marine Corps installations how to
protect themselves, personnel and the installation from CBRNE attacks.
“Corporal
Middleton has been through the class a few times, but it is always good to
revisit the standard operating procedures, go over (places to meet during an
emergency situation) and (reiterate) what to do in case you have suspicious
package come through the mail,” Batley said.
He
said the training course will help the Marines meet their annual requirement
training.
Marvin
Thomas, chemical protection officer, MCLB Albany, said the RCETT also provided training
on the CBRNE Protection Program for first responders.
According
to Thomas, first responders include the Marine Corps Police Department, MCLB
Albany Fire Department and Naval Branch Health Clinic Albany.
“The
RCETT provides training three times annually to MCLB Albany (personnel),”
Thomas said. “This training consists of detection equipment operations,
decontamination operations, chemical awareness, biological awareness, personal
protection equipment, hazardous materials operations and scenario exercises.
“This training is key in keeping the base first responders
and postal at a high rate of readiness for any situation,” he said.