U.S. Armed Forces Nuclear, Biological And Chemical Survival Manual [Paperback]

Dick Couch (Author), John Boswell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2003

Experts agree that the next terrorist attack on our soil will not come in the same form as September 11. The possibility of nuclear, chemical or biological attack is increasingly likely. The U.S. Armed Forces Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Counter-Terrorism Handbook will enable its readers to survive such an attack. It contains the best practices of the United States' military, completely edited and adapted for civilian use. For example, readers will learn how to:Gain knowledge of an impending chemical attack using a simple warning system; Protect against biological threats such as anthrax with a series of inoculations; Guard against fallout from a terrorist nuke; Achieve basic protection during chemical or biological attacks with a simple mask; and Administer first aid after nuclear, chemical or biological attacks with a simple first aid kit.It's all here. This handbook is the single most effective tool for civilians to protect themselves and their loved ones against the threat looming over our homeland.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Preparing for the unthinkable is the key to our Code Orange way of life, according to this fact-filled but awkwardly packaged primer. Couch, an ex-Navy Seal and author of The Warrior Elite, has culled military and government publications for "best practices" in coping with nuclear, biological and chemical attacks, which he presents along with gruesome lore on the history, use and effects of NBC weapons. There's a lot of information, but much of it is not for the average reader. One chapter covers protective military gear that Couch concedes is not very appropriate for civilians, and half the book is taken up by appendices, including a lengthy one of NBC casualty treatment protocols for doctors and nurses. While many of the procedures here require special equipment and training, there are some simple tips for laypeople. Curling up in a basement corner after a nuclear blast, for example, can cut your radiation dose by a factor of ten (provided you are outside the "100 percent lethality " zone), while heavy clothing and a wet cloth over the nose and mouth help protect in a chemical or biological strike. After an attack, most fallout/toxins/spoors can be washed off, preferably with diluted bleach. And do use that duct tape. The manual is written in a dryly technical, safety-label style whose authoritative tone is reassuring ("If exposed to a chemical attack and protective gear is not available, attempt to seek shelter and to minimize the inhalation of the agent"). Readers will hopefully never need to use any of this advice, but some may sleep easier knowing they could.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

John Boswell is one of America's most successful literary agents and book packagers. He has also authored and co-authored 13 books on subjects from cooking to art history. He lives in New York.Captain George Galdorisi (consultant) recently completed a career as an active duty naval officer. His training and experience have been focused on chemical, biological and radiological attacks. Today he is a Senior Advisor at a large Navy lab in San Diego and is frequently called upon to confer with the Pentagon leadership on chemical and biological matters. He has written fiction, non-fiction, monthly columns and countless articles. He lives in San Diego. John Boswell is one of America's most successful literary agents and book packagers. He has also authored and co-authored 13 books on subjects from cooking to art history. He lives in New York.Captain George Galdorisi (consultant) recently completed a career as an active duty naval officer. His training and experience have been focused on chemical, biological and radiological attacks. Today he is a Senior Advisor at a large Navy lab in San Diego and is frequently called upon to confer with the Pentagon leadership on chemical and biological matters. He has written fiction, non-fiction, monthly columns and countless articles. He lives in San Diego.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books (April 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 046500797X
• ISBN-13: 978-0465007974
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #43,920 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #5 in Books > History > Military > Weapons & Warfare > Biological & Chemical
  • #14 in Books > History > Military > Weapons & Warfare > Nuclear
  • #35 in Books > History > Military > Weapons & Warfare > Conventional

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome! Need to know info!, April 5, 2003

By 

"mobley2000" (Queens, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: U.S. Armed Forces Nuclear, Biological And Chemical Survival Manual (Paperback)

Finally, a survival guide I can use. I live in New York. I have spent hours on the internet trying to find basic information that would be useful to me and my family to try to begin to prepare for a terrorist incident. Frustrating! I heard Couch being interviewed last week and decided to try his book. It answered dozens of my questions and every member of my family will read it. Thanks!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Make a checklist today!!, April 15, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: U.S. Armed Forces Nuclear, Biological And Chemical Survival Manual (Paperback)

Captain Couch has provided an invaluable service. I have been to numerous web sites and have not found anything useful or user-friendly. This guide does it. The other parts of the book are interesting, but if you read nothing else, read and heed these checklists from the experts!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Essential Companion, April 10, 2003

By 

Charles Walter (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: U.S. Armed Forces Nuclear, Biological And Chemical Survival Manual (Paperback)

I would have given this five stars if it were longer. It gave me essential information and made me realize how much we don't know about these deadly weapons. I've already made copies to the checklists for my home and my school classroom. We take this very seriously in Dallas and I hope that Captain Couch is already working on the sequel.