Physical protection is a component of CBRN defence. It consists of Individual Protection, COLPRO (collective protection) and Equipment and Materiel Protection. Although all the elements enhance survivability, they can restrict freedom of operations.
Commanders are required to reconcile the vulnerability of the Joint Force to CBRN hazards with the restrictions imposed by the use of protective measures, and the need to pursue the mission. Physical protection can be divided into:
1. Individual Protection, which relies on protective clothing and/or personal equipment.
2. Collective Protection, which refers to to a group of individuals.
3. Equipment and Material Protection, which applies to protection of mission-essential equipment and material from contamination.
In the physical protection, the factors that need to be considered are: the assessment of the threat, the priority and urgency afforded to the operational task (and an assessment of the risk), location of personnel (chances of being targeted with CBRN weapons/devices), weather conditions which affect the likelihood and duration of any CBRN attack, and nature of work undertaken.
All the aforementioned aspects are included in Allied Tactical Publication (ATP) – 3.8.1, which is to expand on the fundamental CBRN defence principles outlined in Allied Joint Publication (AJP) – 3.8. The document contributes to interoperability and addresses the challenges concerning procedural and tactical differences which hinder work of units from different services and/or nations. It is a living document, which is regularly amended.
Detailed requirements for training in the use of individual collective means of protection against contamination are presented in DD 3.8.1 Vol. III. For the remaining personnel – in DD 3.8.1 Vol. 1.
In the EU-SENSE project, such a protection applies to demonstration which takes place in the Training Center of the Main School of Fire Service in Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki.