In emergencies, when not enough uncontaminated supplies are available, certain contaminated supplies may be used. However, contaminated supplies are only issued if they would give the receiving unit a decisive tactical advantage. Contaminated supplies would be issued first to units similarly contaminated. Only under the most dire circumstances would contaminated stocks be issued to an uncontaminated unit. The decision to issue contaminated items is made jointly by the issuing and receiving commanders.
Every attempt is made to avoid unnecessary spread of contamination.
Contaminated stocks are clearly marked using standard NBC markers. I Preplanned resupply is not normally provided to units operating in or near contaminated areas because units carry enough MREs to conduct operations without daily resupply. Also, emergency nutrients that can be consumed while wearing the protective mask are issued in an active NBC environment. Rations are stored under protective coverings or in containers to prevent or reduce contamination. Decontamination efforts are limited to removing the containers and carton overwrap.