scope:

1. This document is the technical specification for information which is defined, generated, and communicated by NATO CBRN warning and reporting systems (both automated and manual systems). Thus sections of this document specify various components of the CBRN W&R architecture from a functional point of view and not from operational or procedural views.

2. This functional specification is not intended to limit nations' freedom to develop or adopt their own Automated CBRN Command Information System, but rather to apply constraints within which interoperability is assured.

3. Additionally, the formulae and equations quoted in appendices to this document correspond to the tables, graphs and nomograms contained in ATP-45(D), thus providing any NATO member country with the necessary basis for the preparation of computer programmes for CBRN Warning and Reporting purposes. Additionally, the appendices contain algorithms needed to calculate doses, dose rates and radiation decay rates.

4. Experience has demonstrated that well-defined interfaces between system components are extremely important to the success and long useful life of any system. This document will identify and document internal interfaces wherever pertinent. More importantly however, interfaces to external systems, for example a CIS network or toxic industrial material (TIM) procedures, are identified and documented with appropriate references.

Purpose

This document provides requirements and functional specifications for CBRN informational constructs, activities and functionality necessary for:

1. Reporting of all chemical, biological or radiological incidents and nuclear detonations and the resulting contamination

2. Prediction and warning of hazard areas from CBRN incidents

3. Evaluation of CBRN information and the influence of CBRN incidents on operations

4. Interchange of reports, quoted in 1, 2 and 3 above, between NATO forces and national military and civil authorities and agencies CBRN Warning and Reporting is a NATO Command Information Systems (CIS) activity. Thus, the above are elements of a warning and reporting and CIS. The accepted NATO definition of CIS is found in AAP-6, NATO GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND DEFINITIONS (ENGLISH AND FRENCH) [ref 4]

AAP-21, NATO GLOSSARY OF CBRN TERMS and DEFINITIONS [ref-5] includes manual as well as automated information systems. Manual information systems are based on procedures derived from the "simplified" and "detailed" functional specifications (see paragraph 0107 Procedural Hierarchy) and are published separately in the accompanying volume, ATP-45(D). Automated CBRN Command Information Systems will be based on software derived from the "simplified," "detailed" and "enhanced" functional specifications in this publication.