The DOD better be prepared, so far it seems that after 50 years of this and billions of dollars and countless drills, everyone else was faking us out about preparedness for NBC.
"NBC" = "No Body Cares"
I assume that NBC received better attention during and after the Iraq wars, but back in the 1970's, it truly was a Nobody Cares situation. My viewpoint is that of a former squadron NBC officer.
Example 1 - Filters for the small building sized ventilation unit were "Depot Level" replacement, i.e. at Albany, Ga. However, with an attack with VX, these filters needed to be changed every 5 hours.
Example 2 - The gas mask issued for use by helicopter pilots distorted vision so much that depth perception was severely degraded. The head straps & buckles dug into the scalp. I mentioned these problems to the CO and asked him for permission to have one pilot (two pilot helo) on each launch wear the mask for at least 30 minutes, then complete an evaluation form.
"Great idea! Have the XO do the first test", was his reply. When the XO returned to the ready room from his evaluation flight he was cussing up a blue streak and threw the gas mask all the way across the ready room.
"Thank you, Sir! Would you please put that in writing?"
"#%$&@ I will!"
NBC = "I will worry about that tomorrow."