The three levels of decontamination are Immediate, Operational, and Thorough.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (A)

Decontamination is staged to quickly reduce contamination and prevent spread while still allowing the mission to continue. Immediate decontamination happens at the point of exposure to blunt the spread—for example, removing contaminated gear and washing exposed skin right away. Operational decontamination occurs as part of continuing operations, more thorough than the initial step but not as exhaustive as a full decon, often at a field point designed to protect people and equipment during movement. Thorough decontamination is the final, comprehensive process used after exposure or at the end of an operation to remove residual contamination from personnel and equipment in a controlled way.

Because this three-tier approach—Immediate, Operational, and Thorough—is how many military and hazmat standards categorize decontamination, the statement is correct. Some contexts may vary terminology, but the concept of escalating decon steps from quick, on-scene measures to a full final decon remains common.