Military Requirements for Chief Petty Officer (NAVEDTRA 14144) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Chief Petty Officer Practice Questions and Study Material

The primary function of blood agents in warfare is to interfere with oxygen transport in the body. These chemical agents are designed to disrupt the body's ability to utilize oxygen effectively by binding with hemoglobin in the blood. When blood agents are present, they obstruct the basic physiological process of oxygen delivery to tissues, which can lead to rapid incapacitation or death due to asphyxiation, even if the victim is breathing normally. This mechanism is what makes blood agents particularly dangerous and lethal in battlefield environments.

In contrast, other options—such as creating smoke screens, causing asphyxiation, or disabling communication—do not accurately describe the specific biological action of blood agents. Smoke screens relate to visual obfuscation rather than chemical warfare. While asphyxiation can be a consequence of exposure to blood agents, it is not their primary function; the focus is specifically on oxygen transport disruption. Disabling communication is unrelated to the biological effects of blood agents and pertains more to electronic warfare tactics. Understanding these nuances highlights the distinct role of blood agents in the context of chemical warfare.