Army Chemical Review

WINTER 2016

Army Chemical Review presents professional information about Chemical Corps functions related to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, smoke, flame, and civil support operations.

Issue link: https://chemical.epubxp.com/i/759309

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 15 of 63

14 Army Chemical Review By Lieutenant Colonel Cristiano Giudice T he aim of Italy's chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) protection has changed consid- erably in the last few years, switching from a passive stance (research of equipment, skills, and systems aimed at managing and restraining CBRN events) to an active stance (aimed at developing new procedures and acquiring tools and equipment useful to preventing a CBRN event before it happens). The main task for the 7th Italian CBRN Regiment (the only regiment of the Italian armed forces specializing in CBRN threats) is to adherently support the units on the ground dealing with direct and indirect CBRN incidents (such as toxic industrial material [TIM] events) and terror- ist threats. The 7th Italian CBRN Regiment accomplishes its mis- sion by— • Applying specific technical and tactical assistance to the forces on the ground to enhance protection capabilities in the event that the environment is contaminated by CBRN agents. • Implementing CBRN surveillance activities in areas where national units operate in order to preserve person- nel safety. • Supporting national civil authorities during CBRN events and terrorist attacks. Other specific tasks of the 7th Italian CBRN Regiment include— • Spreading immediate warnings concerning CBRN at- tacks and low-level radiation events. • Identifying and locating chemical warfare agents and TIMs. • Identifying, isolating, and reporting contaminated equip- ment, tools, and supplies that need decontamination. • Collecting samples of possible CBRN contamination. (The regiment conducts a first-level analysis for confirmation. If confirmed, samples are sent to higher national or in- ternational specialized laboratories in accordance with guidance from sampling and identification of biological, chemical, and radiological agents [SIBCRA] and North Atlantic Treating Organization [NATO] procedures.) • Cordoning contaminated areas and evacuating any in- volved personnel. • Conducting CBRN detection missions to check areas or routes. • Decontaminating limited infrastructure and surfaces. • Supporting explosive ordnance disposal/improvised ex- plosive device disposal units when dealing with noncon- ventional devices. • Supporting and advising commanders of task forces, bri- gades, divisions, and corps about— ▪ CBRN threats. ▪ Emergency procedures for managing victims of CBRN attacks. • Preparing transportable CBRN collective protection sys- tems that use smoke-proof filter overpressure. • Preparing deep decontamination stages for personnel, equipment, and vehicles contaminated by a CBRN event. The 7th Italian CBRN Regiment is a gemstone of the Ital- ian Army. Its unique capabilities and skills make it an irre- placeable pillar for the Italian and NATO defense structure. Lieutenant Colonel Giudice is the Italian liaison officer for the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. A 7th Italian CBRN Regiment soldier evaluates contami- nation.

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Army Chemical Review - WINTER 2016