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
Army Chemical Review 28 Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States focused their training on improving CBRN interoperability between NATO allies. The chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive response team (CRT) from the 110th CBRN Battalion was directed to accomplish di- verse problem sets outside the scope of traditional CRT operations. The CRT conducted an assessment of an active chemical plant to form future hazard pre- dictions; responded to a train derailment with a suspected chemical agent; con- ducted a combined area reconnaissance with a German reconnaissance team and American explosive ordnance disposal as- sets for a suspected chemical mortar firing point; and conducted an assessment of a building containing multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) for clandestine homemade explosives, radiological disper- sal devices, mustard gas, and evidence of ongoing biological research. While this training is critical, it doesn't replicate training with live agents. For the Precise Response Exercise, the 110th CBRN Battalion sent a different CRT to Defence Research and Development Canada, Suffield Research Center, which is colocated with Canadian Forces Base Suffield. During this exercise, the CRT operated alongside 350 other CBRN and explosive ordnance disposal teams and trained together as part of the NATO reactionary force. The CRT trained in situ- ations using live agents in a controlled environment. Partici- pants not only had the opportunity to operate in a CBRNE environment, but also to operate in multinational teams, building trust and confidence in each other. The Precise Response Exercise series is critical because it offers NATO members the invaluable CBRN training experience of using live agents at a safe and secure site. This past summer, the 48th Chemical Brigade participat- ed in the Ulchi Freedom Guardian Exercise. This exercise along with the annual Key Resolve exercise remain critical to building capabilities and capacities. This is why the 48th Chemical Brigade is committed to improving its relationship with the Republic of Korea Chemical, Biological, and Radio- logical Defense Command. These bilateral training oppor- tunities enhance our collaboration and integration with our Republic of Korea partners in advance of an actual crisis. In the homeland, our CBRN units are also on a very short prepare-to-deploy window in support of homeland defense consequence management. In February, almost 400 Soldiers from the 21st CBRN Company, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; the 59th CBRN Company, Fort Drum, New York; the 172d CBRN Company, Fort Riley, Kansas; and the 181st CBRN Company, Fort Hood, Texas, participated in the Defense Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Response Force rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), Fort Polk, Louisiana, to assume the mis- sion over the summer. During the rotation, they trained with members from the Department of Defense, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and numerous other agen- cies. A German soldier and a U.S. Soldier discuss the safest way to approach a potential chemical mortar firing point dur- ing the Iron Mask Exercise. Photograph by Staff Sergeant Angel D. Martinez. A German soldier gives a capabilities briefing to U.S. Soldiers during the Iron Mask Exercise. Photograph by Staff Sergeant Angel D. Martinez.