The Soldiers of the 23rd CBRN Battalion had the opportunity to refine their skills while also receiving advanced instruction in other areas such as lab processes. The Soldiers improved their recognition of chemical and biological agent production processes through the training, which was provided by a team of scientists from the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (RDECOM ECBC) and National Guard Bureau’s Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction Branch.

The training consisted of basic chemistry, overview of biological agents, introduction to laboratory set-ups, sampling operations and a tabletop exercise where trainees were required to evaluate a lab setup, identify the set-up, determine appropriate equipment and establish the most effective and safe area to take a representative sample.

Continually learning and honing skills is especially important to the 23rd CBRN Battalion. “The 23rd CBRN is the only CBRN Battalion on the Korean Peninsula. No one else can do what we do,” explained Army Chief Warrant Officer Mazie Benefield.

“They rely on us to assess, exploit and mitigate CBRN hazards so maneuver forces can accomplish their mission.”

Provided by the Advanced Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives Training Team (CBRNE) Training Team, the training is provided for customers around the globe to better prepare them for future missions in which contact with CBRN threats may occur.

The Advanced CBRNE Training Team, located at the RDECOM ECBC, provides a direct relationship between the subject-matter experts and customers in support of CBRN awareness and readiness.

“Our mission is to support the warfighter – we’ve dedicated our science to their operational success,” said Carrie Poore, Ph.D., advanced CBRNE training branch chief and biologist.

“We apply our science in the field and impart our knowledge on customers so they understand the science and the equipment to ensure they have a knowledge base about threats they may face and how to think critically, applying what they’ve learned in training to assess and mitigate those threats.”

Training varies depending on the customer’s mission and can have as little as one person participating or as many as 300. Additionally, training takes place in a variety of settings but usually includes a mix of classroom time and field work to ensure trainees receive the hands-on experience that best aids them in accomplishing their mission efficiently and safely. “Our team always trains the end-user based on their specific mission and the circumstances which they may encounter,” said Poore.

The training provided was well received by the 24 trainees who always welcome more knowledge and understanding to better handle the threats they may encounter in the field.

Future training may consist of longer timeframes, deep-diving into solely chemical or biological threats.

“Training like this helps us improve our capabilities and our teamwork,” said Benefield. “Any time Soldiers get an opportunity to do training like this in smaller groups, it fosters team building and everyone gets more out of the training.”