U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School (573) XXX-XXXX Army Chemical Review (ACR) (ISSN 0899-7047) is published biannually in June and December by the U.S. DSN 676-XXXX (563 prefix) or 581-XXXX (596 prefix) Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School (USACBRNS), Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. ACR COMMANDANT highlights unique Army chemical, biological, radiological, COL(P) Daryl O. Hood 563-8053 and nuclear technical-response capabilities for supporting
Managing Editor, Diana K. Dean 563-4137 Official:
2 Chief of Chemical and Commandant, U.S. Army 28 The Desperation of the U.S. Army to Transform in the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Pentomic Era School By Major Ralph E. Scott
4 Regimental Command Sergeant Major 30 83d CBRN Battalion Conducts Gunnery in Times of COVID-19 5 Regimental Chief Warrant Officer By Captain Matthew R. Van Arsdall and First Lieutenant Jonathan D. Hellberg 6 Commandant’s Reading Program 31 The CBRN Professional 8 Facilities-Based Solutions to Fighting COVID-19 in By Ms. Sharon M. McCann the Barracks 32 Doctrine Update By Lieutenant Colonel Lisa (Reyn) Mann, 35 USACBRNS CATS Update Chief Warrant Officer Three Travis W. Henning, and Warrant Officer One Maksym Zymin 36 Reserve Component Update
11 U.S. Army Reserve Task Force Hones Disaster Response Skills By Colonel Bill R. Crouse
12 CMA: A World Leader in Chemical Munitions Stockpile Storage By Colonel Michael W. Cobb and Lieutenant Colonel Rodney D. McCutcheon 16 Threat Detection in Your Pocket: CCDC CBC Invests in Easy-to-Use, Lightweight Field-Screening Tool By Dr. Brian B. Feeney 17 Collaboration and Modified Acquisition Strategy Lead to Quick-Turn NBCRV Upgrades By Mr. Shawn Nesaw and Ms. Jaimie Abell 21 Operating in Contaminated Environments: Observa- tions From NTC By Captain Tyler E. Barnum 23 Detecting Unknown Chemicals: The Fielding of CRESS to IBCTs By Major Howard M. Beardsley (Retired) 24 A Job Well Done: The 90th Chemical Mortar Battalion at Remagen By Ms. Christy L. Lindberg 27 Army Updates CBRN Arsenal With New Radiological Detectors By Mr. Sam J. Campbell
Cover photograph: Specialst Daisy Zimmer, 221st Public Affairs Detachment
1 Chief of Chemical and Commandant, U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School
Greetings, Dragon Soldiers! Our Army and our Corps are at a critical point in history as we come together to fight the battle against the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). As I write this article, we are in the midst of one of the greatest crises of our lifetime and, quite possibly, at an inflection point in history. Our challenge today is balancing our number one priority, protecting the health and welfare of our people, with maintain- ing the readiness that our country requires of us, especially in this time of uncertainty and vulnerability. I am filled with incredible pride as I witness countless leaders in our Regiment stepping up to answer the call. Around the world, from Korea to Europe to New York—and everywhere in between—Dragon Soldiers are reconnecting, contribut- ing, and sharing best practices and lessons learned from serving on the frontlines of the daunting COVID-19 mission in efforts to support our communities. Our skills, equip- ment, training, and expertise are desperately needed right now, and I can assure you that our Soldiers and units are answering the call with professionalism and competence everywhere they are employed. In Korea, Eighth Army protection and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) staff understood early on that defeating this insidious enemy would require cross-functional synchronization. Eighth Army units were some of the first to develop, Colonel(P) refine, and implement the tactics, techniques, procedures, and best practices that many Daryl O. Hood installations and communities have adopted today. Together with the 23d CBRN Bat- talion, Camp Humphreys, Korea, they established contact tracing teams to identify potential “hot spots” of COVID-19 contamination and then stood up “clean teams” that were deployable 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, to rapidly sanitize and disinfect critical areas across the Korean peninsula. The importance and value of social distancing, quarantine, and the wearing of protective face coverings was quickly understood and shared with all of us. U.S. Army Reserve CBRN Soldiers from the 773d Civil Support Team, Kaiserslautern, Germany, are another prime example of a unit that served on the frontlines as they assumed the mission of Task Force–Prevention for U.S. Army Gar- rison-Rheinland Pfalz on 28 March 2020. The unit deployed four teams to help “flatten the curve” and reduce the spread of COVID-19 by supporting sanitization and disinfection operations throughout the community. The top priorities of the 773d right now are to help protect Soldiers and Families and to maintain the readiness of the force. Our U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard CBRN Soldiers have been mobilized in support of their states and communities in significant numbers across the homeland. No less than 17 civil support teams, or portions thereof, have been mobilized, and homeland response forces/CBRN enhanced response force packages are active in at least 15 states (and counting) at this time. Units such as the 265th Chemical Battalion, Marietta, Georgia; the 272d Chemical Company, Massachusetts; and the 76th Operational Response Command, Salt Lake City, Utah, are all decisively engaged in the fight every day. They are doing whatever needs to be done, from supporting testing and screening operations to training the proper wear and doffing of personal protective equipment to assisting with hazmat disposal—and much, much more. Their training and knowledge are the decisive factors in this fight. At camps, posts, and stations across the land, our Dragon Soldiers are quietly and professionally contributing wherever they are needed. Their contributions are varied and numerous as they, once again, demonstrate how versatile, adaptable, and competent Dragon Soldiers are. We always answer the call when our Nation needs us the most. I could not be more proud of them or our entire enterprise of CBRN professionals who are stepping up to flatten the COVID-19 curve and pro- tect our force. To assist the Headquarters, Department of the Army G3/5/7 Crisis Action Team, the U.S. Army Nuclear and Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Agency has established a Web portal to serve as a repository for relevant COVID-19-related products. Best practices, lessons learned, and requests for information can be found on the agency’s official military portal.
2 Army Chemical Review As we collectively unite to mitigate the threat of COVID-19, I ask that we also take a moment to come together in celebra- tion, as the Chief of Staff of the Army recently announced the following officer transitions: yy Brigadier General James E. Bonner, Commanding General, 20th CBRN Explosives Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, to Commanding General, U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence (MSCoE) and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. yy Brigadier General Antonio V. Munera, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Cadet Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky, to Commanding General, 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Gentlemen, we applaud you, your spouses, and your Families for your many contributions, your selfless service, and your servant leadership to our Regiment and our Army! Congratulations, Team Bonner and Team Munera! As we continue to operate during the COVID-19 crisis, we are maintaining our focus and efforts on developing leaders. The U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School has been diligently working with leaders at MSCoE and the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to recalibrate our leader development strategy and establish the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that we desire in our officers and noncommissioned officers over the course of their careers. I will be sharing these products with you over the next several months as we continue to refine them. We will remain focused on modernization. Senior CBRN leaders Major General Maria R. Gervais, Brigadier General Bonner, and Brigadier General Munera initiated and developed the modernization road map that we are following today. We are well on our way to developing specific capabilities across doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and facilities (DOTMLPF) to achieve the objectives laid out in that strategy, which is composed of the following three core capability areas, with a desired end state of providing capability to allow commanders to retain freedom of action in a CBRN environment: •• Assess. In the area of assess, we are in the process of modernizing our mounted CBRN reconnaissance vehicle to detect hazards at a distance and to provide the force with the correct information at the correct time. Ensuring that we can network our warning and reporting functions in time and space is critical to enhancing that capability. In early March 2020, at Fort Bliss, Texas, we demonstrated the capabilities of the Sensor Suite Upgrade (SSU) to the Stryker Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV) during Bulldog Focus, a 3d Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, training exercise. The NBCRV SSU supports the maneuver force commander by detecting CBRN hazards at maneuver speed and from a distance. It integrates the manned/unmanned teaming wingman concept (the concept whereby military aviators and their fellow pilots operate as a single, coordinated unit) for both ground and aerial robotic systems. The SSU will enable the maneuver commander to make proactive risk-based decisions to protect the force and enable freedom of action and maneuver. •• Protect. In the area of protect, we are developing a replacement for the current personal protective ensemble. This capability—Uniform, Integrated, Protective Ensemble, Family of Systems—will provide the Army with a threat-based layered approach, which will minimize operational, logistical, and training impacts. This redesign is needed for a lighter, more effective suit to reduce the physiological burden on the Soldier and improve protection qualities during large-scale combat operations. •• Mitigate. In the area of mitigate, we are completely reviewing and assessing our current decontamination capabilities to reduce the time and resources required to reduce risk to the force. We have already developed, and are now in the process of packaging, a contamination mitigation capability for use by the general-purpose force to reduce risk. Our team will answer the call and continue to collaborate and innovate to implement creative solutions to difficult problems. In closing, one of the great qualities of our Regiment is our ability to rapidly cross-level our ideas and information with one another. We are strongest when we fight together; and in our lives, there has never been a more pressing time for this than now. To counter near-peer adversaries, COVID-19, or any emerging CBRN threat, we must be proactive—not reactive—and we must always remain at the leading edge of modernization and technology. Our Service members and our Nation are counting on the USACBRNS and Dragon Soldiers to always bring their best to defend the homeland and win against any enemy. Stay disciplined and ready, and remain resilient during this crisis. We will defeat this threat together! Thank you for doing your part and making a difference in defeating COVID-19. I am proud to serve with you! Dragon Soldiers! CBRN Warriors! Elementis Regamus Proelium!
Summer 2020 3 Regimental Command Sergeant Major
s your Regimental Command Sergeant Major, I have been constantly striving to improve our Corps and, most importantly, the caliber and expertise of our chem- A ical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) warriors. In the past couple of months, in support of our mission, I have had the opportunity to travel to multiple loca- tions worldwide, enabling me to interface with CBRN leaders and warriors across our Corps. I sincerely value their feedback and recommendations on how we can improve our Corps. My latest trip was to the Korean peninsula. I was extremely impressed with the caliber of training that our warriors are receiving and with the overall quality of life of the Soldiers and Family members who are serving on the Korean peninsula, which has significantly improved. Please take a moment to review the information sent to me by Sergeant Major Jeffery K. Agyarko, the G-3/4 sergeant major for Eighth Army. Great things have occurred within the past couple of months. The U.S. Army Chemi- cal Corps is extremely proud to announce that 12 master sergeants have been selected to become future sergeants major in our career field. This is indeed a remarkable achieve- ment for this superb group of senior noncommissioned officers (NCOs)—a true testa- ment to their commitment to our Corps and the Soldiers within our formations and to Command Sergeant Major the efforts and sacrifices that they have made throughout their distinguished careers. Christopher Williams As future sergeants major, they will undoubtedly continue the time-honored legacy of serving as the standard-bearers of our profession of arms, providing an example worthy of emulation for the next generation of Dragon Soldiers. Congratulations to the following selectees and their Families: • Master Sergeant Jessica Cho. • Master Sergeant Crystal D. Irby. • Master Sergeant Vincent D. Green. • Master Sergeant Jennifer L. Langes. • Master Sergeant Assane Gueye. • Master Sergeant Emilio A. Lopez Jr. • Master Sergeant Ronis J. Gutierrez. • Master Sergeant Joseph P. Mahoney II. • Master Sergeant Aaron D. Halter. • Master Sergeant Stephanie R. Rodriguez. • Master Sergeant Jeffery D. Howard. • Master Sergeant Joshua B. Warehime.
Furthermore, the Department of the Army recently conducted the fiscal year 2021 Command Sergeant Major Slate Board for the Regular Army, Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserves. As a result of this board, two of our very own CBRN sergeants major were selected to serve in command sergeant major positions at the brigade level and three were selected to serve in command sergeants major postitions at the battalion level. This momentous accomplishment signifies their commitment to excellence, their leadership qualities, and their devotion to our Corps and to the U.S. Army. Congratulations to the following selectees and their Families: • Brigade command sergeant major selections. • Battalion command sergeant major selections. ▪▪ Command Sergeant Major Raymond P. Quitugua Jr. ▪▪ Sergeant Major Jeffery K. Agyarko. ▪▪ Command Sergeant Major Mauvet M. Rawls. ▪▪ Sergeant Major Kiana Bell. ▪▪ Sergeant Major David C. Henderson.
We also had the distinct pleasure of selecting Command Sergeant Major Donald Moten (Retired) as the Honorary Ser- geant Major for the Chemical Corps. In a span of more than 3 decades, Command Sergeant Major Moten greatly contributed to our Corps. A significant highlight of his impactful career is his previous role as the command sergeant major for the first military table of organization and equipment chemical brigade, the 48th Chemical Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas; 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. I continue to be extremely honored to be your Regimental Command Sergeant Major. I would like to sincerely thank all of our Dragon Soldiers, to include Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers, who, in light of an unprecedented situation, have put forth tremendous effort to help our Nation combat and defeat the invisible Coronavirus (COVID-19) enemy. We, as CBRN Warriors, will always be an asset to our Nation. As always, I sincerely appreciate your hard work, dedication, and unwavering support. Dragon Soldiers! CBRN Warriors! Elementis Regamus Proelium!
4 Army Chemical Review Regimental Chief Warrant Officer
reetings, Dragon Soldiers! Welcome to the 102d year of the U.S. Army Chemical Corps! Since my last article, much has changed in the world. It has been a chal- Glenging time for the Corps, the Army, the Nation and, indeed, the world. The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has put roadblocks in front of nearly every- thing we do on a normal, day-to-day basis. However, we aren’t going to let that get the better of us. The mission must go on, and we are using technology and creative solutions to allow us to keep things going. I am extremely proud of the effort and perseverance of everyone as we answer the COVID-19 challenge. I am sad to share that the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) warrant officer cohort has suffered a significant loss since my last article. On 29 Febru- ary 2020, we quite unexpectedly lost Chief Warrant Officer Two Daniel I. Thomas to natural causes. He was the Army National Guard senior warrant officer advisor in the Deputy Assistant Commandant’s Office; U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School (USACBRNS); Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Everyone that worked with Chief Warrant Officer Two Thomas knows how much he did for the cohort and for the Corps. He was a great Soldier, warrant officer, and friend. He will be sorely missed. Please keep those he left behind in your thoughts. Chief Warrant Officer Three Robert A. Lockwood The CBRN warrant officer cohort continues to grow and thrive. In November 2019, we selected 10 highly qualified noncommissioned officers (NCOs) to join the ranks of CBRN warrant officers. I would like to congratulate the following NCOs on their selection: ●● Sergeant First Class Robert S. Clairborne. ●● Staff Sergeant Eric Haynes. ●● Sergeant First Class Jessica M. Jackson. ●● Staff Sergeant Fredis R. Kindelan II. ●● Sergeant First Class Sakeera M. McNeil. ●● Staff Sergeant Melissa R. Reznickcheck. ●● Staff Sergeant Aaron M. Colbert. ●● Staff Sergeant William R. Steely Jr. ●● Staff Sergeant Jacqueline R. Ellis. ●● Staff Sergeant Omairis Taylor.
Due to delays with Warrant Officer Candidate School and the Warrant Officer Basic Course, it may take us a little longer than normal to get these NCOs through the required training. But we will get them through—and out to the force as soon as possible. After they complete the Warrant Officer Basic Course, the selectees will elevate our Regular Army Component warrant officer strength to 107 percent. Our aggressive recruiting and accession strategy continues to pay dividends in the Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve. Both have seen an increase in CBRN warrant officer end-strength over the past 6 months. As our Corps starts its 102d year, we are discussing training for the next fight. As we discern the best way to train for large-scale combat operations in a multidomain environment, there will be multiple challenges. One such challenge was manifested earlier this year in the form of a pandemic. While the Army works through ways to keep the force healthy, functional, and ready for the fight, it is relying heavily on technology. Throughout it all, the Army has learned that it can function and train at a distance. This has served as a look into the future. As synthetic training environments continue to evolve, the Corps and the Army will be able to use technology to train even collective tasks in varying conditions and loca- tions without a requirement to be physically present. The days of students being required to attend these courses in person may be numbered. This will change how functional courses and professional military education courses are conducted. One of the prominent observations resulting from the events of the past few months is that we need to know not only how to train, but also what to train in the future. The impact that a novel pathogen can have on operations is significant. With the current technology of clustered, regularly interspaced, short, palindromic repeats–associated with Protein 9 (CRISPR- Cas9), actors are capable of editing the genetic material of organisms (including pathogens). The Army cannot discount the possibility of synthetization and release of a novel pathogen. Using lessons learned over the past few months, the Corps must train to mitigate the effect on our Soldiers and forces, should such an event occur. This falls directly under the purview of CBRN warrant officers as the technical experts of the Corps. In the COVID-19 situation, supply chains have become stressed and products (particularly common disinfectants and personal protective equipment) are in short supply. These problems will only be exacerbated by large-scale combat
Summer 2020 5 operations. Therefore, CBRN warrant officers must understand the microbicidal activity of hypochlorites, alcohols, phenols, quaternary ammoniums, and aldehydes (to name a few), as well as effective concentrations and contact times in order to of- fer other options when traditional disinfectants become unavailable. As we fight autonomously or semiautonomously on the future battlefield, the CBRN warrant officer must be able to advise commanders on appropriate personal protective equip- ment for the threat and recommend alternative measures to conserve the limited and easily exhausted supplies on-hand. Prior to the pandemic, USACBRNS instructors were developing such training for the Warrant Officer Basic Course; we will incorporate lessons learned into future instruction. Providing commanders with knowledgeable CBRN warrant officers to serve as technical advisors is a priority for preserving combat power and readiness. By the time this issue is published, I truly hope that the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is over and some sort of nor- malcy has returned to the world. The COVID-19 event has forever changed those of us who witnessed it, and I am sure that our “new normal” will differ from the “old normal.” Thank you for all that you do on a day-to-day basis. Stay Safe. Dragon Soldiers! CBRN Warriors! Elementis Regamus Proelium!
“If you haven’t read hundreds of books, you are functionally illiterate and you will be incompetent because your personal experiences alone aren’t broad enough to sustain you.” —Former Secretary of Defense, U.S. Marine Corps General James N. Mattis1
The Commandant’s Reading Program has a fresh, new look; but don’t worry, your favorites are still included. The new reading program consists of some well-known military art and science professional materials and a series of products fo- cused on weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and leadership lessons learned from many different historical events. These products include books, videos, articles, films, talks, and speeches to motivate and entice both the young and the seasoned chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) professional to dive deeper into a topic. People digest knowledge through at least four different learning styles; there are reading/writing, kinesthetic (or hands- on), visual, and auditory learners. The new Commandant’s Reading Program incorporates resources to support each of these learning styles. You can use the Commandant’s Reading Program to expand your own understanding of the CBRN profes- sion by delving deeper into what it means to be a professional CBRN warrior.
6 Army Chemical Review Over the years, Lieutenant Colonel James Harwell has created and maintained the Commandant’s Reading Program. His efforts have resulted in a foundation for lifelong self-development for every CBRN professional. Every year, as the body of knowledge grows, the Commandant’s Reading Program continues to change. To support kinesthetic learners, a new critical-thinking corner has been added to the reading program. Critical-thinking exercises from the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Red Team Handbook are provided to assist in facilitating a fruitful discussion amongst leaders.2 These exercises eliminate “group think” and encourage open discussion and maximum participation during professional development sessions. When incorporated in a group discussion, these hands-on critical- thinking techniques lead to stronger relationships, a deeper understanding of oneself and others, and a collective purpose for continuous growth as a team.
“The purpose of reading is to connect the ideas on the page to what you already know. If you don’t know anything about a subject, then pouring words of text into your mind is like pouring water into your hand. You don’t retain much.” —Donald Martin3 Visual and auditory learners will love the new additions of TedTalks, news clips, and historical inspirational speeches. If you are interested in cutting-edge leadership discussions, then check out the suggested TedTalks and speeches. If you are interested in learning a bit more about a specific historical CBRN event, then click on the Journalism link and watch a series of news reports about CBRN events around the world.
A favorite new addition is the “Hollywood Movies” section of the Commandant’s Reading Program. As a CBRN Soldier, it is important that you be aware of how American society views our profession. Hollywood movies are routinely dramatized and, at times, grossly inaccurate—and they act as a driving force for cultivating a skewed and dramatized perception of CBRN threats and hazards. Movies also provide the only view of CBRN and WMD threats that many people in our society ever receive. Understanding how society views CBRN and WMD threats is an important element in professional develop- ment and in staying on the cutting edge of consciousness.
Regardless of how you learn, the important thing is that you choose to expand your current knowledge of our military profession through extensive and continuous efforts in educating yourself. Find something that interests you, and learn more about it. Watch some clips. Expand your personal experience by educating yourself and developing your intellect through factual and peer-reviewed resources. Did we leave out one of your favorite books, speeches, WMD movies, or CBRN topics? What would you add to the Commandant’s Reading Program? We invite you to send your suggestions to Lieutenant Colonel Christine Kay at
Summer 2020 7 By Lieutenant Colonel Lisa (Reyn) Mann, Chief Warrant Officer Three Travis W. Henning, and Warrant Officer One Maksym Zymin
breakout of an infectious disease in unaccompanied As an added pre- personnel housing (otherwise known as the bar- liminary step, unit A racks) can have crippling effects on unit readiness. leaders should request Although good hygiene and routine disinfection remain the field-expedient assess- best practices for preventing a virus like the Coronavirus ments of the barracks (COVID-19), there are also some facilities-based recommen- through the Directorate dations that could potentially contain—or at least slow—an of Public Works (DPW) outbreak. We gathered recommendations from infectious- or from local engineer disease experts; industrial hygienists; and Army warrant units. Although the U.S. Army has aspired to officer facilities experts, Military Occupational Specialty reach a “1+1 standard” (MOS) 120As–Construction Engineering Technicians, to for barracks design and compile a list of mitigating measures that unit represen- construction (in which tatives can take once a Soldier living in the barracks has Soldiers each have their tested positive for COVID-19. own private bedrooms Private First Class Rachel A. First and foremost, that open into shared Rivera-Corley wipes down a coun- commanders and first common space with a tertop in the barracks. sergeants should es- bathroom and kitchen area), there are still numerous lay- tablish and train unit outs and unique design features in barracks facilities across “clean teams” to dis- different installations. A hasty reconnaissance of the bar- infect areas where racks can be conducted to determine some of the specifics COVID-19-positive required to emplace mitigating measures. Construction en- gineering technicians are assets in any formation; however, Soldiers have been. MOS 120A warrant officers can be lifesavers during a pan- These teams should be demic. Commanders, first sergeants, and savvy barracks provided with proper managers can verify some factors over the phone, alleviat- medical-grade per- ing the need for in-person assessments. DPW should have sonal protective equip- a repository of blueprints for each building, which would ment and disinfectant also prove useful. Heating, ventilation, and air condition- cleaning products. As ing (HVAC) drawings would be particularly important and a best practice, our would greatly assist with the assessment. The location of unit (the 84th Engi- the air intake and the way in which the bathroom fans are Specialist Chance M. True and Specialist Thoren Z. Miller mop neer Battalion, Scho- connected will make a difference. and spray a common area of the field Barracks, Ha- Facilities Considerations for barracks. waii) relied heavily on COVID-19 Assessments MOS 74D–Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialists to lead and train these teams. The teams should Unit barracks managers should consider several factors also have the opportunity to rehearse disinfection proce- when performing barracks assessments: dures. • Carpeting. Do the barracks contain carpet? For ease of cleaning, it is recommended that COVID-19-positive
8 Army Chemical Review Service members COVID-19-positive Soldiers is on a lower floor. be housed in rooms This should reduce contamination of the entire ductwork without carpet. system if the HEPA filters lose their seals or otherwise During elevated fail. health protection • HVAC. Does the barracks building have a centralized condition levels, it HVAC system, or does each room have its own dedicat- is recommended ed unit? The housing of COVID-19-positive Soldiers in that all Soldiers rooms with their own environmental control units that roll up and store recirculate and cool or warm the interior air is prefer- away any personal able. If the building has a centralized HVAC system, rugs and window then it is recommended that exterior windows remain curtains in order to closed where Soldiers who test positive for COVID-19 ease the burden on are housed. Again, the dampers for the bathroom fans unit clean teams. and other return vents should be closed until a HEPA • Door Seals. Do filter can be installed over the vents. It is recommended the entrance doors that Soldiers create positive pressure in adjacent rooms have good seals? Clean team members Sergeant Chad L. by opening the windows to let in clean air. This provides Can daylight be Martinez, Specialist Zachary R. Yauger, uninfected personnel with an ad- seen under or and Specialist Miller work in a common ditional measure of protection— around the closed area of the barracks. although it may be unnecessary, door from either side? If the doors are not properly sealed, given that most large droplets installing door seals or hanging plastic on the doors of fall out of suspension within COVID-19-positive Soldiers is recommended. If the 6 feet from the source and the door opens outward, the seals or plastic barrier should separating walls already provide be placed on the inside. If the door opens inward, the an excellent physical barrier. seals or plastic barrier should be placed on the outside. Central HVAC systems as- Barracks managers should keep self-adhesive silicone sist with pulling in fresh air weather strip on hand. from outside and mixing it with • Temperature. Studies show that COVID-19 thrives at recirculated air within a build- temperatures of 69–73°F, within the range of the tem- ing, allowing the dilution of perature settings of most buildings. According to the Na- any potential contaminants tional Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, that are floating around. Over- laboratory studies have shown a relationship between all, increasing the air exchange higher temperatures/humidities and reduced survival of enhances the dilution of the COVID-19 but there is currently no recommendation for air in the building. Therefore, Warrant Officer One 1 real-world mitigation. Consideration of temperatures in 20–30 minutes before sending a Zymin inspects duct- the barracks is worthwhile to determine whether condi- unit clean team in to disinfect a work in the barracks. tions are generally more ideal or less-than-conducive for room, the windows should be opened to allow fresh air to a viral outbreak. dilute the contaminated air space. If negative pressure is • Ventilation. It is recommended that bathroom fan required, additional facilities modifications will be neces- vents and all other return vents in the room of a sary and DPW approval must be obtained. COVID-19-positive Service member be closed until a fil- ter can be installed over the vents. The average diameter Deliberate Containment Options of the COVID-19 virus is 0.125 micrometers (with ranges for Facilities 2 of 0.06–0.14 micrometers), so high-efficiency particulate Once it has been determined how an HVAC system is de- air (HEPA) filters are highly preferred. Depending on the signed and built, one option for deliberately creating nega- existing construction design, the size of the filter needed tive pressure might be to work with DPW to reprogram the can vary. Drywall screws and aluminum duct tape are digital diagnostic controls to modify fan speeds and create needed in order to affix the filters over the vents. The negative pressure in all barracks rooms. installation of filters assists in creating negative pressure without contaminating the rest of the system. If HEPA As part of the tiered national response to COVID-19, filters are not readily available, standard filters can be the Army Facilities Components System Team devel- used to provide some protection by keeping out larger oped a low-acuity care tent hospital solution. The design droplets to which the virus can attach. is now available through the Joint Construction Man- • Exhaust. Where does the exhaust from the vents exit agement System (JCMS) desktop software and the U.S. the building? If the exhaust exits from the roof, the pre- Army Corps of Engineers Army Facilities Components ferred location for housing COVID-19-positive Soldiers System REDi Portal at
Summer 2020 9 COVID-19-negative Soldiers, limiting HVAC and separation/isolation requirements. Baseline Recommendations These recommended measures are meant to rapidly ad- dress COVID-19-positive Soldiers in the barracks; however, it is clear that there is no way to completely mitigate risk with facilities-based solutions. Following are some baseline recommendations from an infection control specialist: • Commanders should restrict COVID-19-positive Soldiers to their rooms. If there are shared facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom, doors should be kept closed to limit exposure. The unit should provide all basic Soldier needs including food, laundry, and mail. Personnel providing the needed supplies should have no physical contact with the COVID-19-positive Soldier and should maintain good hand hygiene (wash hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer) after interaction. • Service members who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have a roommate should be separated from that roommate. Preferably, the infected Soldier stays in the room and the other Soldier is treated as a close contact of a known positive case and is moved else- where, restricted from further movement, and directed to self-monitor. Sergeant Martinez seals a bag after a clean team rehearsal. • If COVID-19-positive Soldiers must share facilities with others, doors should be kept shut and Soldiers should wear masks and maintain good hand hygiene before en- tering the kitchen, bathroom, or other common areas. Endnotes: Personnel around infected Soldiers should be limited by establishing “common area time” and asking others to 1National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, avoid these areas during the times allocated. Once an in- Rapid Expert Consultation on SARS-CoV-2 Survival in Relation fected Soldier recovers, he or she can disinfect his or her to Temperature and Humidity and Potential for Seasonality for own room. Alternatively, if an infected Soldier vacates a the COVID-19 Pandemic, The National Academies Press, Wash- living space, unit clean teams must disinfect all living ington, D.C., 7 April 2020,
10 Army Chemical Review By Colonel Bill R. Crouse
n 3 February 2020, an international terrorist group detonated a 10-kiloton improvised nuclear device in Odowntown Austin, Texas. The detonation resulted in more than 100,000 deaths and at least 200,000 injuries. The nuclear fallout quickly spread across thousands of square miles, requiring an immediate chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) response. Fortunately, this disaster did not actually occur; in- stead, it served as a training scenario for U.S. Army Reserve Command and Control Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Response Element–A, which included Task Force 76 headquarters personnel and their associated tech- nical support forces and sustainment assets. U.S. Army North conducted the 4-day Sudden Response 20.2 training exercise at the Western Regional Training Center, Ogden, Utah. Sudden Response 20.2 was a command post exercise that tested the ability of Task Force 76 staff to respond to a disaster in the homeland and provided Task Force 76 per- sonnel with an opportunity to practice operational plans, battle drills, and staff synchronization. In preparation for the exercise, Task Force 76 (the U.S. Major General Maiocco briefs Soldiers during Army Reserve headquarters for CBRN response) conduct- Sudden Response 20.2. ed individual training, collective staff training, and leader training. The training is vital, as Soldiers of Task Force 76 Task Force 76, a mission assignment is used to notify Task must remain ready to deploy on short notice. Task force per- Force 76 personnel about where to go, when to be there, sonnel also trained on the Incident Command System and what to do, whom to assist, and how much it will all cost. the National Incident Management System to ensure the The mission assignment mechanism is important because capability of providing adequate support to their civilian it drives the incident response; basically, it is an orders pro- partners during a response. Individual and unit readiness cess for which the Task Force 76 staff considers supportabil- are critical to mission accomplishment. ity, feasibility, and suitability for mission accomplishment The Task Force 76 headquarters exercise staff began and then produces a tasking order that acts as an operations the training with a notional deployment to Texas to es- order or a fragmentary order for subordinate units. Civilian tablish the early-entry command post headquarters; gain terminology may be a little different from that which the situational awareness for Major General Fred Maiocco, the Army uses, but the concepts of deployment and the tasks commander of Task Force 76; and make initial contact with are the same. State of Texas emergency responders and government per- sonnel. The early-entry command post headquarters was Early during nuclear-detonation scenarios such as the established and fully functional within 24 hours of the “inci- one the Soldiers faced during the Sudden Response 20.2 ex- dent.” Another 24 hours later, the main body began arriving ercise, radiation is a significant hazard for which Soldiers and immediately started coordinating response operations. must be properly trained to efficiently react to avoid nuclear The Department of Defense responds to incidents in the exposure. Members of the U.S. Army Reserve Consequence homeland only when the response is in support of a civil- Management Unit continually assess the situation and ian partner. When civilian partners request assistance from provide critical expertise to inform the commander of the (Continued on page 15) Summer 2020 11 By Colonel Michael W. Cobb and Lieutenant Colonel Rodney D. McCutcheon
he U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity (CMA), limited areas (CLAs) consisting of above-ground, earth- Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, employs the covered magazines (ECMs) are used for munition storage Tforemost experts in stockpiled chemical weapons pending destruction. Originally, more than 780,000 mustard storage. Through its caretaker role, CMA applies decades of agent munitions were stored in 102 ECMs at PCD, while 44 experience at the Nation’s two remaining stockpile sites— of 49 ECMs in the BGCA CLA were used to store more than Pueblo Chemical Depot (PCD), Pueblo, Colorado, and Blue 100,000 types of mustard gas and nerve agent munitions. Grass Chemical Activity (BGCA), Blue Grass Army Depot, ECMs are 26 feet wide and 40–80 feet long, with con- Richmond, Kentucky. The missions of the CMA also in- crete walls 6–12 inches thick and 12.5 feet high. Pallet- clude assessing and destroying recovered chemical warfare ized rockets, mortars, and projectiles sit on 6-inch-thick materiel, supporting emergency preparedness in stockpile concrete floors, with ample aisle space to facilitate inspec- communities, and facilitating U.S. compliance with the Con- tions and personnel movement. A clear and uniform center vention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, aisle runs the length of each ECM, enabling personnel to Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their relocate palletized munitions and remove rounds as neces- Destruction (commonly known as the Chemical Weapons sary. The 10-inch-thick front wall of the ECM is made of Convention [CWC])—the international treaty that requires steel-reinforced concrete, while the ECM exterior wall is 1 destruction of all chemical weapons. protected by a waterproof membrane covering the steel As a manager of the U.S. chemical weapons stockpile, and concrete roof and walls. Earth covers the membrane, CMA ensures that chemical munitions storage complies creating a natural appearance. These engineered stor- with established policies and procedures and maintains the age areas, which are maintained at a consistent internal safety and protection of the workforce, environment, and temperature of 40–70°F, provide a moisture barrier, protect- surrounding communities. With stockpile destruction un- ing the munitions from mildew, rust, and weather. derway at both sites, CMA ensures munitions delivery to the demilitarization plants operated by the Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives, Aber- deen Proving Ground, demonstrating the teamwork essen- tial to support our Nation’s international treaty obligations. By 2012, seven U.S. stockpile sites had been destroyed, ending the surety mission at those locations. If storage oper- ations are required in order to posture other nations’ stock- piles for destruction in compliance with the CWC, then the Army can draw on CMA’s extensive knowledge of chemical agents and munitions, design of storage facilities, and pro- cesses for safe handling and accountability. Secure Chemical Munitions Storage
The United States developed a chemical munitions Inside an ECM response to the types of weapons used against Allied sol- diers in Germany during World War I. Consequently, chem- Monitoring of Chemical Agents ical munitions have been securely stored at U.S. military Near-real-time monitoring is essential in ensuring the installations for more than 100 years. Decades of expertise safety and security of stockpile storage. The Real-Time Ana- are employed to secure the two remaining U.S. stockpiles. lytical Platform (RTAP) is a self-contained, mobile monitor- However, stockpile destruction operations are now un- ing and detection platform that is used at PCD and BGCA derway at PCD and BGCA. In both locations, chemical before, during, and after chemical munition movement or
12 Army Chemical Review and assist with deci- sions. An intensive operator-training pro- gram and strict qual- ity control procedures ensure proper RTAP operation. Both stockpile sites also utilize the Depot Area Air-Monitoring System (DAAMS)—a manual, portable air- monitoring system pri- marily designed to con- DAAMS firm the detection of time-weighted average levels of agents. The DAAMS is used to confirm MINICAMS readings at time-weighted average and general population limit levels by drawing a controlled Inside the RTAP volume of air through a glass or metal tube containing a sor- operations. The RTAP makes us of gas chromatographs bent material that retains chemical vapor. Sampling times called Miniature, Continuous, Air-Monitoring Systems® vary between 30 minutes and 12 hours. After sampling is (MINICAMS) that can analyze for traces of chemical agents complete, chemical workers transport the tubes from the that may suggest potential exposure. The system is sensitive DAAMS stations to the laboratory, where they are analyzed enough to detect agent vapor at extremely low levels, and by a gas chromatograph within 72 hours. the analysis occurs quickly enough to support monitoring Laboratory Operations The on-site laboratories at each depot are the central points for agent-monitoring operations. Laboratory or qual- ity assurance personnel review all RTAP data to ensure that monitoring activity has been completed according to regulatory requirements. Laboratory personnel also verify chemical detection incidents during chemical agent opera- tions. The laboratories are equipped not only with gas chro- matography coupled with a flame photometric detector, but also with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrom- etry detectors, which provide detection and quantitation of the general population limit concentrations of agents. The laboratories also provide diluted chemical agent standards used in both the MINICAMS and DAAMS, which ensures accurate detections during monitoring. Tracking of Stockpiles Successful storage programs must be able to account for different types of rounds and variances in agent types and production dates for ease and accuracy of accountabil- ity during transfer and demilitarization. CMA manages the Chemical Accountability Management Information Network (CAMIN) database to track the quantity, location, and de- struction status of both stockpiled and recovered chemical warfare materiel. CAMIN was developed when the CWC was ratified and entered into force for the United States in 1997 and continues to serve as a repository of information on U.S. chemical warfare materiel. CAMIN is used to track all stockpiled munitions stored at MINICAMS PCD and BGCA; however, recovered munitions are first re- viewed by a committee that identifies the contents of recov- ered items with unknown liquid fills for the Department of
Summer 2020 13 trachea, bronchi, and lung tissue and blisters the skin. In amounts approaching the lethal dose, inju- ry to bone marrow, lymph nodes, and the spleen may occur. Five types of munitions con- taining mustard agent have been stored at PCD since the 1950s. The munitions are grouped by type and lot numbers and verti- cally stored on pallets. At the start of demilitarization operations in March 2015, there were approxi- mately 2,500 tons of mustard agent munitions stored at PCD.
CAMIN process Weekly monitoring of each ECM storing mustard agent mu- Defense. If the item is determined to be a chemical weapon nitions ensures the integrity as defined by the CWC, it is then entered into CAMIN and of the munitions. Headwall monitoring is performed by added to the CWC declaration. CAMIN is used to follow each MINICAMS located inside RTAPs, which are positioned next recovered chemical warfare materiel item through the stor- to ECMs. A 100-foot-long heated transfer line is extended age and destruction process. from the RTAP to the ECM. The heated transfer line is com- Both the Army and CWC require that chemical muni- posed of quarter-inch-diameter Teflon® tubing accompanied tions and containers be tracked through the destruction pro- by a heat-trace line and encased in shrink wrap to protect cess. Information is standardized within CAMIN, which re- the tubing from the environment. Heated transfer lines are duces the recordkeeping requirements at the location where fitted with connections that allow for easy attachment to an the chemical warfare materiel that is pending destruction outside port near the ECM door. These ports are connected is stored. All CAMIN entries are administered and man- to tubes that extend into the ECM and end at two strategic aged at the CMA National Inventory Control Point, which locations—one in the front and one in the rear of the inside is responsible for the centralized policy and procedures for of the magazine. These preset positions allow for monitoring inventory control of U.S. chemical weapons stockpiles and of the interior without opening the ECM door. In addition to other related material. the weekly monitoring, the inside of the structure is moni- Accountability tored prior to entry to ensure that personnel do not enter a potentially uncontrolled hazardous environment. The director of CMA is the Army implementing agent for the CWC, responsible for treaty management and compli- Accurate accountability of munitions stored at PCD is ac- ance. In this role, the director provides guidance and as- complished by using precise and time-proven methods. The sistance in preparing for and hosting visits and on-site in- combination of well-trained employees, organized storage, spections at chemical weapons stockpile sites to evaluate meticulous monitoring and laboratory operations, and col- the readiness of those facilities. CMA and the Organisation laboration with the CMA headquarters and BGCA sister site for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (an intergovern- ensure safe storage for the workers, community, and envi- mental agency that implements the provisions of the CWC) ronment. conduct annual audits to ensure accuracy of the inventory. Behind the Scenes at BGCA Announced and unannounced audits are also conducted by World War II-era mustard-filled projectiles began arriv- the U.S. Army Materiel Command Surety Field Activity, ing at the 15,000-acre Blue Grass Army Depot by rail car in Army Inspector General, Department of Defense Inspector the 1940s. Munitions filled with sarin and VX nerve agents General, and Army Audit Agency. arrived in the 1960s. Rockets and projectiles containing blis- Behind the Scenes at PCD ter and nerve agents are currently stored at the facility. Sa- The original Pueblo Ordnance Depot was constructed rin and VX nerve agents interfere with signals sent from the for military storage and supply in 1942. The first chemical brain to vital organs and other parts of the body. agent-filled munitions were shipped to the depot in 1952. It BGCA was activated in 1995 to focus on the management encompasses roughly 23,000 acres and has housed approx- and storage of the Blue Grass Army Depot chemical stock- imately 8 percent of the Nation’s original chemical weap- pile, which represents 2 percent of the declared U.S. chemi- ons stockpile. Today, PCD is home to a workforce of nearly cal stockpile. BGCA personnel ensure the safe, secure, and 400 employees. environmentally responsible storage and monitoring of the Mustard agent is stored at PCD. Exposure to mus- BGCA stockpile until the chemical agents are loaded for de- tard agent causes inflammation of the eyes, nose, throat, livery to the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant for demilitarization.
14 Army Chemical Review Managing toxic chemical munitions requires unique tools (“U.S. Army Reserve Task Force . . . ,” continued from to properly execute the mission while keeping the workforce page 11) safe and protecting the community and the environment. BGCA’s 24-hours-per-day, 7-days-per-week emergency op- hazards in the area of operations. The Consequence Man- erations center provides constant stockpile oversight. Agent agement Unit provides a small but critical aspect of the levels inside the structure are measured with portable labo- analysis needed to allow the commander to effectively em- ratory equipment such as the MINICAMS and DAAMS, ploy the force and assess risk management. which reside in an RTAP. Radiation is not the only hazard present in these scenari- Single-round containers, are thick, metal containers that os; additional hazards such as collapsed buildings, fires from encase toxic chemical munitions that have liquid or vapor thermal blasts, possible inadvertent hazmat releases, and agent outside of the round. They serve as a robust stopgap potentially desperate populations also exist. Task Force 76 measure for munitions that have deteriorated in storage. must train to manage each of these additional hazards and Single-round containers are machined and serialized to al- many more. For example, during a response, Task Force 76 low for accountability. Quality assurance personnel test has operational control of units that conduct urban search the single-round containers with helium every 90 days to and rescue operations, medical disaster operations, water ensure that each one can securely contain the deteriorated purification procedures, and a plethora of logistics functions. munitions. Should the single-round containers fail to main- Task Force 76 staff is organized in a manner similar to tain a seal, larger, secondary-containment vessels are used. the organization of the warfighting functions, but with a fo- Trained technicians at the emergency operations center pro- cus on the domestic-response mission. For instance, in a de- vide constant oversight of the chemical stockpile and work fense support of civil authorities operation, a fires cell is not directly with surrounding community emergency response needed and the intelligence cell becomes the incident aware- personnel, if necessary. ness and assessment cell. (Surveillance within the continen- As with all other chemical weapons stockpiles, the BGCA tal United States is forbidden.) The concept is the same—the stockpile has experienced some limited natural deteriora- staff organizes according to functional requirements rather tion. BGCA has safely mitigated numerous “leakers” in rou- than as a traditional G-staff. This setup is an adaptation tine operations that the trained workforce is ready to ex- from traditional doctrine, but the structure better addresses ecute when needed. the needs of a homeland response. Since its inception, BGCA has conducted quarterly chem- As the Sudden Response 20.2 scenario developed, U.S. ical accident/incident response and assistance exercises. Army North presented Task Force 76 with numerous chal- Working in partnership with Blue Grass Army Depot and lenging situations. The staff worked through a variety of dif- the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant, ficulties, both within and outside the scope of normal mili- BGCA has conducted numerous practice exercises using in- tary operations. Some of the complexities included working ert training munitions. with civilian first responders, interacting with a myriad of state and local authorities, engaging with private-sector The steady build-up to delivery has provided BGCA per- entities, and assisting fellow Americans during times of ex- sonnel with valuable lessons—most notably, the lesson that treme distress. There were other challenges as well, such training and partnerships are crucial to mission success. as time constraints, critical-information sharing, and knowl- BGCA’s highly trained and experienced workforce of nearly edge management issues. 200 employees is dedicated to safely storing the chemical weapons stockpile. Throughout BGCA’s 25-year history, the After the exercise concluded, the Soldiers involved agreed stockpile has been kept safe and secure. Now that munition that the scenario provided an abundance of quality training destruction is in progress, BGCA looks forward to complet- and unique challenges; they also gained valuable knowledge ing its mission. and learned important lessons. Major General Maiocco said that he noticed a marked improvement in staff processes as Endnote: the exercise progressed. 1 Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Produc- Task Force 76 used Sudden Response 20.2 as a training tion, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their opportunity for an upcoming validation exercise (Vibrant Destruction, Untited Nations treaty, entered into force on Response 20); but in reality, an actual call for assistance 29 April 1997. (which would require that the unit deploy in response to a significant incident in the United States) could come at any Colonel Cobb is the commander of PCD. He holds a bachelor’s time. Although a true sense of pressure and urgency can- degree in English from Texas A&M University, College Station; not be fully replicated in an exercise, participation in Sud- a master’s degree in national security and strategic study from den Response 20.2 has resulted in better-prepared Soldiers the Naval Command and General Staff College, Newport, Rhode Island; and a master of science degree in national resource strat- who are trained to react to a nuclear response and, should egy from the National Defense University War College, Wash- the need arise, ready to help their fellow citizens through a ington, D.C. crisis. Lieutenant Colonel McCutcheon is the commander of BGCA. Colonel Crouse is the chief of staff of the 76th Operational Re- He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master sponse Command, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Task Force 76. He of science degree in environmental management from Webster has been a CBRN officer for 26 years. He holds multiple master’s University. degrees and is a Certified Emergency Manager. Summer 2020 15 By Dr. Brian B. Feeney
Editor’s note: All quotations in this article were obtained from a personal interview with Sergeant First Class Robert D. Olson, Ms. Kelley D. Betts, and Dr. Jennifer W. Sekowski at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Chemical Biological Center (CBC), Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, on 24 September 2019.
.hen it comes to chemical and biological detec- size of a credit card when folded. The team also constructed tion in the field, minimizing the size, weight, and the outer layer of the pouch from a thicker, plastic-bag type Wpower required for detection equipment can make material to provide a better level of containment. Finally, a very big difference. Because individual detection instru- the team included a variety of sampling devices that can be ments add up to 10 pounds or more to a Soldier’s already full tailored to different user requirements. backpack, CCDC CBC, scientists Dr. Jennifer W. Sekows- The PDP is ki and Ms. Kelley D. Betts wanted to know if there might made to easily fit be a better way. Could something small, lightweight, and inside a Soldier’s power-free—but also inexpensive—perform as well as tra- pocket. Further- ditional detection equipment and yet also fit in a Soldier’s more, at less than pocket? half an ounce, The idea for a pocket detection pouch (PDP) came about the PDP is so when Ms. Betts, who is also an Army spouse, began to ques- lightweight that tion why so many biological detection technologies require it can be carried tubes or cassettes for operation. With the average Soldier without signifi- carrying at least 60 pounds of equipment, Betts understood cantly adding to a that every ounce that is added to a Soldier’s gear matters— Soldier’s already and she wondered if there was a way to combine chemical heavy load. To and biological detection technologies into a lightweight, use the device, cheap container such as a plastic bag. “I questioned the tra- a sample of sus- ditional paradigm that threat agents can only be analyzed pect material is using a test tube or cassette,” said Betts, “I wondered if we placed inside a could test using something different like, perhaps, a pouch.” primary compart- To work, the pouch needed to be designed with one-way ment, where wa- ter or a buffer is flow so that a single sample could be squeezed into individ- The lightweight PDP easily fits in a Soldier’s added. The liquid ual lanes, each of which contained a unique detection test. pocket and requires no power source. Also, because the device was to be designed to require no is then squeezed power for operation, any test would need to be colorimet- into the individual testing lanes containing the colorimet- ric and the results would need to be readable by eye. After ric tests. After approximately 10 minutes, any color changes much trial and error, the use of an assortment of heat seal- that occur are compared to a key card that is included with ers and plastic bags, and a very messy kitchen, a prototype the pouch. The Soldier can then immediately alert his or for the PDP was born. her commander if more-determinative sensors are needed. Although the PDP is designed to provide presumptive iden- The idea for the pouch was further developed when Dr. Sekowski presented the proposed technology to the CBC tification of agents in the field, it is also designed to store a Innovative Development of Employee Advanced Solutions sample for any necessary follow-on testing. (IDEAS) Program and was awarded $65,000 and 6 months Under the 2019 IDEAS Program, the PDP was shown to develop the technology to simultaneously test for the to successfully detect the presence of synthetic opioids and presence of synthetic opioids and chemical agent by using chemical agents, but Dr. Sekowski and Ms. Betts do not lateral-flow immunoassays and M8- and pH (power of hy- want to stop there. Instead, they hope to adapt commercial, drogen) paper-based assays. deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-based biological detection as The IDEAS Program, which began in 2012, awards seed well as up-and-coming paper-based explosive, chemical, and money to CBC researchers with promising ideas. Under this radiological detection methods into the PDP to provide full program, Dr. Sekowski; Ms. Betts; and their colleague Dr. chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives Daniel J. Angelini, who is experienced in sample collection, (CBRNE) testing in one shot. further refined the PDP design, reducing the PDP to the (Continued on page 20)
16 Army Chemical Review By Mr. Shawn Nesaw and Ms. Jaimie Abell
hen confronted with chemical, biological, radiolog- Army Futures Command in late 2017 and led the Army to ical, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, Soldiers must undertake a series of modernization and acquisition reforms Wrely on advanced capabilities to save lives. The aimed at promoting efficiency and cost effectiveness. quick delivery of specialized equipment—including vehicles, The modernization of the sensor suite package incorpo- sensors, sampling tools, and software—requires expert col- rated six specialized chemical agent sensors into one uni- laboration and an innovative acquisition process. Time is of form package, bringing the NBCRV sensor capabilities the essence on the battlefield. up to date with current technologies and, ultimately, prepar- In late 2018 to early 2019, the U.S. Army Combat Capa- ing the NBCRV for modern Army maneuver support. The bilities Development Command (CCDC) Chemical Biologi- upgraded sensor suite package will help reduce Soldier ex- cal Center (CBC) and the Joint Program Executive Office posure to CBRN threats because it will perform remote and for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense on-the-move detection. (JPEO-CBRND) embarked upon a collaborative moderniza- “At its core, the current NBCRV is 23-plus-year-old tech- tion effort to enhance the capabilities of the main vehicle nology; and in that 23 years, technology has grown and de- used by CBRN Soldiers—the Nuclear, Biological, and Chem- veloped but so have the threats,” explained Lieutenant Colo- ical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV). nel Jeffrey Strauss, JPEO-CBRND Joint Project Manager Using a new acquisition process to acquire an upgrade for Reconnaissance and Platform Integration. “Due to its of the sensor suite package on the NBCRV allowed the col- wide usage among the CBRN community and our mission laborative team to experiment with rapid prototyping and to support CBRN Soldiers, developing a suite of sensors that early testing opportunities to quickly deliver the capabil- met modernization and readiness expectations of the U.S. ity to the Soldier. The new process followed the model of Army was our goal,” he added. Army modernization priorities, which was developed by the New Acquisition Process When the NBCRV was originally developed about 23 years ago, JPEO-CBRND used the traditional work order for the fielding process. This time, the acquisition process was stream- lined through the use of a modified work order, which allows the equipment to be modified af- ter fielding. The new process of acquisition led to the expedited development of NBCRV sensor suite upgrades through rapid prototyping and quickly met the Army’s capability and readi- ness standards. Pivoting away from tradition, this new pro- cess involves a series of steps—including mate- rial solution analysis, prototyping, technology maturation, and risk reduction—prior to prod- uct development. Lieutenant Colonel Strauss reflected on the streamlined acquisition pro- cess by stating, “The rapid prototyping on this project allowed us to get the project to the Sol- The NBCRV detects and identifies hazards. dier, then quickly figure out what didn’t work so the team could learn early, find solutions, and press forward.”
Summer 2020 17 The acquisition timeline was aggressive. In just experts from science and technology, acquisition, and aca- 150 days, the team of teams designed the package, procured demia communities used a head-mounted display to view the sensors, developed the software, assembled the proto- the current NBCRV with digital holograms overlaid on top type, and internally tested all components before presenting of the vehicle. This allowed them to observe the new design six complete sensor suite upgrade prototypes to stakehold- before it was created, thus initiating a mechanism through ers at Joint Warfighting Assessment (JWA) 2019, Yakima which experts in all fields could collaborate, making use of Training Center, Washington. The JWA 2019 mission is to the early opportunity to address issues, fix problems, and provide critical insight and feedback regarding Army mod- get the final product to the Soldier. ernization efforts. “I have never seen [the] level of collaboration amongst “Our goal is to support the warfighter by delivering the enterprisers as we have before this project,” said Mr. Scott best equipment, at the right cost, and at the right time,” said Kimmell, deputy commandant of USACBRNS and the se- Mr. Douglas Bryce, joint program executive officer, “This nior lead for capability development, “There were no lulls means looking at our acquisition approach and deciding on or doors separating communication between capability and a path that best meets these goals. For the NBCRV sensor advanced developers. We achieved more than we imag- suite upgrades, switching from a traditional acquisition ined.” Dr. Eric Moore, director of CCDC CBC, shared simi- strategy to one of rapid prototyping made the most sense lar praise, stating, “This was collaboration at its best. Our and, as we saw at JWA 2019, was a successful approach.” researchers provided the expertise and critical knowledge According to the U.S. Army Web site, JWA 2019 is the Ar- needed to mold JPEO-CBRND and the [USACBRNS] vision my’s leading modernization assessment; it weaves materiel into a working application.” solutions, multi-domain operations, multi-domain operation “Leadership involvement from all teams helped drive the formations, concepts, and capabilities at echelon into the collaboration. Knowing there was buy-in from a higher level Army’s largest joint, multinational, live, virtual, construc- and open lines of communication with leadership allowed us tive exercise aligned with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command to adhere to timelines, setting us up for success,” Mr. Gwinn 1 area of operations. “The nature of the project was so in- said.With a path forward and a razor-thin timeline for devel- tense because we quickly needed to address the changing oping working prototypes that would be ready for testing the and evolving threats on our adversaries’ side through a following April, the team quickly got to work. faster and leaner acquisition process to prepare early for the potential CBRN threats,” said Mr. Joel M. Gwinn, JPEO- Software and Hardware Development CBRND project lead. To achieve the Army’s goals of readiness and modern- The Right Team for a ization, JPEO-CBRND assessed technologies available to upgrade the sensor suite package on the NBCRV to allow Collaborative Effort it to autonomously perform reconnaissance. As part of this Selecting the right team for the project proved to be criti- process, JPEO-CBRND also faced the challenge of assess- cal to success. JPEO-CBRND led the new acquisition pro- ing technologies suitable for all CBRN sensors since CBRN cess and served as the project lead, while the U.S. Army agents vary widely. Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School (US- Using the technology identified, a team of engineers from ACBRNS), Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, provided insight the Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Battlefield Integra- regarding the future mission, which helped drive the sensor tion Branch of the CBC developed the complex software integration, fabrication, and software support provided by required to allow Soldiers to operate the new sensor suite CCDC CBC. The staff at the CCDC CBC Product Develop- and an additional piece of equipment on the NBCRV—the ment Facility provided design and fabrication support, while Deep Purple unmanned aerial vehicle, which, along with as- the Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Battlefield Integra- sociated technology, collects the data from the sensors and tion Branch, CCDC CBC, provided software development translates that data to information that is usable by Soldiers and training support over the course of the project. and their chains of command. Using the new acquisition process that had been custom- Mr. Maxwell Bottiger and a team of software engineers ized and implemented by JPEO-CBRND, the CCDC CBC from CCDC CBC worked to develop the user interface partnered with the Joint Science and Technology Office, and autopiloted software that Soldiers use from inside the Defense Production Agency, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to deter- mine what was physically achievable when a combination of NBCRV to run reconnaissance missions, interrogate po- knowledge and current and future technology was applied tential chemical threats, and provide useful information to to the development of the senor suite upgrades. At the same leaders and other troops. time, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency worked to de- The team depended on CCDC CBC and its rapid proto- sign potential alternatives for technologies and determined typing capabilities to address challenges in the development whether the new technologies would meet military require- of the housing and layout of the sensor package. ments once they were developed. “With the goal aimed at developing a proof of concept for An exciting innovation that CCDC CBC used in this proj- the Army to sink its teeth into, we challenged ourselves to ect involved augmented reality. Together, subject matter think like an operator,” said Mr. Peter Bryant, industrial
18 Army Chemical Review specialist at CCDC CBC, “In doing so, careful consideration partner with JPEO-CBRND and CCDC CBC. The consensus was taken for sensor placement around the vehicle—that was this was an unprecedented leap forward in capability.” they all worked in concert with each other—so the entire Training for JWA 2019 package met the needs of the Soldier.” In preparation for JWA 2019, the Alabama National Guard sent a team of Soldiers to CCDC CBC, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, for 1 month of training on the operation of the NBCRV and the new sensor suite pack- age. “JPEO-CBRND chose the Alabama National Guard Soldiers because a team was needed that wasn’t famil- iar with the system. This allowed us to train them suffi- ciently, which demonstrated the usability of the system,” explained Mr. Dale Perry, JPEO-CBRND field operations lead for the NBCRV team. Once the Soldiers began train- ing on the system, development personnel transitioned to a training and support role, eliciting feedback and incorporating specific changes into the system. To ease the pressure of training on several brand-new systems, CCDC CBC engineers transferred the software used in- side the NBCRV onto tablets. The tablet simulators were then used to train the Soldiers in a classroom before tran- Deep Purple unmanned aerial vehicle at JWA 2019 sitioning to the vehicles. This allowed for early Soldier feedback. “We received Soldier feedback one day; and by the The CCDC CBC also provided rapid prototyping capabili- next training session, their feedback was incorporated into ties to support seamless sensor integration, fabrication, and the training simulator,” Mr. Bottiger said, “Working closely software development. “The rapid prototyping capabilities with Soldiers made the changes to the software turnkey. By of the [CCDC CBC] are a real asset to not only [CCDC CBC] the time the Soldiers were heading to JWA 2019, they were researchers, but [also] to our partners,” said Dr. Moore, well-trained and ready for the assessment.” “The ability to design and fabricate something brand new CCDC CBC and JPEO-CBRND subject matter experts or make an improvement on a current technology makes us attended the training sessions to field questions and trou- agile and highly sought-after, especially as new acquisition bleshoot issues with the Soldiers—something that train- projects like this one become more common.” Dr. Moore also ing participant Sergeant Chantelle D. Colbert appreciated. added, “This rapid prototyping approach, along with work- “Subject matter experts were on-site to replace software and ing closely with the maneuver community, is a great exam- walk us through processes so we could learn to troubleshoot ple of how we can operationalize technologies on behalf of independently,” Sergeant Colbert said. the warfighter.” Lieutenant Colonel Strauss agreed. “As a “During the training in Aberdeen, if we found anything government facility, the [CCDC CBC] was able to leverage that could have been improved or anything that could help government [laboratories], was familiar with core technol- the systems or help the Soldier’s ease of use with the sys- ogy, was more able to adapt to change, and had previous tems, subject matter experts were on the spot to make those experience with sensor suite technology,” he said. changes,” said Sergeant Brittany L. Mattison, 690th Compa- The first pilot demonstration for the development of ny, 145th Chemical Battalion, 31st Chemical Brigade, “They the sensor suite upgrade took place on what was referred made so many changes and improvements to the systems in to as VIP Day. With the sensor suite at 85 percent comple- just that short amount of time, and it is really amazing to tion, the team tested the new technology in front of senior see. As a Guardsman, you don’t really get to see or do this executive leadership across JPEO-CBRND, CCDC CBC, type of stuff often, so it was a privilege.” USACBRNS, and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Based on feedback from the subject matter experts in- Based on the feedback received, the team adjusted the struc- volved, the NBCRV and the JWA 2019 debut ran smoothly. ture and layout of the sensors in preparation for a second The NBCRV performed well in all scenarios of the demand- test at JWA 2019. ing landscape at the Yakima Training Center. Lieutenant Colonel Strauss felt that, overall, the outcome of VIP Day was positive. “The collaboration was exposed The Way Ahead to the next layer of management, showing what collabora- Moving forward, the team will assess how the NBCRV tion and teaming could do in a short amount of time,” he performed, make refinements, and provide guidance to con- said, “VIP Day got the stakeholders to continue to want to tractors working on Capability Set 2, which is designed to
Summer 2020 19 improve upon the first iteration. All improvements will be (“Threat Detection . . . ,” continued from page 16) completed in preparation for JWA 2020, set to take place in Sekowski and Betts would also like to develop the PDP Poland. for wide-area surface sampling by connecting the PDP with “We know what we know about the adversaries; and the Mano, a one-handed, wide-area, environmental surface based on lessons learned through the development of the sample collection device developed at CBC and designed to original sensors, we know what our gaps were with the old simplify sampling while wearing mission-oriented protec- systems,” said Mr. Gwinn, “The collaborative process will tive posture gear in hazardous environments. By attaching continue while adhering to another fast timeline during the the PDP to the Mano, samples could be immediately tested development of Capability Set 2, with the goal of fielding the in the field, helping Soldiers and their commanders make sensor suite upgrades in 2022.” immediate operational decisions and allowing for follow-on The Army must rely on current information to predict testing of those samples in the laboratory. possible future CBRN threats and then use those predic- Dr. Carrie A. Poore, chief of the Advanced CBRNE tions to make additional technological improvements to Training Branch, CBC, was able to get the pouch into the sensor suite. Beyond that, the team must make use of the hands of Army National Guard Soldiers who were advancements to increase the speed of maneuver, increase taking courses offered by the branch. The Soldiers pro- adaptability to different environments, increase capability vided valuable constructive feedback to help refine the for stand-off detection, and create a more deliberate system. practicality and design of the PDP. For example, they Refined improvements will be made during the op- suggested adding a strip of tape to both sides of the erational assessment and demonstration at Fort Bliss, sample-holding compartment located at the top of the bag so Texas, in support of the 3d Brigade, 1st Armored Division that Soldiers wearing protective gear out in the field could National Training Center (Fort Irwin, California) train- collect samples with heavily gloved hands. The PDP devel- up. To recognize, research, and produce these capabilities, opment process was championed by Sergeant First Class JPEO-CBRND, CCDC CBC, and industry partners must Robert D. Olson, the technical noncommissioned officer at continue to use the rapid prototype acquisition process and CBC. “It is imperative that the warfighter is included in the the collaborative team model. Timeliness, accuracy, and ef- beginning idea stage,” said Sergeant First Class Olson, “Do- ficiency remain the most important components in providing ing so allows researchers to learn directly from the warf- capabilities to Soldiers. ighter how their idea can improve the overall performance of the Soldier’s mission.” For more information about CCDC CBC, visit the Web site at
Dr. Feeney is a public affairs specialist with the CCDC CBC. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Colorado Col- lege, Colorado Springs; a master’s degree in risk communica- tion from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York; and a Ph.D. in risk communication from Temple University, Philadelphia, 20 Pennsylvania. Army Chemical Review By Captain Tyler E. Barnum
magine that on your drive into work one morning, you fight in a contaminated environment; the training staff at are involved in a vehicular accident and you find yourself the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California, Iwith internal bleeding and multiple broken bones. Mo- has identified four common observations to help aid in Sol- ments later, you are collected by ambulance and transported dier survivability and preserve combat power in a contami- to a newly completed multimillion-dollar hospital filled with nated environment. the best medical equipment that money can buy—however, First, NTC staff observed a failure to conduct preventive a lack of skilled doctors, surgeons, and nurses with years maintenance checks and services to ensure that equipment of education and experience makes the ridiculously expen- was up-to-date and mission-ready. For example, CBRN de- sive building a high-dollar first aid kit. Unfortunately for tection equipment (such as the Joint Chemical Agent Detec- you, surgery to correct internal bleeding requires a trained tor) might not power on due to corroded batteries or unre- surgeon with skilled hands and, preferably, vast experience. plenished consumable parts (such as sieve filter packs). Or, This is analogous to problems encountered when Soldiers after a CBRN attack, M-26 decontamination sprayers might lack necessary training. not produce the hot water required to clean/decontaminate Soldiers from every military occupational specialty vehicles due to missing basic-issue items. Or, with the sound (MOS) must remain physically strong, qualify on an as- of incoming enemy rounds possibly filled with chemical signed weapon system, know how to operate a radio, be ca- agents, Soldiers might pull out protective masks that have pable of surviving in a contaminated environment, and be no filters attached or are missing other lifesaving parts; able to render first aid. But are we adequately trained to they must then spend additional time to correctly assemble execute our individual mission requirements in a chemi- the mask before taking their next breath. Furthermore, the cal, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) environ- protective mask must be regularly maintained, fitted, and ment? Command Sergeant Major Jose J. Santiago, who has tested—and parts must be replaced, when necessary. Units 23 years of military experience and currently serves with successfully training for the CBRN fight admit that they the 2d Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Bri- schedule regular-interval inspections of consumable Army gade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Tex- equipment such as protective mask filters or Joint Service as, explains a reoccurring problem, stating, “The Army and Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology items for the need our young Soldiers do not know how to do the basic of things for repair, wear-out dates, and equipment shelf life expira- and are failing.” tion dates. In basic combat training, every Soldier learns that when Next, NTC staff observed a problem with matching com- involved in a CBRN attack, the protective mask, which is patible equipment. For example, drink tube adapters for worn on the side of the hip, will help save the Soldier’s life the M-50 protective mask do not automatically fit the many if properly donned and sealed on the Soldier’s face within brands of hydration systems worn on the Soldier’s back or 9 seconds. The purpose of CBRN training is for every Sol- the lid of the standard canteen supplied by the central-issue dier in every MOS to recognize the threat, quickly respond, facility. Soldiers must protect themselves from chemical and maintain operations in a contaminated environment. and biological contamination using the assigned protective However, new recruits in basic combat training wear the mask and must be able to drink from a canteen after having bulky, hot chemical suits and masks only once or, maybe, donned the protective mask. Soldiers reacting to a CBRN twice during the initial CBRN training, which consists of ap- training attack often do not have the necessary adapter— proximately 15 minutes of actual training time. Basic com- or the adapter is packed in the bottom of a rucksack, still bat training and periodic familiarization training alone do in the original plastic packaging, because they are unaware not adequately prepare Soldiers with the ability to fight in a of the purpose of the item. Soldiers working in the summer CBRN environment for the remainder of their careers.Fur- heat at NTC are degraded just as quickly as they are when thermore, the impact of inadequate CBRN training through- working in Mission-Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) out a Soldier’s career can be fatal. Despite the importance of Level 4 in a real-world CBRN attack. Environmental injury the training, it is clear that our Soldiers are not prepared to can be avoided, but only if Soldiers use working equipment
Summer 2020 21 and understand how to properly utilize all the equipment uncomfortable gear; it is about surviving in a contaminated issued. environment while properly completing the assigned mis- NTC staff also observed Soldiers incorrectly possessing, sion. Combined training events allow Soldiers to practice wearing, and using equipment. Soldiers receive a protective basic survivability skills while also performing essential mask, a booklet of M8 chemical agent detector paper (to de- mission tasks. They also allow leaders to verify that their tect chemical agents present in liquid form), a dispenser of formations are honestly ready to engage an enemy with the M9 chemical agent detector paper (to detect liquid nerve and capability to detonate weapons of mass destruction. blister chemical agents), and an M256A1 chemical agent de- Much like doctors, surgeons, and nurses make a hospi- tector kit from the assigned unit. The Army expects Soldiers tal function, officers, noncommissioned officers, and junior to train on this simple detection equipment to ensure that enlisted Soldiers make the Army function. Leaders need to the environment is safe before dressing down from higher ensure that the Soldiers in their formations are experts not MOPP levels. Many times, Soldiers in MOPP Level 4 have only in their individual crafts, but also in basic vital soldier- no training associated with the proper care and use of equip- ing skills. These skills include surviving the fight in a con- ment and no actual equipment to detect the presence of a taminated environment, which validates the required train- contaminant. Basically, they find themselves trapped in the ing in STP 21-1-SMCT prior to an enemy engagement. sun for hours or unmasking in the contaminated environ- ment, resulting in an unnecessary loss of combat power. Soldiers of every MOS and rank need multiple repetitions of Endnote: training in the correct use of equipment in order to remain 1“The True Cost of Not Providing Employee Training,” proficient in basic survival tasks and to ensure that they SH!FT Disruptive eLearning Web site, 19 April 2018,
22 Army Chemical Review By Major Howard M. Beardsley (Retired)
he Chemical Reconnaissance and Explosives Screening Set (CRESS) is the Joint Program Execu- Ttive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense solution to requirements developed by the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. CRESS enables members of a ma- neuver squad or any out-front unit to determine if unknown bulk solids, liquids, and trace chemicals constitute prohib- ited compounds or precursors for homemade explosives. Prohibited compounds or precursors for homemade ex- plosives typically consist of chemical fuels and oxidizers such as ammonium, nitrate, perchlorate, and urea. Detec- tion of strong acids and bases indicate the potential pres- ence of materials used in the extraction process for home- made explosives. Testing has proven that CRESS can detect unknown bulk solids, liquids, and trace chemicals. Additionally, CRESS uses colorimetric technology to allow easy determination of pH (power of hydrogen) to detect strong acids and bases. CRESS, which is a common table of allowances item and can be purchased by any military unit, measures ap- proximately 6 inches by 4.25 inches, weighs approximately 6.9 ounces, and fits in a uniform cargo pocket. The box and sampler packets have temperature label indicators that in- the CRESS program manager, Mr. Jeffrey S. Matz, at dicate when temperatures have risen above 160°F. If the
Summer 2020 23 By Ms. Christy L. Lindberg
ate in the afternoon of 7 March 1945, lead American with combat was at Grosshau and Nideggen, in support of elements of Combat Command B, 9th Armored the 82d Airborne Division. German prisoners would later LDivision, pushed into Remagen, Germany, located on tell harrowing tales of this new powerful and justly-feared the west bank of the Rhine River. The commander of the weapon that discharged white phosphorus rounds from leading company reported that the Ludendorff Bridge—a 4.2-inch chemical mortars. The enemy described the terri- railroad bridge—was still intact and that retreating fying means of this “whispering death” as a high-explosive German troops and fleeing refugees were still crossing, even shell that came straight down and gave no audible warning as the enemy was preparing the bridge for demolition. The and voiced its dread of the spattering, burning, and nearly- Ludendorff Bridge was one of a few of 40-some bridges across impossible-to-extinguish white phosphorous.2 the Rhine still intact; the rest had already been blown apart Fresh to the Company C assignment and now with the in an attempt to halt the Allied advance into Germany. 82d Airborne Division, First Lieutenant Smyer arrived at Among the first American units the headquarters of the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment. to arrive at Remagen was Company Inside, he found “a lot of brass” (three colonels, two majors, C, 90th Chemical Mortar Battalion, and several captains).3 Seeing another junior officer stand- commanded by Captain Thurston ing in the back of the room, Smyer made his way through Smyer. Smyer, who had taught the assemblage and slid alongside the other lieutenant, ask- high school chemistry before the ing him what was going on. The lieutenant replied, “We’re 4 war, had first tried to join the U. S. waiting for the General—just stand here and listen.” While Army Air Corps; however, he was waiting, Smyer started studying a large collage of aerial instead drafted and assigned to photographs that he suspected were of the Roer River. (He the Chemical Warfare Service and could only suspect because the 90th had been moved up so began his training at Edgewood fast that it hadn’t been issued maps.) Arsenal, Maryland, in 1941. Private According to Smyer, “All at once, the door opened and First Class Smyer went on to the in came [Major] General [James] Gavin (commander of 3d Separate Chemical Battalion the 82d Airborne Division). Of course, everyone jumped at Fort Benning, Georgia, was pro- Captain Smyer to attention and he began pointing at the photos, say- moted to sergeant in 1942, and was then selected for Officer ing where patrols would be sent to contact the enemy. Candidate School in 1943.1 Then, he had each colonel explain their battle plans. ‘Oh, Graduating from Officer Candidate School in April by the way, we have a chemical company, a mortar com- pany with us.’ And everyone turned to look at me. He 1944, Second Lieutenant Smyer joined Company D, 90th asked me how many mortars we had, then he turned to Chemical Battalion (Motorized) at Fort Bragg, North everyone and said, ‘This is their first time in the line—they Carolina, as a platoon leader. The battalion was armed with are new—and they will be attached to you. I believe each of the M2 4.2-inch chemical mortar, which had just recently you regimental commanders will get a platoon. Above all, proven its worth as a conventional weapon that provided you will take care of them. I don’t want to lose one of those effective, close-fire support for infantry commanders. men. Just wait until you see what they can do with their The 90th left Fort Bragg on 15 October 1944, destined for the gun, and you’ll see why you need to protect them.’ ”5 European Theater of Operation Upon its arrival in England, it was reorganized under a new table of organization and Gavin, having benefited from the fire support provided Company D became Company C, 90th Chemical Mortar by the 4.2-inch chemical mortars in combat operations in Battalion. Loss of American weapons and vehicles delayed Normandy, the Netherlands, and the Battle of the Bulge, the reorganization, and the unit was not ready for deployment wanted to pass along the respect to his commanders. and combat operations until late January 1945. Crossing the However, soon after his welcome, the 90th Chemical Mortar English Channel and landing in France, Company C moved Battalion was separated from the airborne forces and at- into enemy lines along the Roer Valley on 15 February. The tached to the 9th Armored Division. first experience the 90th Chemical Mortar Battalion had Upon arriving at Remagen and firing white phosphorous
24 Army Chemical Review Captain Smyer (left) Hotel Weinstock shells from twelve 4.2-inch chemical mortars, the lead pla- company began pumping out high-explosive and white phos- toon of Company C began laying a thick smoke screen on phorous rounds from their dozen mortar tubes. They re- the far bank of the Rhine, providing concealment to the peatedly suffered enemy mortar and small-arms fire, which troops assaulting the bridge. The Germans had prepared temporarily interrupted their fire missions. Their rate of fire the Ludendorff Bridge for demolition, hoping to delay its was so intense the next day that their ammunition supply destruction long enough to allow retreating Wehrmacht began to dwindle. “We were running out of ammo, so our forces to cross. Now, with the Americans poised to cross, the mess sergeant took the ¾-ton weapons carrier [truck] back order was given to fire the charges. As the smoke cleared, across the bridge, which wasn’t allowed because of enemy the sight of the intact bridge emerged. Not all the charges observation,” recalled Costin, “He told the [military police] had detonated, and those that had only weakened the span. he was going after C-rations . . . but he filled that thing full Company C continued to lay smoke as the infantry crossed with shells instead and brought them back so we could keep and secured a bridgehead and combat engineers began work firing. If the Germans would have hit his truck, that would shoring up the bridge for heavier traffic. When nightfall have been it for the bridge!”8 came, the chemical mortar men were ordered to cross over The mess sergeant to whom Costin was refering was to provide fire support for the bridgehead beyond. Staff Sergeant Raymond R. “Pops” Staggered back along the road leading to Remagen were Grenier, a 32-year-old chemist from the remaining platoons of Company C. “There was word that the Rochester, New Hampshire, we were going to some bridge that the Germans had for- city water works. He was in charge gotten to blow, or couldn’t, or something,” wrote one mortar of the ammunition section of the man: headquarters company of the bat- “The whole thing was rather vague except for the talion. For the next 2 days, Grenier rain and bitter cold. It was after dark and still raining repeatedly crossed the damaged as we inched past a burning building that lit up the nar- bridge, hauling additional mortar row, crooked streets of Remagen like a gigantic torch, ammunition in the face of heavy en- silhouetting the tanks and jeeps against the flames for emy shelling and aerial attacks. On the enemy across the river. In screamed Jerry’s artil- one occasion, with enemy shells and lery—150 millimeter. The first shell caught us in the small-arms fire striking the bridge Staff Sergeant Grenier jeeps; the second found us under them, face down in around him, Grenier dismounted the muddy road. A few more burst nearby, and then from his truck to help extricate another vehicle stuck in a they stopped. I crawled out and was looking for a good hole in the bridge treadway. Staff Sergeant Grenier will- cellar when the old familiar ‘load ‘em up’ came down ingly performed heroic actions with complete disregard for the line, and we got in and started off, anxious to get his personal safety and materially assisted in the successful out of that locality.”6 accomplishment of the mission assigned to his unit. He was later awarded the Bronze Star for his “heroic achievement in Corporal Noble Costin, a sharecropper from Indiana connection with operations against the enemy.”9 His actions turned jeep driver, recalled that “We got on the bridge, with in winning and maintaining the Remagen Bridgehead pre- the [military police] yelling, ‘keep left, keep right, right, left,’ vented Company C from being crippled at a crucial time.10 to avoid the shell holes, and you could look down through these big gaps in the deck and see way down below, the wa- The 90th Chemical Mortar Battalion was the second unit ter rolling past. But we got across and turned right, a half- to cross the bridge and the first “artillery” unit to cross the mile to the Weinstock Hotel, Linz am Rhein.”7 Inside the Rhine River, where it continued to provide close-fire sup- hotel, they found, captured, and disarmed several German port to the expanding bridgehead. Captain Smyer kept his soldiers. Setting their mortars up in the hotel courtyard company headquarters in the Weinstock Hotel for nearly a and along the railroad tracks behind, the members of the week, as his platoons continued to provide fire support in
Summer 2020 25 preparation for an anticipated German counterattack. “The to say it is greater than our entire battalion strength . . . hotel had running hot water, and the officers liked the show- Regimental, division, and corps commanders have ers,” recalled Corporal Costin, “The cellar had wine, and we spoken highly of our work, but the most valued praise [the enlisted men] liked that.”11 Costin was later commended has come from the G.I.s [Government Issue/Soldiers] for using the M2 .50-caliber machine gun on the mess truck of our supported infantry. The battalion’s motto has to down a German Messerschmitt Bf-109 fighter plane that always been, and always will be, ‘Never Let the Dough was attempting to bomb the bridge.12, 13 Foot Down.’ ”17 The unit history of the 90th Chemical Mortar Battalion states, “The thought of a job well done would be carried into civilian life with the men who had trained and fought with Charlie Company.”18 Endnotes: 1Interview with Captain Thurston Smyer, “90th Chemical Mortar Battalion, 1944–1946,” audio on file at the U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School History Office. 2Milton Friedman, Retorter, Volume 1, Number 19, 1 June 1945, on file at the USACBRNS History Office. 3Smyer interview. 4Ibid. 5Ibid. Western approach to the Ludendorff Bridge 6Douglas W. Dwyer et al., “90th Chemical Mortar Battalion: The Story of the 90th in Training and in Action, 1944–1945,” Among the follow-on forces in the days after the capture
26 Army Chemical Review By Mr. Sam J. Campbell
he U.S. Army is replacing the 1970s-era on this equipment, and they can help their unit and be able AN/VDR-2™ Radiac Set (a geiger counter, survey me- to instruct to the lowest level,” he said. Tter) with a new piece of handheld radiation detection Mr. Christopher Dugger, a subject matter expert and technology—the Radiological Detection System (RDS)— test analyst with the Joint Product Leader for Radiological bringing the surveying capabilities of the fighting force into and Nuclear Defense; Program Executive Office for Chemi- the 21st century. Soldiers in basic training, regardless of cal, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense; Aberdeen military occupational specialty, are taught how to use the Proving Ground, Maryland, demonstrated the sensitiv- AN/VDR-2 and will, therefore, receive training on the RDS ity and accuracy of the new device against what industry upon its implementation in 2020. professionals call “check sources,” or amounts of material Mr. Michael D. Hunter, a so small that they are not legally capabilities developer with the radioactive. He said that the RDS U.S. Army Futures Command, is a substantial improvement over Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, its predecessor in several ways. It said that the Army has purchased cuts the margin of error in half. approximately 43,000 units and In addition, “[RDS] minimizes the that other branches of the Service time it takes to survey something are forecasted to purchase this out to see if it’s contaminated,” Mr same type of system. Subject mat- Dugger said, “This is a big deal ter experts from the U.S. Army because you want to keep your ra- Tank-Automotive and Arma- diation [exposure] as low as pos- ments Command and the U.S. sible.” Dugger said that, unlike Army Test and Evaluation Com- the AN/VDR-2, the new device mand and Soldiers from the provides standoff detection via ex- U.S. Army Reserve 3d Brigade, tendable probes, further minimiz- 102d Training Division, gathered ing user exposure to potentially at the First Lieutenant Joseph The VDR-2 hand-held RDS deadly materials. “The more data Terry Chemical, Biological, Ra- I give [a radiation detection de- diological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Responder Training Facility vice] to process, the better it is, the more accurate it gets,” at Fort Leonard Wood to discuss methods for the dissemina- he said, “The problem with that is [that] more data means tion of training. more radiation. I, as a biological being using this, am [expos- To test training feasibility for all military occupational ing] myself to more radiation, and that’s where something specialties, Major Joseph E. Hughes, 3d Brigade, brought like [the new detection device] comes in.” The RDS not only in Soldiers with a wide variety of backgrounds outside of detects but also quantifies the presence of radioactive ma- the CBRN specialty—from watercraft engineers to military terial—another upgrade over the AN/VDR-2. The RDS on- police. “Because this will go out to the field, it’s not just board computer records the data gathered and stores it for chemical-unit-specific equipment,” Major Hughes said, later study. “This will be for all units to be able to utilize.” Modular and customizable, the RDS kit can be tailored to Non-CBRN Soldiers who were present for the training the military unit to which it’s assigned, making widespread said that they could operate the device, if needed, despite operation of the equipment not only an effective force multi- their professional focus outside of the CBRN detection ca- plier, but also user-friendly. “[With RDS, it] doesn’t matter reer field. “This isn’t our military occupational specialty; what type of radiation that it is,” said Staff Sergeant James so for having something that we really have no clue about, E. Alberson, 3d Brigade CBRN Advanced Leader Course they’re able to [teach] it in a way that we’re able to com- instructor, “Because this is all-inclusive detect, identify, prehend it, we’re able to do it,” said Sergeant Alicia N. and measure, you can use just this one system for all your Holdner, a watercraft engineer with 3d Brigade, “It’s pretty [CBRN] needs.” straightforward.” Major Hughes said that ensuring that ev- ery Soldier can operate the equipment will result in a more Mr. Campbell is a reporter and assistant editor for the Guidon, well-rounded fighting force. “So, of course, our school here Fort Leonard Wood. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the Scripps School of Journalism, Ohio University, Athens. is strictly chemical-focused; however, now you have . . . Soldiers going back to their units [as] subject matter experts
Summer 2020 27 By Major Ralph E. Scott
uclear weapons were introduced on the battle- however, its leaders attempted to capture the organizational field near the end of World War II. These weapons and tactical lessons of the war by establishing boards and Nwere revolutionary because of their destructive committees to examine all aspects of the Army’s experience. power and reductions in the speed and resources required According to Arthur W. Connor Jr., “Its committees focused for them to destroy sizeable areas and large populations. on the division, with three types recommended for retention Macgregor Knox and Williamson Murray categorize the ad- in the Army: infantry, armored, and airborne. Over the next vent of nuclear weapons as a “true military revolution” in 3 years, various conferences, committees, general officers, Chapter 1 of their book entitled Dynamics of Military Revo- and the Army staff all tinkered with divisional organiza- lution, 1300–2050.1 The authors explain that military revo- tions. In 1948, the Department of the Army published the lutions are “seismic, uncontrollable, unpredictable, and un- new tables of organization for each of the three divisional foreseeable events which permanently alter the framework types.”5 Unfortunately, the new divisions resembled the of warfare.”2 The nuclear revolution caused a paradigm shift ones that fought in World War II; they were equipped with for the U.S. armed forces. Paradigms are “conceptual world- the same weapons, but they were undermanned and some- views that consist of formal theories, classic experiments, what irrelevant in the age of nuclear weapons. 3 and trusted methods.” A paradigm shift occurs when some- As the Army continued its rebuilding operations in Ger- thing new fundamentally changes prevailing views, formal many and Japan, the Soviet threat in Europe and other de- theories, and trusted methods. The introduction of nucle- velopments around the world continued to affect the United ar weapons on the battlefield meant that large cities and States. Furthermore, George F. Kennan’s “long telegram” of military formations were potentially defenseless against a February 1946 forced U.S. leaders to confront their failure single weapon and its delivery system. This military revo- to provide a national strategy,6 while the Truman Doctrine lution caused political, doctrinal, and organizational turbu- declared that the United States would support countries lence in the government and for military branch members threatened by Communist insurrection.7 Despite the shift in who fought to prove their Service superiority to carry out foreign policy, Army demobilization was never halted or re- nuclear warfare in line with the national strategy. This ar- versed. Fiscal turbulence also continued because President ticle analyzes the struggle of the U.S. Army to adapt to the Truman continued to reduce the defense budget. Addition- paradigm shift in warfare from the onset of the Atomic Age ally, policy makers trusted that the U.S. Air Force would in three separate eras: the postwar era, the Korean War be the Service that delivered America’s nuclear monopoly. era, and the period of time during which the U.S. Army Toward the end of the 1940s, the Army still prioritized oc- attempted to transform its divisional structure. cupation as its most important task. As the Army continued Even with all of its complexities, nuclear warfare was to falter in this endeavor, the state of current world affairs not the most pressing issue for the U.S. Army at the end of did not remain static. World War II. The sentiment of demobilization was popular Only 10 divisions (with 591,000 Soldiers of an authorized at that time because many Americans believed that the days strength of 630,201) were available when North Korean forc- of massed armies were over. Soldiers protested their reten- es crossed the 38th parallel on 25 June 1950.8 Initially, both tion in Service by frequenting town squares and writing let- policy makers and military officials estimated that air and ters to members of the U.S. Congress, while then-President naval forces would defeat the North Koreans but this view Harry S. Truman was simultaneously pressured to “bring did not last. The Army’s major issues at the start of the Kore- 4 the boys home.” an War included supplies, ammunition, and training. Aside The Army did a poor job of analyzing the appropriate from food, clothing, and medical supplies, the Army made structure and mission of the postwar Army to ensure that no new procurements. Units operated with legacy equip- demobilization was a sound decision and seamless action. ment from the previous world wars, and maintenance was In conjunction with demobilization, the Army also provided highly problematic. There were ammunition shortages, and troops for occupation duties in Germany and Japan. Demo- ammunition stores remaining from World War II decreased bilization and occupation duties overwhelmed the Army; rapidly due to training requirements, transfers to allies, and
28 Army Chemical Review shelf-life expiration. While the ammunition shortages were missile technologies, atomic cannons, and nuclear-tipped extremely challenging, the fact that deployed units lacked rockets, the Army continued to downsize in both person- proper training was an even bigger problem. Throughout nel strength and funding. Ultimately, the Army remained the 5 years preceding the Korean War, the time allowed for unprepared for limited wars since its leaders erroneously basic training of new recruits correlated with funding levels. focused on nuclear weapons and organizational changes in Instead of the 17 weeks that World War II recruits spent on order to remain relevant in the pentomic era. initial training, new recruits only spent 8 weeks, which was Due to the introduction of nuclear weapons, World followed by another drastic reduction to 4 weeks in 1946.9 War II brought about profound changes in how the United Eventually, the Army mobilized about 3 million Soldiers States fought wars. The U.S. Army gained experience, but to repel the combined North Korean and Chinese armies, modernization, occupation duties, budget cuts, and the Na- while simultaneously addressing other threats, especially tion’s appetite for the use of nuclear weapons (and its pref- in Europe. However, the Army did little to transform or erence for the U.S. Air Force to deliver them) caused a lot change. The official position was that there was no need for of turbulence for the Army. This turbulence led to multiple doctrinal changes. Consequentially, “the Army entered the failed attempts by the Army to transform itself while search- mid-1950s facing the same issues that were extant in the ing for the proper organizational structure, doctrine, and mid-1940s.”10 training to remain relevant and meet the Nation’s threats. The Army leadership faced another series of personnel Endnotes: and funding reductions, with no apparent role in national 1MacGregor Knox and Williamson Murray, Dynamics of strategy, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower announced Military Revolution, 1300–2050, Cambridge University Press, his “New Look,” which promoted nuclear weapons and fa- 2001, pp. 1–14. vored airpower as a means of delivery.11 To remain relevant, 2Ibid. General Matthew Ridgway, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, start- 3Thomas S. Kuhn, staff editor, Encyclopedia Britannica, ed the Army on the path toward its first real transformation 14 July 2018,
Summer 2020 29 By Captain Matthew R. Van Arsdall and First Lieutenant Jonathan D. Hellberg
he 92d Chemical Company, 83d Chemical, Biological, unit’s standard range uniform to limit the spread of poten- Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Battalion, Fort tial infection. Leaders at all levels would take an active role TStewart, Georgia, continues to sustain readiness and in enforcing the preventative measures and reporting any build combat power as part of the immediate response force changes to Soldiers’ medical statuses, while the range safety during the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The officer would oversee and inspect COVID-19 mitigation mea- company’s immediate response mission requires that it be sures in troop areas. prepared to rapidly deploy and support global contingency operations worldwide. The battalion qualified on eight M1135 Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV) systems during March 2020, immediate- ly prior to implementation of the Department of Defense COVID-19 limitations, with another NBCRV gunnery planned for the 92d in April 2020. With the COVID-19 outbreak and the elevation of Fort Stewart to Health Protection Condition Level C, the unit’s ability to sustain qualified crews for rapid deployment was significantly degraded based on qualification timelines and crew turnover. Understanding that sustained readiness and deployable combat power is the No. 1 priority, the 83d CBRN Battalion first requested and received approval to train from Brigadier General James E. Bonner, commander of the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Command and then submitted a request for ex- ception to policy to the senior mission commander at Fort Stewart, Major General Antonio A. Aguto Jr., 3d Infantry Division Commanding General, for local approval. A Soldier wears a protective face covering while training. With Soldier safety remaining at the forefront of train- ing, the unit used the principles of risk mitigation and Changes to the gunnery concept of operations based on force protection to tackle the COVID-19 threat, designing COVID-19 preventive measures built trust and confidence a revised gunnery plan to achieve mission success. The unit in the chain of command, and the exception to policy was integrated Fort Stewart and Centers for Disease Control approved by Major General Aguto weeks before execution. and Prevention guidelines for COVID-19 into the training The unit’s ability to sustain readiness and train for fu- plan and leveraged the knowledge and experience of the ture operations as we navigate our new environment clearly 83d CBRN Battalion surgeon and medical team to establish demonstrate that our CBRN warfighters and our Army will preventative measures. The proposed manning footprint for continue to be trained and be ready when called upon— crewmembers and range support personnel was reduced all while protecting the safety, health, and welfare of our from 44 Soldiers to 21 Soldiers. This would afford the unit Soldiers and Families. the ability to maintain social distancing during range op- erations and to control personnel movement and exposure Captain Van Arsdall is the commander of the 92d Chemical during the week leading up to the training. The battalion Company, 83d CBRN Battalion. He holds a bachelor’s degree medical team was to screen all personnel before, during, and in history from the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg. after training and immediately isolate any cases that may First Lieutenant Hellberg is a mounted reconnaissance pla- present themselves during gunnery. Personal protective toon leader for the 92d Chemical Company. He holds a bach- equipment, including face coverings and protective gloves, elor’s degree in biology from the University of Mary Washington, and individual/area disinfectant solutions were added to the Fredericksburg, Virginia.
30 Army Chemical Review By Ms. Sharon M. McCann
s advisors for commanders, one of the most impor- There is an endless supply of material available to ex- tant things that chemical, biological, radiological, pand your knowledge. A few online sources include the— A and nuclear (CBRN) Soldiers can do is break down •Army Publishing Directorate Web site at
Summer 2020 31 Doctrine Update U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence G-3/Directorate of Training and Doctrine Number Title Date Status Joint Publications The U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School (USACBRNS) is not the proponent for joint publications (JPs). However, the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Doctrine Branch; Doctrine Division; G-3/Directorate of Training and Doctrine; U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence; Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, is often a key stakeholder and sometimes the lead agent for a JP. Five JPs affect the development or revision of tactical-level CBRN publications. JP 3-11 Operations in Chemical, 29 Oct 18 Current. Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Environments JP 3-11 focuses on maintaining the joint force ability to conduct the range of military operations in a CBRN environment. JP 3-11 synchronizes and updates language with JP 3-40 and JP 3-41; recognizes the proponent change for global countering weapons of mass destruction (CWMD) to the U.S. Special Operations Command; and updates, revises, or deletes definitions and discussions to synchronize with other doctrinal updates. JP 3-27 Homeland Defense 10 Apr 18 Current. JP 3-27 discusses fundamentals of homeland defense (HD), to include threats; policy and legal considerations; active, layered defense; and the HD operational framework. It describes command relationships and interorganizational cooperation in HD. It outlines strategic guidance, operational factors, intelligence sharing, and joint functions considerations for planning and operations for HD. Finally, JP 3-27 updates the relationships between homeland security, HD, and defense support of civil authorities (DSCA) reflected by the new National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017. JP 3-28 Civil Support 28 Oct 18 Current. JP 3-28 provides overarching guidelines and principles to assist commanders and staffs in planning, conducting, and assessing DSCA. It describes the fundamentals of response and the federal role in supporting a comprehensive all-hazards response. JP 3-28 discusses planning to support and sustain DSCA, to include intelligence support, health services, mortuary affairs, and other support and sustainment considerations. JP 3-40 Countering Weapons of 27 Nov 19 Current. Mass Destruction JP 3-40 outlines a CWMD strategic apporoach for planning. It discusses CWMD activities and operations in relation to the joint functions. It describes the specialized tasks associated with the organizing principles of prevent, protect, and respond. JP 3-41 Chemical, Biological, 9 Sep 16 Current. Radiological, and Nuclear Response JP 3-41 describes CBRN response activities to highlight the unique Department of Defense (DOD) response capability and responsibility to minimize the effects of a CBRN incident. It incorporates the new DOD-integrated chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear response enterprise (CRE) capabilities and joint force matrix and clarifies supporting roles during international CBRN response. Multi-Service Publications USACBRNS is the U.S. Army proponent and lead agent for eight tactical-level, multi-Service publications. Seven of the publications are sponsored by the Joint Requirements Office for CBRN Defense (J-8), Joint Chiefs of Staff. ATP 3-11.23 Multi-Service Tactics, 1 Nov 13 Under revision with ATP 3-90.40. MCWP 3-37.7 Techniques, and Procedures NTTP 3-11.35 for Weapons of Mass AFTTP 3-2.71 Destruction Elimination Operations Army Techniques Publication (ATP) 3-11.23 describes the weapons of mass destruction (WMD)–elimination isolation activity as the seam that links the battle handover from a conventional CBRN force conducting the assessment task to the technical CBRN force conducting exploitation and destruction tasks. It educates the reader on performing the entire process from cradle (reconnoitering) to grave (monitoring and redirecting) and on planning, preparing, executing, and assessing considerations throughout.
32 Army Chemical Review Number Title Date Status ATP 3-11.32 Multi-Service Tactics, 13 May 16 Scheduled for revision. MCWP 3-37.2 Techniques, and Procedures NTTP 3-11.37 for Chemical, Biological, AFTTP 3-2.46 Radiological, and Nuclear Passive Defense ATP 3-11.32 contains information for conducting operations; performing tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP); and understanding how to carry out CBRN passive defense. A complementary technical manual (TM) (TM 3-11.32/MCRP 10-10E.5/NTRP 3-11.25) contains reference material for CBRN warning, reporting, and hazard prediction procedures. ATP 3-11.36 Multi-Service Tactics, 24 Sep 18 Current. MCRP 3-37B Techniques, and Procedures NTTP 3-11.34 for Chemical, Biological, AFTTP 3-2.70 Radiological, and Nuclear Planning ATP 3-11.36 includes the doctrinal employment of CBRN capabilities (organizations, personnel, technology, and information) to characterize CBRN threats and hazards, including toxic industrial material, for the commander and the force. This manual also incorporates the joint doctrine elements for combating WMD. It is designed to provide operational- and tactical-level commanders and staffs with capability employment planning data and considerations to shape military operations involving CBRN threats and hazards and operations in CBRN environments. ATP 3-11.37 Multi-Service Tactics, 25 Mar 13 Under revision. Expected publication 4th Quarter (Qtr) FY 20. MCWP 3-37.4 Techniques, and Procedures NTTP 3-11.29 for Chemical, Biological, AFTTP 3-2.44 Radiological, and Nuclear Reconnaissance and Surveillance ATP 3-11.37 establishes forms, modes, and methods of (and tasks for) CBRN reconnaissance and surveillance. It also establishes four new CBRN hazard identification levels that have been accepted by combatant commanders and the medical community for environmental samples and clinical specimens. These hazard identification levels allow the conventional force to provide the commander with sample identification at higher levels of confidence. This, in turn, allows the commander to make timely, higher-level decisions that enhance force protection, improve mission accomplishment, and result in resource savings. ATP 3-11.37 establishes a sample management process and educates Soldiers on the protocols of the process, from sample collection through transfer. Finally, it instructs Soldiers on dismounted reconnaissance operations in urban environments. ATP 3-11.41 Multi-Service Tactics, 30 Jul 15 Current. Under review with the creation of a new publication, MCRP 3-37.2C Techniques, and Procedures ATP 3-11.42, Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for NTTP 3-11.24 for Chemical, Biological, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Domestic Response. AFTTP(I) 3-2.37 Radiological, and Nuclear Consequence Management Operations ATP 3-11.41 provides commanders, staffs, key agencies, and military members with a key reference for planning and conducting CBRN consequence management. This publication provides a reference for planning, resourcing, and executing CBRN consequence management in support of domestic or foreign agencies responding to a CBRN incident. The principal audience for this multi-Service publication consists of CBRN responders who plan and conduct CBRN consequence management operations in domestic, foreign, or theater operational environments, to include military installations. ATP 3-11.42 Mutli-Service Tactics, TBD New publication, under development. Techniques, and Procedures for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Domestic Response ATP 3-11.42 will combine guiding principles to multi-Service forces within the CRE and conducting domestic CBRN response operations in support of DOD missions and national objectives. It will focus on planning, preparation, and execution at the tactical level. ATP 3-11.42 will incorporate changes in doctrine from updated JP 3-11, JP 3-28, and JP 3-41 and explain how the WMD–civil support team (CST) concept of operations is integrated into the CRE structure. It will incorporate key doctrinal elements from ATP 3-11.41, ATP 3-11.46, and ATP 3-11.47. ATP 3-11.46 Weapons of Mass 20 May 14 Current. Under review with the creation of a new publication, AFTTP 3-2.81 Destruction–Civil Support ATP 3-11.42, Mutli-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Team Operations Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Domestic Response. ATP 3-11.46 serves as the foundation for WMD-CST doctrine. ATP 3-11.47 Chemical, Biological, 26 Apr 13 Current. Under review with the creation of a new publication, AFTTP 3-2.79 Radiological, Nuclear, ATP 3-11.42, Mutli-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for and High-Yield Explosives Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Domestic Response. Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) and Homeland Response Force (HRF) Operations ATP 3-11.47 contains detailed tactical doctrine and TTP and sets the foundation for the tactical employment of the CERFP and HRF.
Summer 2020 33 Number Title Date Status Army-Only Publications USACBRNS is the U.S. Army proponent for five tactical-level, Army-only publications. ATP 3-11.24 Technical Chemical, 6 May 14 Requires revision. Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosives (CBRNE) Force Employment ATP 3-11.24 describes how CBRNE forces support combatant commanders through every phase of operations conducted in-theater and in the homeland. This is important in educating those who are outside the CBRN community with regard to the true capabilities of the technical CBRNE force. The appendixes include information about specific technical CBRNE force missions, organizations, capabilities, and employment considerations. ATP 3-90.40 Combined Arms Countering 29 Jun 17 Under revision. Weapons of Mass Destruction ATP 3-90.40 provides tactical-level commanders, staffs, and key agencies with a primary reference for planning, synchronizing, integrating, and executing combined arms CWMD. ATP 3-37.11 Chemical, Biological, 28 Aug 18 Current. Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Command ATP 3-37.11 provides doctrine to facilitate the operations and training requirements of the CBRNE command. It also provides commanders, staffs, key agencies, and Service members with a key reference on the CBRNE command for operational and tactical planning and CBRN and explosive ordnance disposal structure, capabilities, and principles of employment. FM 3-11 Chemical, Biological, 23 May 19 Current. Radiological, and Nuclear Operations Field Manual (FM) 3-11 defines the core functions of the Chemical Corps and describes how they integrate into large-scale combat operations. FM 3-11 is an Army-only publication that provides doctrine for operations to assess CBRN hazards, protect the force, and mitigate the entire range of CBRN threats, hazards, and effects. Technical Manuals USACBRNS is the proponent and approving authority for three TMs. TM 3-11.32 Multi-Service Reference 15 May 17 Current. Change 1 published 21 Dec 17. MCRP 10-10E.5 for Chemical, Biological, NTRP 311.25 Radiological, and Nuclear AFTTP 3-2.56 (CBRN) Warning, Reporting, and Hazard Prediction Procedures TM 3-11.32 provides reference material for CBRN warning messages, incident reporting, and hazard prediction procedures. TM 3-11.42 Multi-Service Tactics, 23 Jun 14 Under revision. MCWP 3-38.1 Techniques, and Procedures NTTP 3-11.36 for Installation Emergency AFTTP 3-2.82 Management TM 3-11.42 addresses the installation commander’s response to an incident that takes place on an installation. The scope of this revision has been expanded from CBRN defense to all-hazards installation emergency management, which includes the management of CBRN events. The publication defines the roles of DOD installation commanders and staffs and provides the TTP associated with installation planning and preparedness for, response to, and recovery from all hazards in order to save lives, protect property, and sustain mission readiness. TM 3-11.91 Chemical, Biological, 13 Dec 17 Current. Change 1 published 14 June 2018. Change 2 published MCRP 3-37.1B Radiological, and Nuclear 12 Nov 19. NTRP 3-11.32 Threats and Hazards AFTTP 3-2.55 TM 3-11.91 serves as a comprehensive manual for information to help understand the CBRN environment. It includes the technical aspects of CBRN threats and hazards, including information about the chemistry of homemade explosives. In addition to the technical information on CBRN threats and hazards, it also includes basic educational information and the field behavior of CBRN hazards (including riot control agents and herbicides). The appendixes contains scientific CBRN data. Change 2 adds an appendix for supplemental information on nontraditional agents.
34 Army Chemical Review USACBRNS CATS Update
The table below lists the combined arms training strategies (CATSs) for which the Collective Training Division, Directorate of Training and Leader Development, U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School (USACBRNS) is responsible.
Unit Title TOE/TDA Number Date Published to DTMS CBRNE Command 37800K000 5 February 2020 HHC, CBRNE Command 37801K000 5 February 2020 Nuclear Disablement Team 37611KA00 5 February 2020 WMD Coordination Team 37621KA00 6 February 2020 CBRN Brigade 03492R0FF 28 March 2019 CBRN Brigade 03492K0FF 18 December 2019 HHC, CBRN Brigade 03492R000 21 March 2019 HHC, CBRN Brigade 03492K000 12 March 2020 HHC, CBRN Battalion 03396K000 12 March 2020 CBRN Company (Area Support) 03420R300 21 May 2019 CBRN Company (Area Support) 03413K000 12 March 2020 CBRN Company (Biological) 03470R000 4 June 2019 CBRN Company (Biological) 03423K000 12 March 2020 CBRN Company (Hazard Response) 03310R000 17 May 2019 CBRN Company (Hazard Response) 03313K000 12 March 2020 CBRN Coordination Detachment 03579RA00 2 April 2019 CBRN Coordination Detachment 03453K000 13 January 2020 CBRN Reconnaissance Detachment (SF) 03520R000 5 June 2019 CBRN Reconnaissance Detachment (SF) 03817K000 12 March 2020 CBRNE Company 03323K000 12 March 2020 Legend: CATS—combined arms training strategy CBRN—chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear CBRNE—chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives DTMS—Digital Training Management System HHC—headquarters and headquarters company SF—special forces TDA—table of distribution and allowances TOE—table of organization and equipment WMD—weapons of mass destruction Note: CATSs are reviewed and updated on an annual basis to ensure that they include unit input and remain current.
Summer 2020 35 Professional Military Education Qualification training courses are listed and described in Table 1. Table 1. Qualification training courses
Enlisted/Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Qualification Training Courses 74D10 Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist Course (School Code 031) Phase I Once Soldiers are enrolled in Phase I, they will receive e-mail instructions from the Army Training Resources Requirements (Course 031- System (ATTRS) via Army Enterprise e-mail. Students must complete Phase I before reporting for Phase II training. A 74D10 [R1] [dL]) Fort Leonard Wood training certificate of completion for Blackboard must be presented as proof of Phase I completion during Phase II in-processing. Soldiers who experience technical problems with Phase I should call Fort Leonard Wood Blackboard Technical Support at 1-887-208-1229. Those who experience content issues should contact Master Sergeant Jeremy Mann at 573-563-4026 or
36 Army Chemical Review Joint SLC (Course 4K-74A/494-F18) This is a 4-day course for senior leaders focusing on operational- and strategic-level aspects of countering weapons of mass de- struction (WMD). Participants also receive toxic-agent training at the Chemical Defense Training Facility. In addition, the Joint SLC forum offers a unique opportunity for senior military leaders, civilian government agency leaders, and leaders representing allied and coali- tion partners to exchange ideas. You are required to register for the Joint SLC through the Joint SLC action officer, Mr. Brad Sanders, at
CBRN Responder Operations Course (School Code 031, Course 4K-F30/494-F34(MC)) This 4-day course is appropriate for C2CRE members. All students attending the course must be International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) DOD Awareness-certified before arriving. Students who successfully complete the course receive certification at the operations level. CBRN Responder Technician Course (School Code 031, Course 4K-F24/494-F29) This 6-day course is appropriate for C2CRE members. All students attending the course must be IFSAC DOD Awareness- and Operations- certified before arriving. Students who successfully complete the course receive certification at the technician level. Civil Support Skills Course (CSSC) (School Code 031, Course 4K-F20/494-28) This 8-week course is appropriate for Army National Guard and USAR WMD-CST members. Students receive advanced training in hazmat technician and incident command and CBRN survey, point reconnaissance, sampling operations, personal protective equipment selection and certification, and decontamination. They also receive specialized training on a variety of military and commercial CBRN detection equipment. Note: All students who successfully complete hazmat training are awarded certificates issued by IFSAC and DOD. Additional copies of certificates can be obtained at
A Soldier who arrives for any resident course without having first completed all appropriate dL requirements will be returned to his or her unit without action.
USACBRNS RC Personnel Officers (O-3 through O-5) and NCOs (E-7 through E-9) who are interested in available drilling individual mobilization augmentee positions throughout USACBRNS should contact the USAR training development NCO.
Field grade USAR officers who would like to transfer into the Chemical Corps should contact the USACBRNS Deputy Assistant Commandant–Army Reserve (DAC-AR) for specific branch qualification information.
The 3d Brigade (Chemical), 102d Division (Maneuver Support), is currently seeking instructors for various locations. An applicant should be an E-6 or E-7, should be qualified (or able to be trained) as an Army basic instructor, and should have completed the appropriate NCO Education System coursework. Interested Soldiers should contact the brigade senior operations NCO, Sergeant First Class Yabronda A. Battles at (573) 596-6205 or
Reference: ADP 7-0, Training Units and Developing Leaders, 23 August 2012. Summer 2020 37