Soldiers train for chemical operations

by Tech. Sgt. Raymond Mills
JBER Public Affairs

10/23/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Soldiers of the 59th Signal Battalion conducted chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives training Oct. 16 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

According to the Army's 20th CBRNE Command website, "CBRNE operations detect, identify, assess, render safe, dismantle, transfer and dispose of unexploded ordnance, improvised devices and other CBRNE hazards," and is critical skill for all service members.

CBRNE training is a regularly scheduled training event that allows service members to reinforce fundamentals.

"All service members should have a basic knowledge of CBRN agents and the affect they have on unprotected personnel," said Air Force Master Sgt. Victor Blizzard, 773d Civil Engineer Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of emergency management. "Additionally, members should have a strong working knowledge of their individual protective equipment, such as their protective masks, since this might be their last line of defense."

The 59th Signal Battalion conducted hands-on training during a refresher exercise, which included passing through a chamber filled with the compound  2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile, commonly known as CS gas.

Training with CS gas provides Soldiers a realistic environment, allowing them to experience firsthand how CBRNE operations work, while increasing confidence in their skills and equipment.

"This training is important to maintain vigilance and remain familiar with equipment for any mission so that we can continue to operate and thrive in any conditions," said Sgt. Ray Gregory, information technology specialist with the 59th Signal.

Training is conducted to ensure Soldiers are ready to face any challenge under any conditions.

"CBRNE is a perishable skill and must be practiced on a routine basis to ensure Soldiers and Airmen are confident and proficient with their warrior tasks and skills," said Army Staff Sgt. Dwight Harris, 59th Sig. chemical operations specialist.

According to Blizzard, the Army and Air Force train together upon initial entry into the career field, but after graduation their approaches to CBRNE training diverge.

"Air Force members are required to complete the CBRN survival skills computer-based training course found on the Advanced Distributed Learning Service every two years," Blizzard said. "Members will also receive hands-on CBRNE survival skills defense training when tasked to deploy."

The Army, however, performs its hands-on training before they are tasked.

"We don't do on-the-spot chemical training," Harris said. "We schedule hands-on chemical training as part of our normal battle rhythm."

Although the Army and Air Force have different approaches to CBRNE training dictated by their individual missions, both train to standard in the event of contingency operations.

"CBRNE allows Soldiers to have confidence in their equipment and their mission," said Spc. David Caldwell, 59th Sig. IT specialist. "Without confidence, you may hesitate to perform their duties to the fullest of your ability."

By ensuring service members are adequately trained and prepared, the Army and Air Force maintain a readiness posture that enables them to execute a variety of operations in austere environments at a moments notice.

Throughout history signal battalions have played a vital role on frontlines to ensure battlefield communications success.

"Signal always has been and always needs to be up front," said Shane Shorty, 59th Signal first sergeant. "This training helps our Soldiers build trust in the Army, their equipment and their leaders."