20th CBRNE training prepares Soldiers for all hazards

Courtesy Photo | The 20th CBRNE Command has included chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive training into rotations for combat units preparing for unified land operations.  

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MARYLAND, UNITED STATES

08.25.2014

Story by Walter Ham  

20th CBRNE Command

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - The 20th CBRNE Command (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives) is operating with ground combat units during decisive action training rotations at the U.S. Army's premier training centers.

Earlier this year, the 20th CBRNE Command began integrating into rotations at the National Training Center on Fort Irwin, California, and the Joint Readiness Training Center on Fort Polk, Louisiana.

In addition to its global operational commitments and homeland security missions, 20th CBRNE has included chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive training into rotations for combat units preparing for unified land operations.

The Joint Base Lewis-McChord-based 110th Chemical Battalion (Technical Escort) trained with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team at Fort Irwin during a training rotation.

The 110th Chemical Battalion is part of the 48th Chemical Brigade and the 20th CBRNE Command, the U.S. Army's only formation that combats chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats.

Col. Louis A. Zeisman, the commander of the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, said the rotation at Fort Irwin prepared his Soldiers to succeed on the modern battlefield.

"Our Soldiers are trained and comfortable with fighting in a CBRNE environment," said Zeisman, a native of Fayetteville, N.C. "By working with 20th CBRNE Command, we were able to integrate realistic Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) scenarios into the mission which tested our ability to react to a CBRNE threat and still accomplish the mission."

According to Zeisman, the decisive action training benefited Soldiers from both formations.

"As a Stryker Brigade, we had the opportunity to work with a technical unit that was capable of adding to our capabilities," said Zeisman. "We were able to rely on their expertise to plan for and accomplish complex CBRNE missions."

"It also gave the 110th Chemical Battalion the opportunity to be an active participant in combat operations during the planning and execution of our mission," said Zeisman.

• Date Taken: 08.25.2014
• Date Posted: 08.25.2014 17:06
• Story ID: 140337
• Location: ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MARYLAND, US
• Hometown: FAYETTEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, US