Photo By Luke Graziani | A Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle assigned to the 181st CBRN...... read more read more
FORT HOOD, Texas – The 181st Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Company conducted a series of practical field exercises Feb. 28 to March 4 at Fort Hood using the M1135 Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle, the newest tool in the CBRN fight.
Maneuvering the large armored vehicle, with minimum visibility, across an expanse of land hiding unknown dangers under deceptively tall grass seemed like a difficult task; the Soldiers of 4th Platoon, 181st CBRN Company make it look second nature.
The NBC RV is the tenth and newest member in the Stryker family of military vehicles. It is the most advanced NBC detecting system on eight wheels.
"The NBC RV is very vital to the chemical and biological operational spectrum of tactical operations," said Sgt. 1st Class William M. Boddie, the 4th Platoon platoon sergeant. "It’s highly mobile and it’s built to do exactly what it’s supposed to do, which is detect chemical and biological agents."
The training highlighted many of the NBC RV's capabilities. Foremost on the list is the protection it provides the crew members inside.
An NBC positive overpressure system that minimizes cross-contamination of samples and detection instruments provides crew protection from the elements while the heavy armor plating provides protection from the enemy.
Crew members were able to collect plant and soil samples, navigate the vehicles, provide overwatch for the other vehicles and survey the entire objective all while remaining in the sealed pressurized protection of the NBC RV.
Vehicular handling performance was put to the test during the exercise. The drivers expertly guided their vehicles across uneven terrain, up steep grades and over all but the biggest obstacles.
But in addition to the CBRN capabilities of its predecessors, the NBC-RV also features an Automated Weapon System, which allows operation of an externally mounted weapon from inside the vehicle via a remote terminal similar to a video game controller. Despite its CBRN mission, it retains the Stryker offensive capability and is expected to perform as well as its counterparts.
"It’s not just a chemical vehicle," said Sgt. Dustin A. Goldston, a vehicle commander assigned to the 181st CBRN Company. "It’s a combat vehicle with chemical capabilities."
Never before has the Chemical branch of the Army had this kind of versatility and force protection in a field environment.
"We’re the first complete CBRN company with these Strykers," said Spc. Mario A. Sanes, an NBC RV driver assigned to the 181st CBRN Company. "We’re the only ones actually qualified to use them."
Before the introduction of the NBC RV, the Chemical Corps was seen as situationally reactive. With the capabilities of the new equipment, the force protection of the weapons system and the intensive training of the Soldiers, the 181st CBRN Company can become a proactive force.
"Finally the Chemical Corps can do something to protect people instead of helping after the fact," said Goldston. "Not only can we collect evidence but we can secure people and help them before anything even happens.”
| Date Taken: | 03.01.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 05.21.2011 20:56 |
| Story ID: | 70832 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 346 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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