Chemical Corps tests new equipment

Photo By Luke Graziani | Spc. Michael Throm, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist with 3rd Platoon, 181st CBRN Company, sprays the ground with a reactive agent that aids in detecting possible contamination March 2 at Fort Hood as part of a training exercise. The training exercise provided a real-world employment opportunity for new CBRN equipment.  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

03.02.2011

Story by Staff Sgt. Luke Graziani 

4th Public Affairs Detachment

FORT HOOD, Texas – Field testing new equipment requires soldiers who are efficient and thorough, and members of 3rd Platoon, 181st Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Company recently got the opportunity to prove that in a multi-day field exercise.

The Chemical specialists rigorously field tested a new kit designed for dismounted use March 2 as part of a week-long field exercise at Fort Hood to prepare for future training and operations.

This exercise introduced the soldiers to the new equipment and reviewed their proficiency in proper usage of the equipment, time on the objective and overall effectiveness.

Outwardly the kit is an unmarked storage container. Its plainness belies the interior, which is true to military standards; everything is in its proper place and expertly organized.

“The equipment we have is an extreme improvement over what’s been around in the past,” said 1st Lt. Jaciel Guerrero, the 3rd Platoon platoon leader assigned to the 181st CBRN Company. “Not only do we have the capabilities to detect conventional weapons of mass destruction, normal chemical agents, biological, radiological and nuclear agents, but now we can detect a lot of the industrial chemicals and industrial materials you may find anywhere no matter what country or what region you’re in.”

The container is transported on the bed of a cargo truck and requires lift assets to put it on the ground for use, but once it’s down the soldiers waste no time retrieving the necessary equipment for the initial stage of the training mission.

“I think that this equipment is important because it helps us expedite the process of finding hazardous substances,” said Spc. Michael Throm, a CBRN specialist assigned to the 181st CBRN Company. “The new stuff we’re using is more of a modular system. It has everything in one place.”

The painstaking steps these soldiers go through to conduct their operations are not for the weak willed or the claustrophobic.

The protective suits are heavy, breathing becomes difficult after a short time and visibility is limited to the front because of the masks.
The different suits that they don, based on varying levels of protection required, provide the soldier with complete head to toe protection from whatever CBRN threat they may encounter during the multiple phases of the mission.

In what they designated a safe distance from the target site, the soldiers were examined by the on-hand medic then given the all clear to begin putting on their personal protective gear.

Trust in the equipment and extensive training is vital to the accomplishment of the mission. This is especially important when visibility is limited, movement is hindered and communication is difficult.

There is an old saying that NBC is an acronym for No Body Cares. The Chemical Corps was thought to be only a reactive solution to an existing problem, but with the new training and advanced equipment the Chemical Corps is now fielding, that could change.

“Give the chemical branch a chance. Ask us what we can do for you. There’s a million things we can do for you,” said Guerrero. “Give the ‘chemos’ a chance to explain what they can bring to the table and you’d definitely be surprised.”

• Date Taken: 03.02.2011
• Date Posted: 05.21.2011 21:07
• Story ID: 70833
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US