Marines combat chemical threat alongside the Army

Photo By Pfc. Franklin Mercado | Cpl. Tyler Jones, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense specialist with Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, marks evidence found in a classroom during Exercise Joint Force Denial in Beaufort, N.C., July 18, 2012. During the training, Marines joined forces with the 42nd Civil Support Team, the Army’s equivalent to a CBRN section, to search and control a simulated contamination inside an abandoned grade school. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Franklin E. Mercado)  

BEAUFORT, NC, UNITED STATES

07.18.2012

Story by Pfc. Franklin Mercado 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

BEAUFORT, N.C. - Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense specialists with 2nd Marine Logistics Group ventured off the beaten path and participated in Exercise Joint Force Denial in Beaufort, N.C., July 18.

During the training, the CBRN defense specialists joined forces with the 42nd Civil Support Team, the Army’s equivalent to a CBRN section, to search and control a simulated contamination inside an abandoned school building.

The Marines, soldiers and airmen worked as a cohesive unit to reach their objective of decontaminating the area. The training also gave Marines a chance to work with other services as if they were augmented for emergency purposes.

“We wanted to integrate the Marines with the different services,” said Gunnery Sgt. Brian Malcolm, the CBRN chief for Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd MLG. “In case of emergencies we can support [the 42nd CST], so we need to know how to work with them.

“We need to be on the same page with them when working together.”

As the exercise continued into the afternoon, the sweltering heat didn’t stop these dedicated service members from moving on toward completing the mission.

Three Marines, a soldier and an airman safely cleared six rooms while separated into two groups.

One of those groups included Sgt. Steven D. Potts, a CBRN defense specialist with CLR-27.

During the training, servicemembers did share a quality that proved helpful, explained Potts. They shared a common knowledge of the equipment and military terminology, which made the exercise run smoother.

CBRN threats are extremely dangerous and it is imperative that troops are prepared to operate under any circumstance.

Though it is yet to be seen when or if the 2nd MLG will support the 42nd CST in future endeavors, the defense specialist across the Group are ready for what is thrown their way.

• Date Taken: 07.18.2012
• Date Posted: 07.19.2012 17:54
• Story ID: 91844
• Location: BEAUFORT, NC, US