FORT BRAGG, N.C. - More than 60 soldiers from 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade participated in a three-day chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear training held here, Aug. 6-8.
The purpose of the training was so soldiers become familiar with tools used to decontaminate their equipment and themselves in an operational environment.
Soldiers also learned about various CBRN agents, equipment used to monitor the types of agent, correctly don mission oriented protective posture, unmasking procedures, exchange their protective gear, as well as send up nuclear biological chemical 1 and 4 reports. Students also participated in a practical exercise using all the knowledge learned in the class.
For Atlanta native, Spc. Navaris Greene, patriot missile launcher, 1st Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery the training was helpful and insightful.
“I never did operational decontamination before, it was an eye opener,” stated Greene. “And we were able to decontaminate our own equipment.”
Even students who had been through decontamination training before felt that the training allowed them to do things they had not done before.
“This is the first time that I actually decontaminated a vehicle,” said Pfc. James Durr, health care specialist, 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery and Brunswick, Ga., native. “And this was the first time that I actually used the generators.”
Soldiers also learned how to choose a decontamination site, set up and tear down a site, and potential issues with decontaminating their equipment.
“You learn all the steps and guidelines to keep you safe,” added Greene. “I would do it again and recommend it. In the hands on we were moving. Besides the heat, it was good training.”
Through tough realistic training like this, 108th Air Defense Artillery ensures that soldiers will be able to take care of themselves as well as those around them regardless of the environment in which they find themselves.