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    Dragon Soldiers lead the way through CBRN training

    Dragon Soldiers lead the way through CBRN training

    Photo By Staff Sgt. Peter Ford | Sgt. Matthew De La Cruz, a reconnaissance noncommissioned officer of the 369th...... read more read more

    FORT MCCOY, WI, UNITED STATES

    08.14.2014

    Story by Staff Sgt. Peter Ford 

    211th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

    FORT MCCOY, Wis. - Canadian allies train with the 415th Chemical Brigade CBRN Soldiers during the Red Dragon exercise taking place at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin.

    The Red Dragon is an exercise used to develop, train and assess the capabilities of CBRN units. This year, Soldiers from the Canadian army will participate in the training here to enhances their defense against weapons of mass destruction.

    “This training here is very important to us,” said Capt. Bill Mountan, operations officer, of the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment, from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. “The threat of weapons of mass destruction is real, and our country is beginning to focus on this type of training."

    Some of the training during this Red Dragon exercise consist of the wear and use of protective equipment, the detection of possible CBRN agents and the decontamination of personnel and equipment. This joint exercise with the Canadian Army will help the Canadians build a CBRN defense.

    “Very few Soldiers in the Canadian Army have had CBRN training,” said Col. Charles Jones, deputy commander of the 415th CBRN Brigade, of Greenville, South Carolina.

    “This is a great opportunity to help train them and enhance the skills of our Soldiers,” continued Jones.

    The Red Dragon Exercise present many learning opportunities for the Canadian and Army Reserves Soldiers as well. During this training Soldiers from both countries have a chance to use the latest techniques and equipment in the fight against weapons of mass destruction or the threat of a possible CBRN attack.

    “This training gives the Canadian Soldiers a chance to see how American Soldiers do business,” said Jones.

    “They also have the opportunity observe as well as participate in the training,” continued Jones.

    The CBRN training here at Red Dragon is vital to the safety to the Soldiers. It can also enhance the safety of the people of the United States and Canada.

    “The recon and decon mission of CBRN helps keep Soldiers in the fight,” said Sgt. Matthew De La Cruz, a reconnaissance noncommissioned officer of the 369th Chemical Company, from El Paso, Texas.

    “We collect soil samples and air sample in an effort to detect any CBRN in the areas that may be harmful to our troops,” continued De La Cruz.

    The reconnaissance missions taught here at Red Dragon train Soldiers and the joint forces of Canada how to detect chemical agents. Soldiers and Canadian forces are also taught how to use the latest decontamination equipment.

    “We have high pressure lanes that are used to decontaminate personnel and equipment,” said De La Cruz.

    “During the decontamination process we set up lanes to teach Soldiers and the Canadian forces how to remove clothing if they have been exposed to CBRN,” continued De La Cruz.

    Like their motto “Dragon First” the Soldiers of the 415th CBRN lead the way through the training lanes here at Red Dragon and help the Canadian army establish a CBRN defense against any possible CBRN attack.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 08.14.2014
    Date Posted: 08.14.2014 17:56
    Story ID: 139375
    Location: FORT MCCOY, WI, US

    Web Views: 454
    Downloads: 2

    PUBLIC DOMAIN