Photo By Sgt. Maj. Daniel Griego | Soldiers of the 436th Chemical Company assemble and prepare a decontamination tent for...... read more read more
LAREDO, Texas - The dawning of each new age brings with it new threats and dangers. As global technology grows, so too must our nation's ability to combat any hazards brought about from that technology. To this end, the Army has taken new and impressive steps to respond to our enemies' offenses. Among the most responsive of these initiatives lies the CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package, or CERFP.
CBRNE refers to the threats of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive agents that troops face on the modern battlefield. At the forefront of CERFP are the committed men and women of the 436th Chemical Company, located in Laredo, Texas.
This band of seasoned troops spent a long and engaging week in February training to standard on all components and equipment of the CERFP, which serves as the primary means of decontamination in the event of an incident.
"In the case of a disaster where we need to decontaminate patients," said 1st Lt. Jose A. Perez, commander of the 436th Chemical Company, "we would set up an actual assembly line with stations to decontaminate the patients."
The primary function of CERFP is mass decontamination through an efficient and speedy system of "decon" tents, set up within six hours of the start of an incident and lasting through hour 72.
"We understand that even though there may not be a terrorist incident," said 1st Sgt Paul Torres, first sergeant for the 436th Chemical Company, "it could happen as an accident. It could be either an emergency, some sort of natural disaster, any kind of HAZMAT, all the way to a terrorist incident."
HAZMAT means hazardous materials and encompasses a wide spectrum of agents that are dangerous to human life.
"We learn how to control the situation first of all," said Spc. Matthew Candelas, a chemical operations specialist with the Biological Integrated Detection System platoon. "We make sure that it doesn't get out of control."
Training during this week included full rehearsal exercises assembling the decon tents, fitting and engaging Mission-Oriented Protective Posture gear, and a wealth of certification classes to provide the proper foundations for the Soldiers' training.
"Our focus this particular drill period has been to conduct FEMA courses, hazardous materials courses and fire prevention courses," said Perez. "The individuals who provide the class are civilian; they're coming and providing us with the certification. Same kind of training you would get if you were going to a police department or fire department, so it's exciting."
"I think the FEMA training and the HAZMAT training is something that is real good," said Spc. Brittney A. Messelt, a fueler with the decon platoon. "It's real life situations that we have to deal with at some point in our generation. It's good to train and grasp the concepts."
Messelt, who also serves on the federal border patrol mission, especially appreciates the HAZMAT training for its applicability in her full time position.
"I think that it's beneficial," she said, "because in my job sometimes I have to deal with radiation detection or things like that, so for me anything to do with HAZMAT is helpful. I think having a general knowledge of HAMAT materials and different classifications is good to know."
Still relatively new to the Army, CERFP has only been an active program for about five years. As the standard now, many chemical service members must retrain on old procedures with new elements.
"I've been involved with it since it originally started in 2004 and I'm excited," said Staff Sgt. Jose F. Casas, acting platoon sergeant for the 2nd decon platoon. "[The Soldiers] have been receptive of course," he said. "When anything new comes up, everybody wants to jump on the band wagon."
"If anything happens," said Perez, "the Soldiers of this particular unit will respond and perform very admirably, and that's because they know what's at stake: family members, friends. They all count on them to get this done."
A unit with a rich and respected history, the 436th returned from Afghanistan only 14 months ago after spending a year serving as force protection.
"They're very open to this," said Torres. "They want to do this."
"The leadership is great," said Candelas. "Our NCOs are always on key."
Soldiers maintained high morale and energy throughout the training as they supported and helped each other through each step of their certifications.
"It is interesting and it's exciting because it's completely new to me," said Messelt.
"The biggest asset is the personnel," said Casas. "As long as you give them the guidance of what needs to get done, the unit will be able to perform the mission."
In the end, the dedicated troops of the 436th Chemical Company understand and appreciate what's at stake. A new generation of threats looms over everything we do and this crew welcomes the opportunity to counter those threats.
"My vision is to be fully operational on the CERFP process by August of 2010," said Perez. "We owe it to the citizens of the state to be up and operational."
| Date Taken: | 02.18.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 02.22.2010 10:53 |
| Story ID: | 45687 |
| Location: | LAREDO, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 596 |
| Downloads: | 164 |
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