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DUGWAY PROVING GROUND, Utah — 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) hosted its semiannual Dragon Sage exercise at Dugway Proving Ground from Aug. 29 to Sept. 12, 2026. The two-week exercise evaluates the combat readiness of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialists across chemical reconnaissance-decontamination teams (CRDT) within the formation. Ultimately, it assesses and strengthens CRDT proficiency in preparation for operational alignment with a Special Forces battalion. “The exercise typically evaluates 42 Soldiers across six teams on CBRN skills,” said Capt. Justin Carollo, a CBRN officer assigned to 1st SFC (A). “It is primarily designed for 74-series Soldiers supporting Special Operations Forces, but it can be tailored for other organizations, including the FBI, explosive ordnance disposal units, and other SOF elements.” During the exercise, CRDTs are evaluated on CBRN-specific tasks such as mission planning and threat assessment, operations in confined-space or subterranean environments, decontamination operations, and SOF sensitive site exploitation. The results are provided to the team’s higher headquarters as a performance summary to support the commander’s validation of the team. According to Spc. Tristan Oleson, a CBRN specialist assigned to 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), the exercise provided an opportunity to test his operational knowledge, assess his personal proficiency, and identify and address individual skill gaps. CBRN enablers represent a small but critical capability within 1st SFC (A). When properly employed, they provide specialized expertise that enables Special Forces operators to accomplish missions in CBRN-contested or hazardous environments. “Additionally,” Carollo said, “Dragon Sage allows the SOF CBRN enterprise to identify capability gaps based on combatant command requirements and evolving threats. Each iteration can then be tailored to support the Special Forces group commander’s desired end state, informing changes to exercise design, training priorities, equipment requirements, and operational scenarios.” Following the completion of Dragon Sage, validated teams will return to their respective groups to prepare for upcoming operational rotations and joint training exercises scheduled for early 2027. Dragon Sage Dragon Sage Dragon Sage
| Date Taken: | 09.16.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.17.2026 16:51 |
| Story ID: | 575021 |
| Location: | DUGWAY PROVING GROUND, UTAH, US |
| Web Views: | 18 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 1st Special Forces Command Airborne) Evaluates CBRN Teams During Exercise Dragon Sage, by SFC Kelsey Miller, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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