Non-Subscriber Extract
Chemical reactions: US CBRN overview
By Dr Ben Sheppard
30 January 2009
In December 2008 a US congressional bi-partisan committee released a study that warned of the continuing risk posed to the US from bioterrorism.
The report warned that bioterrorists may turn to new technologies to manufacture synthetic versions of agents such as Ebola, or conduct genetic modifications to prevent ordinary vaccines and antibiotics from working.
Such an assessment poses challenges for the US military as it looks to further develop and restructure its CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) defence capabilities.
Following the 11 September 2001 (9/11) attacks, a major development in revising CBRNE (the E standing for high-yield explosives) response capabilities was the development of the US 20th Support Command (CBRNE).
The 20th Support Command (SUPCOM [CBRNE]) is designed to integrate, co-ordinate and deploy trained and ready CBRNE forces to support combined, joint and army force commanders in overseas operations and in support of homeland defence.
The aim is to provide army commanders, joint commanders and lead federal agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with an expeditionary CBRNE capability.
Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the 20th SUPCOM (CBRNE) includes the 48th Chemical Brigade, the 52nd and 71st EOD Groups, the CBRNE Analytical and Remediation Activity (CARA) and various other CBRNE response, remediation and elimination assets.
When conducting operations, the 20th SUPCOM (CBRNE) serves as the headquarters for a joint task force for the elimination of weapons of mass destruction (JTF-E).
Image: Members of the CBRNE Analytical and Remediation Activity conduct assessment and mitigation during Operation 'Liberty Focus II' at Fort Hood, Texas, in September 2008 (US Army)