WHITE MARSH, Maryland -- Soldiers and civilians from 20th CBRNE Command (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives) celebrated the command's 10th anniversary here Oct. 17.
The command held the CBRNE Command Ball at the White Marsh Hilton in recognition of its first decade of service.
Activated as a part of U.S. Army Forces Command on Oct. 16, 2004, the 20th CBRNE Command is the U.S. military's only formation that combats CBRNE hazards around the globe. Originally called the 20th Support Command (CBRNE), it was renamed the 20th CBRNE Command in October 2013 to more accurately reflect its mission.
Based on Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, 20th CBRNE Command is home to 85 percent of the Active Army's CBRNE capabilities, with two EOD Groups, one CBRN Brigade and several special purpose capabilities, including deployable laboratories, Nuclear Disablement Teams and CBRNE Coordination Elements.
To counter Weapons of Mass Destruction, eliminate CBRNE threats and defeat improvised explosive devices (IEDs), Soldiers and civilians from 20th CBRNE train and operate around the world with joint, interagency and allied partners.
According to 20th CBRNE Commanding General Brig. Gen. JB Burton, the command has served with great distinction during the last 10 years.
"Since 2004, we have deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, the Balkans, Africa, Panama, Tajikistan, Solomon Islands, Korea, Germany, Jordan, and Israel, just to name a few," said Burton. "In fact, there are not too many pieces of turf on this big blue marble where 20th CBRNE boots haven't touched down and done what our nation demands."
"Not only do we serve with great distinction around the world but we also use our battle-tested skills to protect our homeland," said Burton.
Burton described 20th CBRNE Command's role as the Department of Defense's only multifunctional formation that conducts daily Defense Support to Civil Law Enforcement Agency missions, from defusing unexploded military munitions to supporting the U.S. Secret Service.
"We are celebrating 10 years as a one-of-a-kind formation. Forged out of need in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and in response to the growing threats of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive weapons, the 20th CBRNE Command hones it's one-of-a-kind edge each and every day," said Burton.
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