USARCENT, Kuwaiti National Guard train for CBRN threats, build cohesion

CAMP TAHREER, Kuwait - Chemical units from U.S. Army Central and the Kuwaiti National Guard trained together during an exercise to increase readiness and improve their ability to combat chemical threats here Oct. 29.

The 366th Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Company worked with the KNG to exchange tactics, techniques, and procedures during a three-week combined exercise in late October.

"It's been fun to see how both countries operate, especially when it comes to a CBRN [environment]," said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Reed, a platoon sergeant with 366th CBRN. "Over the past three weeks, we have been sharing knowledge with the KNG and their CBRN elements, we have shared tactics and procedures to better understand how we work and how we put it all together."

The units practiced decontamination scenarios as well as reconnaissance tasks. They also rehearsed casualty evacuation while in full mission oriented protective posture level four, which means wearing all issued chemical protective equipment and a gas mask.

The scenarios began with chemical reconnaissance vehicles maneuvering toward buildings at the training site as they surveyed the air for contaminates. From that point, a team of both US Soldiers and KNG went inside the buildings for additional surveying and were faced with simulated casualties.

The teams applied gas masks to the injured casualties, then treated their injuries and evacuated them to the first decontamination station where vehicles, equipment and personnel began the decontamination process.

"At the equipment decontamination stations, the vehicles had to undergo an initial rinse and wash-down," said Sgt. Eric Miller, a CBRN noncommissioned officer with 366th CBRN. "The vehicles were monitored in a holding area, which allowed the solution from the wash-down to absorb any contaminates. A final rinse and check was conducted to ensure that all contaminates have been removed."

The troop decontamination stations operated in the same manner, he said. Miller added that the recon team members aboard the vehicles had to get into new suits to complete the process.

Team members went through each station and gradually removed layers of protective equipment until they reached the last station, where a final scan with a joint chemical agent detector determined that they were contaminant free.

The training event involved KNG and U.S. Soldiers working together at every stage and station.

Among other things, the close cooperation required by this exercise allowed the participants to gain experience overcoming a language barrier during an operation according to Reed. He said the teams were able to work effectively together despite language differences and both units were open minded and willing to learn from each other.

"Maintaining a strong readiness posture with our partners is crucial should a chemical threat occur," said Staff Sgt. David Castro, a reconnaissance vehicle commander with 366th CBRN.

A continued partnership with the KNG and all our regional allies is important to keeping stability in the region, he said.

"The CBRN threat is out there and it's something we have to be prepared for," said Capt. Hai Tu, the 366th CBRN commander. "The exercise today went very well. It has been an honor working with the KNG. We are able to learn, re-engage and strengthen our partnership."