JMRC Enlarges CBRN Training Capability

The Joint Multinational Readiness Center's reputation for providing U.S., allied and partnered soldiers challenging training and tough, real-world scenarios seems to grow every year. This success is because JMRC continues to mirror current threats in the operational environment to challenge Soldiers' skills on many levels.

One such operational threat is the use of chemical weapons and the creation of weapons for mass destruction, known in the military as Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threats. While typically given only minor attention, training on CBRN threats now has a reinvigorated program and place in rotational training.

As a countermeasure to these threats, JMRC is developing replicated mock-chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training sites throughout the Hohenfels training area to facilitate in-depth training.

"There is a need for training areas mimicking a complex battlefield where these threats are involved," said Brig. Gen. William E. King IV, Commander of the 20th CBRNE Command (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives), from Aberdeen, Md.

The 20th CBRNE Command will partner with JMRC in an advisory role and assist in building up the large scale assets.

"Nuclear and chemical plants are a significant part of the European infrastructure," said Maj. Joseph E. Myers, JMRC's Mustang Team CBRN observer, coach, trainer. In fact, so significant, there is a need to recognize labs and plants as a common part of the territory.

"Germany, for example, is one of the largest producers of chemicals in the world," said Myers. Germany hosts two of the largest chemical companies worldwide, and within the country's boundaries there are nine active nuclear power plants.

"Earmarking real estate within several of the training area's MOUT sites (military operations on urban terrain), JMRC is building sites that replicate various conditions common to Europe," said Myers.

These fixed-site and mobile labs range from a site dedicated to medium scale chemical production of ammonia or chlorine, a home-made explosives (HME) lab, a stationary college chemistry lab, a radiological laboratory, a nuclear power plant and labs producing traditional chemical warfare agents.

As this project grows, training opportunities will increase by using CBRN significant events in a scenario.

During a recent visit to the training area, Brig. Gen. King was accompanied by Col. Henry Neumann, Chief of CBRN for German Bundeswehr Joint Service Command, touring the many town sets and buildings where CBRN assets will be active.

"From the German and NATO perspective, and the cluster CBRN protection in the framework nations concerned, [JMRC] is valuable due to its capacity," said Neumann. "Once the facility is established it offers training in CBRN defense with real objectives up to battalion level."

With the addition of the CBRN capabilities, JMRC can extend invitations to special units and teams. JMRC will gain the ability to accommodate Biological Integrated Detection Teams, Stryker NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) Reconnaissance Platoons, Technical Escort Battalions, and Special Forces Units.

"By purpose, JMRC is meant to bring NATO forces together and train on the more complex aspects of maneuver operations in Europe," said King. "Providing the training site for the U.S. and NATO to refine CBRN tactics, techniques and procedures in this capacity is an incredible advance in mission readiness and interoperability."

Related Links:

7th Army Training Command Homepage

20th CBRNE Command Facebook Page

JMRC Facebook Page