Civilian budget analyst helps to keep only US Army Chemical Brigade mission ready

By Walter T. Ham IVSeptember 12, 2023

Marlena Semezier
Marlena Semezier (right), a budget analyst for the 48th Chemical Brigade, helps to keep the U.S. Army's only Chemical Brigade ready for operations around the world. Semezier was selected as the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command Civilian of the Quarter for April through June 2023. (Photo Credit: Courtesy photo) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas – An Army civilian budget analyst helps to keep the U.S. Army’s only Chemical Brigade ready for operations around the world.

Marlena Semezier, a budget analyst for the 48th Chemical Brigade, ensures the one-of-a-kind formation has the necessary resources to accomplish its high stakes mission.

The 48th Chemical Brigade “Spartans” are part of the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command, the U.S. military’s premier CBRNE headquarters.

Soldiers and civilians from the 20th CBRNE Command take on the world’s most dangerous hazards in support of joint, interagency and allied operations.

Semezier was recently selected as the 20th CBRNE Command Civilian of the Quarter for April through June 2023.

Col. Johannie San Miguel and Marlena Semezier
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Marlena Semezier (right), a budget analyst for the 48th Chemical Brigade, speaks with Col. Johannie San Miguel (left), the commander of the 48th Chemical Brigade, at the brigade headquarters on Fort Cavazos, Texas. Semezier was selected as the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command Civilian of the Quarter for April through June 2023. (Photo Credit: Courtesy photo) VIEW ORIGINAL
Marlena Semezier
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Marlena Semezier (right), a budget analyst for the 48th Chemical Brigade, helps to keep the U.S. Army's only Chemical Brigade ready for operations around the world. Semezier was selected as the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command Civilian of the Quarter for April through June 2023. (Photo Credit: Courtesy photo) VIEW ORIGINAL

Providing support for a geographically dispersed Chemical Brigade with a global mission is no small feat. The Fort Cavazos, Texas-headquartered 48th Chemical Brigade commands four battalions and 15 companies with units stationed on nine installations in eight states.

From the brigade headquarters on Fort Cavazos, Texas, Semezier monitors and manages budget authority and acts as the primary funds control manager.

While resolving complex problems with prediction and forecasting, she also assists in negotiating budget and programmatic issues.

Marlena Semezier
Marlena Semezier, a budget analyst for the 48th Chemical Brigade, helps to keep the U.S. Army's only Chemical Brigade ready for operations around the world. Semezier was selected as the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command Civilian of the Quarter for April through June 2023. (Photo Credit: Courtesy photo) VIEW ORIGINAL

A native of Austin, Texas, who attended the University of Texas, Semezier has served at the brigade for two years.

Semezier said having the trust and full support of her leadership is the highlight of serving in the Spartan Brigade.

“My husband is a Chemical Warrant Officer and I wanted to continue doing what I love and have the ability to transfer jobs within the government,” said Semezier. “I want to continue partnering with Soldiers and civilians offering financial guidance to ensure they are always in a state of readiness to accomplish any mission handed to them.”