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20th CBRNE Command

Monday, July 24, 2017

Provided by 20th CBRNE Command

What is it?

20th CBRNE Command is the United States Army’s only formation dedicated to countering the full range of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) threats facing the nation. It is headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground-Edgewood, Maryland.

CBRNE is comprised of more than 4,000 military and civilian employees distributed across 19 installations in 16 states. The command has state-of-the-art technologies at every level. These technologies allow for complete capability to identify, assess, render-safe, dismantle, exploit, decontaminate, transfer and dispose of CBRNE hazards. These hazards include weapons of mass destruction, unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices.

CBRNE’s subordinate commands support the combatant commands in operations and contingencies throughout the world. A few of the subordinate commands being:

  • 48th Chemical Brigade
  • 52d Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group
  • 71st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group
  • CBRNE Analytical and Remediation Activity
  • 1st Area Medical Laboratory
  • Consequence Management Unit

What has the Army done?

The contribution of the explosive ordnance disposal forces in countering the threats of IEDs in Iraq and Afghanistan is a remarkable success story and a lasting legacy for the Army. In addition, CBRNE:

  • Provides support to civil authorities regarding emergency response to CBRNE hazards.
  • Routinely executes training with interagency partners and allied forces on five continents.
  • Continuously deployed forces in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, to include Combined Joint Task Force Troy and Paladin.
  • Current deployments include support to Operations Inherent Resolve, Freedom’s Sentinel, Resolute Support, and Task Force Atlas.
  • Actively supports Federal, state, and local officials as part of the Defense Support of Civil Authorities and Defense Support of Civil Law Enforcement Agencies missions.

What continued efforts are planned for the future?

The 20th CBRNE Command will continue build relationships with the ally partners through joint training and exercises. The command continues to focus on improving the tactical and operational expertise to exercise mission command of CBRNE operations up to the Joint Task Force level. This includes missions ranging from countering weapons of mass destruction to counter-IED efforts.

Why is this important to the Army?

The risk of weapons of mass destruction, the continued threat and expanded use of IEDs, and the acquisition, proliferation, or use, and prevalence of asymmetrical CBRNE threats has intensified across the globe. The 20th CBRNE Command is the Department of Defense’s only formation with specialized CBRNE capabilities and expertise to respond to counter the full range of CBRNE threats.

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