Do you think CBRN personnel can contribute to the prevention of the COVID-19 pandemic?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 22:32:24 -0400

This is a topic that has been talked among our Recon Platoon. Was wondering what other people would see why not and how.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 2 at 2020 10:50 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 22:50:23 -0400

I think everyone can do their part

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2020 11:21 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 23:21:39 -0400

I think seeing military folks in military PPE would cause more panic then help.
I posted this earlier: I suggest that CBRN Soldiers check out the info put out by the CBRN School Website.

The Army Council for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (ACCWMD) has a sharepoint set up through the US Army CBRN School website. If you have a valid CAC and nilitary email address, you will be granted access. One of the sharepoint folders is dedicated to COVID-19 FAQ's.
BLUFF:

RFI 1.) Is any Army enterprise currently testing CBRN IPE (JSLIST, M50 filters,
etc.), specifically WRT it's effects against COVID -19?

Answer 1.) The JSLIST and M50 mask protect against COVID. Its just over kill. Its
like a dust or powder agent that you need to keep off your body and out of
your mucus and airways. All the recommendations from the CDC and HHS say a
simple over garment and mask with gloves is enough protection. Its not like
this thing absorbs through material.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Apr 3 at 2020 9:52 AM

LTC Eugene Chu — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 09:52:56 -0400

I am a former CHEMO (74A) and believe that CBRN can help, but only in a limited role. While biological warfare is part of training and doctrinal use, COVID-19 is a new virus with scant information compared to historical viruses like smallpox. While decontamination is a major part of CBRN, it is focused at tactical level (quick clean of personnel and vehicles) as opposed to strategic level (wide city areas, etc.). To my knowledge, none of our CBRN recon vehicles can detect COVID-19 since they are meant to detect chemical and radiation weapons

Similar analogy is how Navy hospital ships can help with non-COVID 19 patients since they are meant for trauma, but not infectious diseases...

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 3 at 2020 11:05 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 23:05:02 -0400

It is incumbent upon the military, government, and civilians to adjust to new threats.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2021 12:13 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 00:13:41 -0400

Ofcourse!! Take time to review your official career management position.
Read, apply what you know and drive forward.
Look, CBRN military education levels of training inspired me to start clinicals this coming January 2022., finally finishing Medical School!
In fact, your knowledge of EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES / Restoration Operations directly impacts current need for your specific skill set.