Posted on Jul 10, 2021
Is a CBRN worth it in the long run? Or is there other scientific communities that are readily available and hands-on throughout it?
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I am curious about the day-to-day life is for a CBRN specialist and officer because I have seen different things about a CBRN being stuck in an S shop and not doing much. So, I am wondering if it is worth the career path in the long run. Or is there anything else in the scientific field (chemical, biological, or clinical areas) that involves more hands-on work that keeps people occupied.
CBRN Specialist
Career Advice
74D: Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Operations Specialist
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
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I think you don't have a clear perspective on the matter. You will always run the chance of being assigned to an S shop regardless of your MOS. It isn't unheard of.
What scientific field are you trying to get into? In CBRN you won't be walking around in a white coat and looking at slides under a microscope very often. You will be training folks in monthly and annual training, running the decon teams and providing briefs. Outside of that you will be on call for dog and pony shows because a run through the gas chamber is always fun. That and inventorying and issuing chem bio gear. It's a vital job but I don't think you are looking at the whole job.
What scientific field are you trying to get into? In CBRN you won't be walking around in a white coat and looking at slides under a microscope very often. You will be training folks in monthly and annual training, running the decon teams and providing briefs. Outside of that you will be on call for dog and pony shows because a run through the gas chamber is always fun. That and inventorying and issuing chem bio gear. It's a vital job but I don't think you are looking at the whole job.
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SSgt Christophe Murphy
Kelsi Schoepske - Well with that said you need to do some research on jobs because if you specifically become a CBRN Officer you won't be doing much work in a lab. There are separate job paths if you are wanting to work as a scientist, chemist, or biologist.
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MAJ Byron Oyler
Kelsi Schoepske - Vet or lab officer is a huge decision to make. What is your focus, doing one of those anywhere or commissioning into the Army doing one of those?
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Kelsi Schoepske
MAJ Byron Oyler well Im thinking about doing lab work in the Army to gain experience that they offer. However, when I was looking into being someone such as a microbiologist(for example), I would need a doctoral degree (that's what I'm thinking). I really enjoy doing lab work and I thought that some of what a CBRN would do.
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SSgt Christophe Murphy
Kelsi Schoepske - CBRN is more operational. You won't be doing much lab work. You would be the front lines of chemical detection, protection and things of that nature.
https://www.goarmy.com/reserve/jobs/browse/intelligence-and-combat-support/chemical-biological-radiological-and-nuclear-officer.html
https://www.goarmy.com/reserve/jobs/browse/intelligence-and-combat-support/chemical-biological-radiological-and-nuclear-officer.html
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, & Nuclear (CBRN) Officer (74A)
The Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Officer commands the Army branch that defends against CBRN weapon threats. Learn more about Army CBRN jobs.
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I retired 10 years ago from the army. I am assuming what I will say has not changed. The closest thing to being a CBRN officer is being a Chemical Officer. I have viewed Chemical Officers as kind of a lonely affair as there is only one in a maneuver battalion. You will be a staff officer.
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As a Chemical Officer, I had many jobs in my ten years, from staff officer to an artillery battalion and an aviation brigade, to platoon leader and XO of a.chemical company. I also served as a smoke and flame instructor at the Chemical School and director of the CANE program. I enjoyed the diversity.
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