Posted on Jan 18, 2022
SSG Launcher Chief
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I am looking at possibly reclassing to a CBRN E7 slot at a National Guard Engineer battalion HHC and wondering what I would be doing? I understand AD and RC are completely different worlds but I would like to have descriptions from both sides if possible? Thank you.
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1SG Vet Technician
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I was a CBRN SPC for an engineering Headquarters and Support Company when I was active duty as well as with a construction line company during my first reserve unit. So I have some insight into what you might be doing.

Chances are very high that 75% of the time you will be involved with the S3 doing some amount of OPS, or working with S2 with CBRN threat assessments. Engineering units often have a lot of large equipment. You may be called upon to provide guidance if your BN is asked to provide direct support large scale decon efforts. On the flip side, decon for your BN equipment, across the line units, can be quite a task and you would have a large hand in helping to determine site selection and integrating with whatever CBRN unit is part of your maneuver support element.

Outside tactical responsibilities, the primary role of the BN CBRN NCO is to make sure that the line companies are maintaining CBRN readiness training. A BN CBRN NCO should conduct regular meetings with the junior CBRN Soldiers in the line companies to determine how much training is being done and often to act as a senior level influencer to convince these Company level command teams to make the time to conduct CBRN training. CSM William Everroad Has already touched on other things.

By the way, I have the latest mask confidence exercise (gas chamber) protocol that was developed by the Chemical School. If you want, I am happy to provide it. Message me if you want me to email that to you.
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CSM William Everroad
CSM William Everroad
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1SG (Join to see) What has changed in the mask confidence excercise?
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1SG Vet Technician
1SG (Join to see)
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CSM William Everroad - BLUF: Only units that are considered part of initial training status (Cadets, Recruits and so forth) can have their Soldiers remove the masks. Operational Soldiers only break the seal, clear and re-seal. They enter with masks on and confirmed seal then go through a series of movements that are basically the same as one does when testing the mask seal with PATS.

From the SOP:

(1) Mask Removal.
NOTE: Applies to Institutional Army Initial Entry Training (IET) Soldiers only. Purposely exposing Soldiers to CS without protection is done ONLY in IET (i.e. BCT/OSUT, BOLC). Operational Army units will NOT direct Soldiers to take off their masks while in the chamber.
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1SG Vet Technician
1SG (Join to see)
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CSM William Everroad - in addition to my reply here, I went ahead and emailed you the document.
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CSM William Everroad
CSM William Everroad
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1SG (Join to see), thank you! Looks like our CBRN NCO has already been doing it the right way then.
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SPC John Coe
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Edited 2 y ago
Training, as well as "training," inventory, Supervising subordinates, and CE. How does a Specialist know? Because as an E-2, I filled an E-7 slot @ 62nd Med Grp., Ft. Lewis after "testing the waters" with the 369th Chem Co. @ Ft. Bliss, USAR.
Best of luck...
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CSM William Everroad
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SSG (Join to see) it depends on the Battalion, their MTOE, and their TACSOP.
For many BNs, the CBRN section is nested with the torch when they setup the BN CP (which includes the TOC). They would be responsible for working with S2 to provide mitigation measures for any CBRN threat assessment such as setting up detection systems and to some extent decontamination sites. They work with supply for the resupply and maintenance of CBRN equipment across the BN (think MOPP gear, decon and detection equipment). They assist the BN staff during SAVs and inspection of CBRN capabilities for organic units. They would most likely be the BN point of contact for gas chamber training (depending on who is responsible for conducting the training and what base you are at).
Depending on the BN SOPs, your section should have some battle drills during torch operations, CBRN attacks, and deconstructions site operation.
Generally, if there is no CBRN threat or the work is done, they become staff duty in the TOC, guard/KP/RTO depending on the strength of the HQ and what equipment they have assigned on the MTOE.
The CBRN NCO would provide SME advise to the BN CDR (during C&S or BUBs) regarding CBRN threats and mitigation measures as well as decontamination operations.
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