What exactly does a CBRN Section do at the battalion level?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 15:31:16 -0500

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.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jan 18 at 2022 4:33 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 16:33:02 -0500

Reach out to SFC Squires and/or SFC Houde
https://www.rallypoint.com/profiles/86750-74d-chemical-biological-radiological-and-nuclear-operations-specialist-1st-space-bde-usasmdc-arstrat
https://www.rallypoint.com/profiles/304679-74d-chemical-biological-radiological-and-nuclear-operations-specialist-i-corps-forscom

SFC, Brigade CBRN NCO - Army | RallyPoint Military Profile

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jan 18 at 2022 5:04 PM

SFC Stephen King — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 17:04:07 -0500

Will they send you to MOS-T. I recommend you go. As a 31C, 25C and 74D upon retirement electing to go to the school was essential to understanding the ins and outs of 74D. However if your not presented with the opportunity look for all the information in regard to organizing a BN CBRN section. Include inspections, accountability and hand receipts in your search.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2022 8:38 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 08:38:06 -0500

Everything I say is based on my experience while AD.

I don't know if that's everywhere, but at Fort Campbell we have a RECCE platoon (only 74) in each brigade , they are brigade asset but they are mainly attached to a BEB. We are pretty much "high speed" CBRN soldiers, like we get sent to advanced CBRN schools like DRC, L3 and L6. We also get to train with 5th Group and a team called CRD.
If you are part of it, you'll be a PSG (based on rank), if not you'll probably end up becoming a Battalion CBRN NCOIC. Your job will be to get and keep the unit ready for real deployment, by inspections, training and such. The later is most likely to relate to NG (I think).
And FYI you'll probably be part of S3 staff, so you'll surely have other duties, if not their PSG.

I hope that I was helpful.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Jan 19 at 2022 9:30 AM

CSM William Everroad — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 09:30:03 -0500

SSG Private RallyPoint Member 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.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 19 at 2022 1:28 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 13:28:08 -0500

Mostly Armorer, UPL, VAO, SHARP, EO, etc... Whatever additional duties the unit needs you to do, since CBRN reps won't likely have a function at any unit outside of Korea or the Middle East.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2022 5:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 17:42:02 -0500

I reclassed to 74D during 2010 deployment from 13D. I was sent to Ft Leonard Wood for school and was later promoted in country to E7. I was in S3 section as the Platoon Sergeant and basically worked in the BN TOC as one of Battle NCOs. We never had a CBRN incident but the job is to advise the BN commander on threats, responses and CBRN training. We were realigned as a BEB when we returned stateside and I was moved to our CBRN RECCE platoon. Being ARNG, your role will depend on MTOE.

If you have not already completed SLC, I recommend completing it in your current MOS or like me you may have to retake ALC.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2022 11:41 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Jan 2022 23:41:29 -0500

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.

Response by SPC John Coe made Feb 17 at 2022 11:12 AM

SPC John Coe — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 11:12:53 -0500

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...