CBRNE ENLISTED NEWSLETTER

February 2009 Issue 138

Table of Contents

From the Regimental Command Sergeant Major Page 1 From the Proponent Sergeant Major Page 2CBRN Soldiers in Action Page 3NCO Promotion Numbers for 1 March 2009 Page 4NCOES Dates Page 4&5 95th Chem Co trains to deploy Page 571st Trains with WMD Team Page 6Enlisted Soldiers Motives Page 7Points of Contact Page 8On the Web Page 9

From the Regimental Command Sergeant Major

Greetings to all Dragon Soldiers!

Team first, I m proud to serve as your RCSM, thank you all for what you do. I recently attended the Sergeants Major Nominative conference at Ft Bliss where the Sergeant Major of the Army briefed the “Year of the NCO”. The Army has approved many initiatives to enhance the education, fitness, and career development of our NCO Corps. We have “Year of the NCO” information posted on CKN as well as information that I have sent to the field. Our next Army Chemical review will address the “Year of the NCO”. I ask of all our leaders to educate the public on what our NCOs do for their country and tell the public why you serve as a NCO.

During the past few weeks I have had the opportunity to see our CBRN Warriors executing full spectrum operations. I have seen our units training for upcoming deployments and I am confident our CBRN Warriors are prepared. In addition, I have observed Soldiers in Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training, and Consequence Management Training. I am excited where the Corps is going and how well the Corps is performing its mission.

I’m happy to say we have had several changes of responsibility, please join me in congratulating CSM Sheridon Richardson to 3RD Chemical Brigade, CSM Kenneth Kraus to 2ND Chemical Battalion, and CSM Augustus Wah to 83RD Chemical Battalion. I extend my congratulations to each of them and their Families. Dragon Warriors again thank you for what you do each every single day, be safe, and invest in the Corps.

TED A. LOPEZ CSM, USA

Chemical Corps Regimental CSM

1

From the Personnel Proponent SGM

Dragon Warriors,

There have been numerous inquiries from the field on who is authorized the wear of the CBRN brassard. The Army G1 authorized a change from the GAS brassard to the CBRN insignia on 11 August 2008. AR 670-1, paragraph 28-29b (6) is changed to read: Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) insignia: the subdued CBRN insignia is worn with utility uniforms by CMF 74/Branch 74 personnel engaged in CBRN operations domestic and in the field when authorized by the local commander.

The CBRN insignia is described as a rectangular shaped foliage green embroidered hook and loop insignia consisting of four black letters "CBRN". When authorized for wear, the CBRN insignia is worn attached to the left sleeve of the ACU coat shoulder pocket flap. This is to provide additional guidance to clarify authorization for wear.

Commanders of operational units dealing with Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Teams (WMD-CST), CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP), CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force (CCMRF), Consequence Management Advisory Team (CMAT), Chemical Reconnaissance Teams and those deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism are authorized to wear the new brassard. Personnel providing training at the Chemical Defense Training Facility (CDTF) are also authorized to wear the brassard. We will continue to educate the Army and Chemical Corps about the authorization of wear.

USACBRN POC for uniform wear policy is the Personnel Development SGM, SGM Evans, gwendolyn.evans@conus.army.mil, DSN 676-7376, Commercial (573) 563-7376.

GWENDOLYN EVANS SGM, USA

Chemical Corps Proponent

2

CHEMICAL SOLDIERS IN ACTION

By: SFC Michael L. Madigan 1st Sustainment Command (Theater)

Fort Bragg, North Carolina 28310

The CBRN soldiers safely removed 8500 nitric acid containers. Each container was 5 gallons each and weighed 42 pounds per container. Leaking containers were loaded into 95-gallon over-pack containers. (See photo 1 & 2)

The United States Army Chemical Corps and the CBRN School is now driving toward a new direction to train the 74D chemical Warriors to become trained as hazardous material operators. Training involves 4 levels, Awareness, Operations, Technician and Incident Command.

The above statement has shown the Chemical Corps that we were not ready to handle this new threat. The new threat is industrial chemicals which poses a huge threat to our soldiers all over the operation area and here in the United States. The Incident Response Training Department (IRTD) has taken the lead to become the premier training element and facility at Fort Leonard Wood to train and qualify the soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen to safely and successfully accomplish this new mission of handling industrial hazardous chemicals. This is the future of the Chemical Corps and its Dragon Warriors.

In 2008 the USACBRN School sent a Mobile Training Team (MTT) to Iraq to train up and refresh the knowledge and abilities of the Dragon Warriors in theater. The MTT asset trained Soldiers and Marines at 4 different locations. This training was a huge success in that it was found out the many of the original Soldiers trained at home station were no longer with the units and the vast majority of these Soldiers had no hazardous material knowledge or training of any kind.

(See attached Photos from Camp Stryker 2008)

The training involved current training doctrine and practices used in the hazardous material arena; NFPA 471, NFPA 472, NFPA 473, 29 CFR, 40 CFR, 49 CFR. This training involves specialize knowledge, training techniques and abilities to safely and successfully to accomplish this mission.

Photo 1Dragon Soldiers approaching

container of nitric acids 2

Photo 2Dragon soldiers in the

decontamination process

Photos taken in Fallujah, Iraq 2007 during the nitric acid removal

The Mobil Training Team (MTT) trained the Dragon Soldiers and Marines at Camp Stryker February 2008. Photos taken by: SFC Michael L. Madigan 74D at Camp Stryker February 2008. The MTT consisted of: Major Ross Graham, Captain Steve Beaudion, and SFC Michael L. Madigan

.

NCO Promotion Numbers for 1 Mar 2009

RANK PROMOTED THRU SEQ # REMAINING ON LIST LIST DATESGM 5 9 9 JUN 08MSG 7 14 41 AUG 08SFC 9 170 0 JAN 08

RANK CUT-OFF SCORE PROMOTED ELIGIBLE PZ SZ PZ SZ PZ SZSGT 588 588 15 13 224 80 SSG 759 764 6 5 466 170

*At the time of publishing no cut off scores for the month of May had been posted. __________________________________________________________________________________________

Senior NCO PromotionsA great big Hooah goes out to the following Senior NCOs who will be promoted 1 Mar 2009: To SGM: MSG Robert Aldenberg, MSG Anthony Barnes, MSG Melvin Fields, MSG Paul Freeman, MSG Tony MarshallTo MSG: SFC Wayne Barnes, SFC Ward Christman, SFC Michelle Davis, SFC Phillip Hanback, SFC Ronrico Hayes, SFC Terry Preston, SFC Ramon Rafols To SFC: SSG Edilberto Anover, SSG Kevin Armstrong, SSG Macio Brown, SSG Michael Crowell, SSG Peter Dallas, SSG Rebecca Dodd, SSG Todd Lindstrom, SSG Sean Power, SSG Denice Crystal

NCOES Dates

ATTENTION ANCOC and BNCOC students. You can check the link below for the packing list and other important information before you arrive at Fort Leonard Wood:

ANCOC: http://www.wood.army.mil/mncoa/cmancoc/ancoc1st.htm BNCOC: http://www.wood.army.mil/mncoa/cmbncoc/bncoc1st.htm

NCOs selected to attend NCOES must check with their Command or Installation School personnel to receive their DA Form 1610 or appropriate orders and start date for Phase I BNCOC (Common Core). Phase I BNCOC is conducted at many installations; it is not feasible to list dates/locations. There is no Phase I ANCOC. Phase II CBRN BNCOC and ANCOC will be conducted at the NCO Academy at Ft. Leonard Wood. If you have questions about the new NCOES system, contact your local schools NCO for details.

4

CBRN ANCOC Class Dates for FY 09

Class # Report Date Start Date End Date 02-09 17 Mar 09 18 Mar 09 22 May 09 03-09 25 May 09 26 May 09 31 Jul 09 04-09 02 Aug 09 03 Aug 09 08 Oct 09 05-09 29 Sep 09 30 Sep 09 09 Dec 09

CBRN BNCOC (Phase II) Class Dates for FY 09

Class # Report Date Start Date End Date 001-09 21 JAN 09 22 JAN 09 19 MAR 09

002-09 04 FEB 09 05 FEB 09 02 APR 09 003-09 22 APR 09 23 APR 09 18 JUN 09 004-09 06 MAY 09 07 MAY 09 02 JUL 09 005-09 23 JUL 09 24 JUL 09 18 SEP 09 006-09 05 AUG 09 06 AUG 09 01 OCT 09

The 95th Trains for DeploymentBy 1SG Andrea L. Cassells

The 95th Chemical Company was chosen to support the 4-25 ABCT in preparation for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan. The 95th Chemical Company left their home station of FT Richardson, AK for FT Irwin, CA for National Training Center Rotation 09-02 from 2- 23 Nov 2008. While serving at FT Irwin, the 95th Chemical Company fell under the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment and was asked to take on the role of the Afghan National Army (ANA). The role of the ANA was vital to the deployment readiness of the 4-25 ABCT.

The 95th Chemical Company jumped into the role head first. They immediately began training on numerous tasks well outside those expected of a Chemical Solider. During RSOI they took language and cultural classes in order to fully envelope themselves in the role. They learned the ANA task organization, equipment, and tactics. The 95th Chemical Company validated their training during STX Lanes when they successfully worked alongside the 5th Group Special Forces as the ANA during numerous operations including: Mounted Patrols, Dismounted Patrols, Cordon and Search, and TCP Operations.

Moving into Full Spectrum Operations (FSO) the 95th Chemical Company was split up and worked alongside the 4-25 ABCT in the same manner they can expect to see from the real ANA while deployed in Afghanistan. Soldiers performed numerous Air Assault missions that fully immersed them in all aspects of Mountain Warfare. They also performed under the stress of Urban Warfare while conducting the same operations performed during STX Lanes, in addition they re-supplied devastated villages with critical staples of life.

The Soldiers of the 95th Chemical Company performed exceptionally earning them 9 AMMs, 15 COAs, and 5 Coins. The 95th Chemical Company’s involvement gave the ABCT a realistic picture of what to expect in theater.

5

71st Chem. Co. trains with WMD teamBy Sgt. Corey Baltos 45th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs

     BARBER’S POINT — Soldiers from the 71st Chemical Company cross trained with Soldiers and Airmen of the 93rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD-CST), a component of the Hawaii Army and Air National Guard, Dec. 2, at Barber’s Point Air Station.      In the case of a civil emergency in Hawaii, the 93rd WMD-CST will be called to provide assistance to the unified commander on the ground. The 71st Chem. Co. augments the 93rd in providing assistance on the ground.      “The 93rd will identify the threat, assess the situation, assist with follow-on forces and advise the unified commander, who is a local civil authority official, on the consequences,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Johnson, commander, 93rd WMD-CST.     A civil emergency can be anything from a volcano releasing sulfuric gas into the atmosphere to a terrorist attack on Honolulu Harbor.      “In the case of a civil emergency in Hawaii, we (the 93rd) will be there within three hours,” said Johnson.      However, due to the remoteness of the islands, it is not always possible to get help in from the mainland immediately, which is why the 71st underwent training.      “The value of the training is to create interoperability within the CBRNE (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives) community,” said Johnson. “By understanding each other’s mission and capabilities, we’ve identified the need to train together so we can better help the people, in case of a WMD attack.”     The 71st rehearsed entering areas suspected of being highly caustic or hazardous.     “Much like the stack the infantry and military police use to clear a room, we use a similar stack to enter a suspected caustic environment,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. Aaron Hew Len, 93rd WMD-CST. “However, we normally use three-man stacks instead of four.”

     The first person, who used to be known as the “dirty man,” is the first to enter the area. He or she will check test anything that looks like it may be caustic, acidic or radiated. The first person will also be the only one to touch anything in the room, which is where the name originated.      The second person, traditionally known as the “clean man” operates the improved chemical agent moderating system (ICAM). He or she also will hand the first person any equipment, such as Ph paper, that he or she may need to test suspected items.      The third person is the team chief. He or she keeps in contact with the ground commander via radio and takes photos of everything in the room for documentation purposes. It is the team chief’s job to also monitor the MultiRay which detects the levels of manmade and organic toxins in the area.     “Our focus is on all chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) agents,” said Army Sgt. Keith Hapenney, 93rd WMD-CST.      In May 1998, President Bill Clinton recognized the growing threat of chemical and biological terrorism. To help combat this threat, the Department of Defense formed 10 teams to support state and local authorities in the event of an incident involving WMDs. There are currently 55 teams in operation.

6

ENLISTMENT MOTIVES OF TODAYS CBRN SOLDIERSArticle by SSG Embrey and SSG Fritzinger

The United States Army Chemical Corps has a very extensive history dating as far back as World War I. The original Chemical Warfare Service was formed due to the increasing threat of chemical weapons on the battlefield, and to this day continues to operate at full capacity as the Military Occupation Specialty CBRN Specialist. Many soldiers are needed in order to fill the ranks of CBRN. The question often asked is “why Chemicals and Weapons of Mass Destruction”, or “Bugs and Gas? Are you crazy?”

As a CBRN soldier myself, I have often asked the same question of soldiers enlisted under my MOS. Being currently on detail recruiting duty, I have had first hand answers to that question at the processing and enlistment level. What I have encountered so far in the New England area has been mixed responses. My first enlistment contract was a 21 year in Connecticut that enlisted in this MOS simply because it had a good enlistment bonus at that time. Another person enlisted in that MOS because of the stories I was able to share from my own experience as an NBC NCO for a Cavalry Regiment or Squad Leader for a Chemical Company. Some enlist in CBRN Operations based on an original plan to go to a college or a university with a related major in Science.

To get different perspectives of peoples motives for joining CBRN operations, I spoke to Non-Commissioned Officers of different leadership positions throughout the Chemical Corps. Most of their responses were similar in nature but with reasons ranging from financial gain, to job skill training.

From the perspective of one drill sergeant, SFC Armstrong, the soldiers that she encountered at the entry level were drawn to CBRN for a variety of reasons. Some had family members that were either currently serving in the Chemical Corps, or had served in the past. The entry level soldiers were in this case serving to carry on family tradition. Others that SFC Armstrong trained in the past found themselves in the Chemical Corps after going through training in other military occupations that they later found did not suit their professional interests.

Some CBRN soldiers will continue to receive additional training after Advanced Individual Training, usually in courses such as Biological Integrated Defense and Chemical Reconnaissance. SSG Sumpter, a Fox reconnaissance Platoon Sergeant, said that many of his soldiers joined the Chemical Corps because they had a general interest in Chemistry and Science. Others joined with the intention of continuing training in the Warrant Officer field after serving some years as an enlisted soldier. There were even a few that enlisted without choice, under the old “go to war or go to jail plan.”

SSG Rodriguez, a Squad Leader for a smoke and decon platoon, stated that many of his soldiers in the past enlisted for college money to continue education. In addition, those soldiers were often drawn to the idea of dealing with chemicals in a laboratory environment. Some were looking for a niche they could fit into that would allow them to defend their country in the post 9-11 war on terrorism.

Another perspective of soldier’s motives for CBRN enlistment came from SSG Fritzinger, also on detail recruiting duty. The soldiers he has enlisted were enticed by the recruiting videos combined with his own experiences in the Chemical Corps. Most of the population in his area of operation works in factory jobs or other manual labor occupations that they do not mind leaving in order to find something more exciting to do. One of his enlistments was a female that was fascinated by the Hollywood aspect of CBRN in movies like “Outbreak.” The idea of Hazardous Material Response and saving the world from Weapons of Mass Destruction just seemed like an awesome job.

Regardless of the motives of soldiers joining the Chemical Corps, this Branch of the Army continues to drive forward as the Nations’ protection from worldwide CBRN threats. The Army trains each and every CBRN soldier with some of the newest and most high-tech equipment available, and teaches tactics both for military and civilian defense.

EDAS Data/General Information and NotesFor both L4 and L5 Courses: Students attending either course must have a valid reservation in ATTRS, and must have a civilian driver’s license in their possession. Soldiers without a license will not be inprocessed, and will be forwarded to their gaining installation or MACOM without attending training. Before attending the institutional part of training, Soldiers will need to complete the Distance Learning (DL) phase first. When a student registers for Phase II, it will automatically register them in Phase I, and an e-mail will alert them to the enrollment and instructions for completion. Ensure that all students are properly prepared to execute training with required documents on hand, financially prepared, medically up-to-date, and personal issues resolved for the duration of the course.

L4 Course: Students must be currently assigned or enroute to one of the following BIDS units: 7th Chem Co (BIDS, P3I), Fort Polk, LA; 13th Chem Co (BIDS, P3I) and 31st Chem Co (BIDS, JPBDS), Fort Hood, TX; 332nd Multi-Compo Chem Co (BIDS, JBPDS), Camp Carroll, Korea; 12th Chem Co, Grafenwohr, Germany, and Lodi, NJ; 316th Multi-Compo Chem Co (BIDS, JBPDS), Ft. Polk, LA, and Puerto Rico; BIDS (JPBDS, P3I) Platoon, 61st Chem Co, Ft. Lewis, WA; BIDS (P3I) Platoon, 95th Chem Co (BIDS, P3I), Ft. Richardson, AK; 375th Chem Co (BIDS, JBPDS), St. Louis, MO; 310th Chem Co (BIDS, JBPDS), Anniston, AL; 374th Chem Co (BIDS, JBPDS), Sacramento, CA, or the 342nd (BIDS, JBPDS), Chicago, IL, 130th Chemical Company (BIDS, JBPDS), Bethlehem, PA.

L5 Course: Students must be currently assigned or enroute to a L5 duty position.

Chemical Proponent Office at Fort Leonard Wood(Phone Numbers are DSN; Com prefix is (573) 563 -xxxx

Point of Contact Name E-mail DSN Phone

Chief Vacant 676-7691

SGM SGM Evans gwendolyn.evans@conus.army.mil 676-7376

Proponency Specialist Mr. Crow thomas.crow@conus.army.mil 676-7728

Illustrator SGT Schellingberger dennis.schellingber@conus.army.mil 676-7399

Fax Machine 676-8063

Chemical Branch at Human Resources Command(Com Prefix is (703) 325-xxxx

Points of Contact Name E-mail DSN Phone

CM Branch Chief LTC Ginty larrisa.ginty@us.army.mil 221-3179

MSG Assignment Manager/PDNCO SFC Mendoza ronald.mendoza@us.army.mil 221-9382

to verify their worldwide locator mailing address by following steps 1 to 4 . This is where the OMPF will be sent. To correct an address, fax name, SSN and address to CDR, EREC at 317-510-3685.

They can obtain the copy via the web or phone. Tell them to use their web browser to go to the Interactive Web Response System (IWRS) at http://www.erec.army.mil/ompf/ompf.htm, and then follow the links. Or, they can call the Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS)(DSN 221-EREC/703-325-3732) and follow the audio guidance.

SSG-SFC Assignment Manager Ms. Jordan demetria.y.jordan@us.army.mil 221-4826

Branch Fax Machine 221-1974

Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) 221-3763

The Chemical Newsletter is Available only on CKN The enlisted newsletter will be emailed only to the Command group USACBRNS, CSM/SGM’s

and those serving in those positions. The enlisted newsletter will be available to all Dragon Soldiers and friends of the Corps on the CKN web site https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/409522. You will have to be logged into AKO in order to access the link, and it can be found at enlisted newsletters under the RCSM’s picture.

On The WebArmy Knowledge Online: https://www.us.army.mil/suite/login/welcome.html

Army Training Help Desk: https://ask-atsc.atsc.army.mil

Army University Access Online (AUAO): http://earmyu.com/

Assignment Satisfaction Key (ASK): https://www.ask.army.mil/ask/ask_update_welcome.asp

Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL): http://call.army.mil/

Chem-Bio Defense Quarterly Magazine: http://www.jpeocbd.osd.mil/magazine.htm

Chemical Corps Regimental Association (CCRA): http://www.chemical-corps.org

CBRNS School Home Page: http://www.wood.army.mil/cbrns/

CML: Army Chemical Review Magazine: http://www.wood.army.mil/chmdsd/default.htm

Department of the Army (DA) Publications: http://www.usapa.army.mil/

Drill Sergeant Assignment Team: https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/protect/active/epinf/drill_sergeant.htm

Enlisted Records Evaluation Center (EREC): https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/erec/index.htm

Human Resources Command Online: https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/active/index2.asp

MANSCEN NCO Academy: MANSCEN NCOA

Natick Soldier Center: http://www.natick.army.mil/Soldier/index.htm

NCO Journal Online: https://www.bliss.army.mil/usasma/usasma-NCOJournal.asp

QM/CM Branch Web: https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/protect/active/epqm/default.htm

Recruiter Assignment Team: https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/protect/active/epag/recruiting2.htm

Tech Escort School: www.omems.redstone.army.mil/default.aspx?site_id=128&page_id=314

U.S. Army Homepage: http://www.army.mil/

JACKS web-link: https://jacks.jpeocbd.osd.mil

9

DisclaimerThe CBRN Enlisted Newsletter is published monthly by the U.S. Army Chemical Biological

Radiological, and Nuclear School, Personnel Proponent Office, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors, not the Department of Defense or its elements. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official U.S. Army position, and do not change or supersede any information in other U.S. Army publications. Use of news items constitutes neither affirmation of their accuracy, nor product endorsement. This professional bulletin is approved for official dissemination of material designed to keep Chemical Soldiers knowledgeable of current and emerging developments to enhance their professional development.

10