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Ready to fight: CBRN training

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Destinee Sweeney
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Before an Airman deploys, they have to demonstrate their knowledge on a variety of tools at their disposal. For example, individuals must exhibit an understanding of the M-4 carbine, receive cultural sensitivity training, and maintain a good bill of health; all factors which may help them downrange, in an unpredictable environment.

Another requirement is chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training, consisting of an in-person class as well as computer-based training which provides Airmen with knowledge of various wartime variables and potentially life-saving tactics.

Airman 1st Class Kailee Johnson, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management apprentice, said maintaining CBRN training is staying tactically ready, similar to staying medically ready.

Emergency management technicians are responsible for teaching CBRN classes three days a week, three times each day.

During the class, Airmen brief students on how to properly use, deconstruct and reconstruct chemical protection gear such as gas masks and mission-oriented protective posture gear, in addition to how to ensure the equipment is fully functional.

Students also receive hands-on practice during the class, such as donning gear appropriate to various alarm signals, acting in post-attack reconnaissance teams to determine details about chemical attacks using M8 chemical detection paper, and covering assets to protect them prior to a simulated attack.

“We went over the basic concepts of how to not only survive (an attack) but to make sure we protect ourselves in a contaminated environment,” said Staff Sgt. James Cain, 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron air transportation specialist. “The way I see it, this class ensures not only can I protect myself, but also my fellow wingman.”

By developing Airmen’s tactical skills, emergency management technicians work to ensure the safety of the 20th Fighter Wing’s Airmen as well as continue to prepare them for a deployed environment, keeping them ready to fight at a moment’s notice.