CBRN defense units and subunits

The concerns of setting up in the European armies of special structures to

study the problems regarding the toxic gases of combat and to establish suitable
measures for the training and protection of the troops during the actions of
chemical contamination conditions were determined by the consequences of
some of the actions of the first belligerents World war resulted in huge losses of
human lives, on both sides, especially on the western front.
Despite all the difficulties inherent in the beginning, the emergence of the
first NBC defense structures in the Romanian Army constituted an objective
necessity arising from the danger of the existence in the arsenals of the states of
the toxic combat agents. The defense of NBC has gathered multiple strengths in
recent years, but especially in the recent period when some nongovernmental or
terrorist organizations also resort to radioactive materials, toxic and biological
combat agents, practicing the illegal trafficking of NBC technologies and
equipment, and information on arming. states with nuclear, biological and
chemical weapons of mass destruction (ADMNBC) are increasingly confirmed.
According to the provisions of "NBC Defense Doctrine in the Army Romania ",
its functional components are:
 NBC prevention;
 NBC protection;
 RBC decontamination;
 aerosol masking;
 use of incendiary systems;
 participation in stability and support operations;
 medical support;
 weapon logistics.
The role of NBC defense structures lies in their operational capacity to manage
NBC / EADA situations, to ensure survival, to maintain freedom of action and to
multiply the fighting power of the troops.
 The US is strengthening nuclear security by enhancing its nuclear detection
architecture and ensuring that its own nuclear materials are secure. By
establishing well-planned, well-rehearsed, plans for coordinated response, the
United States will also ensure a capability that can dramatically diminish the
consequences of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents. One of
these capabilities is US Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense
(CBRND) Program that gives US military forces capabilities to ensure they survive
a CBRN attack and accomplish their mission.
However, it is NATO that is currently very much focused on military security in
Europe, and in particular in Europe’s Eastern sector following worrying reports
that confirm that ISIL has gained at least temporarily access to former chemical
weapons storage sites in Syria, Iraq and even Libya. It allegedly used toxic
chemicals in the fighting around Kobane in Syria.
NATO tools include the Combined Joint CBRN Defence Task Force, a strong
military capacity created by volunteering Allies to be at the disposal of NATO in
case of a WMD or CBRN attack. Regular training ensures its operational readiness.
Intelligence sharing and reporting to Allies helps to identify potential threats. The
Joint CBRN Centre of Excellence (COE), established by Allies in the Czech Republic,
provides training and expertise to military customers and first responders in Allied
and partner countries. It integrates a “Reach Back facility” operated 24/7 to react
and provide scientific and operational advice in case of an attack, having access to
a large secondary network of expertise in Allied countries. Other NATO COEs and
agencies as well as Allied national military capacities are consistently reviewing,
together with Allied civil protection forces including police and firefighters,
preparedness plans against possible CBRN attacks. These response capacities are
also regularly trained in exercises and are on standby in case of any attack,
whether committed by state actors, ISIL members or lone wolf terrorists.