CBRND Myths… Busted!
It’s time to bust some CBRND myths! Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defense is often misunderstood or its importance is underestimated, but the truth is that it plays a vital role in military readiness. Join us as we set the record straight on some of the most common CBRN myths.
Myth #1: The CBRN defense mission isn’t as important as other military missions. FACT: The truth is that CBRN defense is a critical part of overall military defense. It enables warfighters to operate, maneuver, communicate and accomplish their missions in ANY environment. CPE CBRND supports National Defense Strategy priorities by strengthening readiness, enhancing lethality and deterring adversaries from using CBRN threats.
Myth #2: When it comes to CBRN protection, one size fits all. FACT: Donning CBRN protective gear is not the same as wearing a scarf or bathrobe. Optimal fit and comfort of protective overgarments, masks, handwear and footwear are crucial to ensuring warfighters have maximum protection and mobility to accomplish their missions. And not every mission requires the same type of protection. CPE CBRND’s Joint Project Manager for CBRN Protection works to ensure warfighters have equipment that not only protects them from CBRN threats, but also supports mobility, communication and mission accomplishment.
Myth #3: Enablers aren’t real acquisition. FACT: Enabling programs, or enablers, are a category of capabilities that play an enabling role in CBRN defense. Enablers don’t follow the same approach as other major acquisition programs, but that is by design. The Department of War’s Adaptive Acquisition Framework recognizes that different capabilities require different acquisition approaches. CPE CBRND’s Joint Project Lead for CBRN Enabling Technologies send their enablers through the appropriate acquisition pathway while maintaining oversight and discipline to deliver effective capabilities to the warfighter. We’d call that REAL acquisition!
Myth #4: Special Operations Forces use the same CBRND gear as infantry units. FACT: Sure, some of the gear Special Operations Forces (SOF) use are the same as other units, but their specialized missions and environments often require specialized CBRN capabilities. CPE CBRND’s Joint Project Manager for CBRN SOF develops and fields these specialized capabilities for Special Operations Forces to ensure they have everything they need to achieve their unique missions.
Myth #5: A new drug must be built from scratch for every new threat. FACT: Strictly using a “one bug, one drug” approach would be costly and time-consuming. Instead, CPE CBRND’s Joint Project Manager for CBRN Medical uses broad-spectrum and rapid response approaches to provide critical protection while also developing targeted medical countermeasures (MCMs) for priority threats. Broad-spectrum drugs are effective across multiple threats, offering frontline defense quickly. Rapid response strategies can include drug repurposing (exploring whether a drug designed to treat one medical condition could effectively treat another) and label expansion (approving an existing FDA-approved drug for a broader application). These varied approaches ensure our warfighters are getting the care they need as quickly as possible.
Myth #6: Early warning for a CBRN attack just means sounding an alarm or shouting, “Gas!” FACT: CBRN early warning has come a long way since canaries in coal mines. Today, early warning capabilities provide timely, actionable information that helps commanders and warfighters make informed decisions about CBRN threats in near real-time. CPE CBRND’s Joint Project Manager for CBRN Integrated Early Warning develops, fields and sustains CBRN sensors, reconnaissance systems and mobile laboratories to provide situational awareness and CBRN threat understanding. These capabilities are integrated with robotics, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence and machine learning to securely share critical information on what and where a hazard is, so that warfighters can effectively avoid or defeat it.
Myth #7: The U.S. government can achieve its CBRN defense mission alone. FACT: CBRN defense is a team effort! The U.S. works with international allies, partners and other organizations to share expertise, strengthen capabilities and improve collective readiness against CBRN threats. CPE CBRND hosts CBRN defense representatives from allied nations, supports joint international trainings, collaborates through CBRN and Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) forums and develops solutions alongside industry partners. By working together, the U.S. and its allies enhance deterrence and better protect the Joint Force and the Nation from CBRN threats.
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