The US National Guard has performed training simulations in Massachusetts to validate its chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) operability in urban settings.
The three-day drill involved an unannounced deployment of the in-state 1st Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (1st CST) to an empty school in which a laboratory accident was simulated, resulting in multiple casualties and the potential release of hazardous waste.
Another operation took place two days later, simulating a chemical attack at a mall in North Attleboro with suspects linked to the previous event.
Throughout the demonstrations, the unit executed CBRN tasks in separate waves, with each division consisting of a highly protected team to survey and a sample collection team to coordinate the necessary steps with commanders and civilian authorities.
Drills focused on threat identification, consequence assessments, and response measures according to real-world standards of the US Army Northern Command (ARNORTH).
ARNORTH is a joint force land component command addressing homeland defense and civil authority support.
“The 1st CST is on call 24/7 and must be ready to support local, state and federal civilian authorities anywhere within Massachusetts,” 1st CST Commander Lt. Col. David Wilson explained. “Every location in the state is unique and will present different challenges.”
Observer Controller Officer and Acting Incident Commander Willie Coleman added that preparations such as the Massachusetts event have “no bias.”
“We give them a clean look at how they do business based on doctrine,” he said.