CIVIL SUPPORT
(right) First Responders arrive at the ‘scene’ in a scenario at the Center for National Response; (below) Realistic scenarios like the one featured here are common during training at the Center for National Response. West Virginia National Guard
specialty while at the same time training on the tasks that are required for responding to a domestic CBRN or WMD emergency. For long- range training, CST Commanders and staff must establish training objectives and schedule projected major training events. These types of events include large-scale and multi-agency exercises with first responders such as the US Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and National Guard Bureau Vigilant Guard exercise series as well as regional missions such as the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. Short-range training allows for a CST to refine and expand on the long-range plan by conducting sectional and individual training that supports the long-range plan. This training often involves local and state first responders in an effort to maintain habitual training relationships. Near-term training determines the best sequence for training and allows for the allocation of training support systems. A Civil Support Team member receives
over 600 hours of specialised CBRN training from local, state, and federal first responder organisations. This is where individual relationships are built and capabilities are understood. A CST must be prepared to deploy an advance team within 90 minutes of a call and deploy the remainder of the team within three hours. It is here that near-term training is important for team members to refine their guidelines, checklists, and standard operating procedures to streamline the response process. By fostering working relationships at the local, state, and federal first responder levels, CSTs become a known entity and a requesting agency understands the capabilities responding to assist them. The National Response Framework (NRF)
details how the US conducts all-hazard response while laying the groundwork for a unified response. The Emergency Support Functions (ESF) and Incident Annexes provide concept of operations, procedures, and structures for achieving response objectives. The National Incident Management System (NIMS) establishes a systematic approach for managing incidents nationwide and utilises the Incident Command System (ICS). Collectively, these documents form the basis for emergency response in the US. These documents are studied and used extensively by first responders and by the CSTs. The CST can incorporate into the ICS during an emergency and NIMS allows the CST and first responders to collectively train to a common standard. First responders know that a responding CST will have equivalent training in ICS and hazardous materials when they arrive and can readily assist in mitigating an emergency.
Showcasing TTPs Training exercises between a Civil Support Team and first responder organisations provide an opportunity to showcase current technology as well as employment methods. Sharing tactics, techniques, and procedures allows CSTs and first responders to collaborate on best practices so that these procedures are well defined and viable in an emergency. CSTs have also long provided unique
training opportunities to first responders at venues such as the Center for National
Response and at Dugway Proving Ground. The Center for National Response (CNR) is an operational component of the Joint Interagency Training & Education Center (JITEC) that is a National Guard training activity operated by the Chief, National Guard Bureau and the Adjutant General of West Virginia. It is a flexible WMD training complex that provides multi-scenario exercises for the military or joint operations with military and first responders. Joint training with the CST program at
Dugway Proving Ground has resulted in the development of the Advanced Chemical and Biological Response Course. Designed to provide first responders with hands-on problem-solving opportunities regarding chemical and biological response, first responders actually work in biological level 2 and 3 laboratories with live agents and in certified chemical facilities with actual chemical agents. This type of ongoing training ensures that the US will have a responder base ready to meet a wide range of challenges during an emergency. As some threats diminish and new threats
emerge, the CST programme will continue to anchor itself in the CBRN and WMD response field as a member of the Department of Defense CBRNE Consequence Management enterprise. The focus of training that has solidified the programme over the past 13 years will be a necessary element to guide the CSTs and first-responder community into the future. This will ensure that the CSTs and local, state, and federal first responders will stand ready to counter disasters and threats as they arise.
Maj. Darrin Smith is a Certified Emergency Manager through the International Association of Emergency Managers and a nine-year member of the US CST programme. He has 16 years of first responder experience and 11 years of CBRNE and WMD experience.
Sharing tactics and techniques allows CSTs and first responders to collaborate on best practices so that procedures are viable in an emergency.
76 | CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL & NUCLEAR WARFARE | 2012/02
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