Preparing for the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Threat Within the Contemporary Operating Environment (COE)

This monograph investigates the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threat the US will face on the battlefield and in the homeland in what is now called the Contemporary Operating Environment (COE). The monograph begins by examining the CBRN evolution and its impact to include recent conflicts. The monograph focuses on three areas. First, has the CBRN threat been adequately identified within the COE? This threat includes the possible agents and employment scenarios used against US Forces. Second, is the current force design within the US Army and US Army Chemical Corps properly structured to deal with the threat? Finally, based on the first two issues, what are the appropriate solutions? The monograph frames the US Army 's current and future capabilities to operate in a CBRN environment. Army doctrine states US forces must operate in a CBRN environment with minimum degradation. The monograph provides a comparison of US Army capability against the COE CBRN threat construct. This comparison identifies the critical gap that currently exists between requirements and capabilities. Finally, the examination concludes that the US Army is not adequately postured to meet the CBRN COE threat. The monograph recommends the establishment of a multi-purpose CBRN organization at the Corps and Division level and a realignment of CBRN personnel and organizations.