SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Enemies of the United States pose a constant threat to our country and loved ones.
Those threats potentially include chemical, biological, radioactive, and nuclear attacks.
To help keep our Airmen and our country safe, the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron regularly holds a CBRN hands-on training course.
Airman Samantha “BK” Bartz-Kolp, 4th CES emergency management specialist, taught her first class, May 5, 2017, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina.
“This specific class is about mission-oriented protective posture gear and wearing it properly,” said BK. “When preparing for an attack or while under attack, it’s important to be able to protect yourself.”
BK added the students need a general understanding of their equipment, what it does, and how to properly utilize it in order to receive their certification.
“To ensure their competency, we test the students on their ability to put on their MOPP gear correctly and then perform post-attack reconnaissance sweeps,” said Senior Airman Bonnie Aubin, 4th CES emergency management journeyman. “When looking them over, the instructors make sure everything is sealed.”
Aubin explained a tiny pathway is all that’s needed for an agent to make its way inside of a person’s MOPP gear and harm the Airman inside.
“That’s why we stress the proper donning of their equipment,” Aubin said. “One mistake is all it takes to harm you or worse.”
Still, even with the threat of CBRN attacks from terrorists and adversaries, some Airmen question whether training is pertinent.
BK added those same students quickly learn just how real the threat is after they see the effects of biochemical weapons which can be present at their deployed locations.
Aubin added the class is required for anyone deploying or going to some remote locations.
“I took the class today in preparation for an upcoming deployment,” said Senior Airman Benjamin Frohnhofer, 4th Communications Squadron information technology asset management technician. “The class was a good refresher and it felt good to re-familiarize myself with the feel of putting the gear on and going over some of the CBRN procedures.”
Staff Sgt. Cynthia Dehler, 4th Logistics Readiness Squadron aircraft parts store supervisor, also participated in the hands-on class. She stated the class is exceedingly helpful because it helps capture the idea and preparation behind the lesson through the activity being conducted.
“Knowing the basics can give you an idea of the reality of the situation,” Dehler said.
Dehler added the information can be the key ingredient between life and death situations.
“In the end we hope our Airmen don’t need to use this information,” said BK. “But I’d rather teach this class and hopefully save a life, because that’s what we do and that’s what this class does. It saves lives.”