CBRN operations

Definition/Scope: (FM 3-37) CBRN operations are the employment of tactical capabilities that counter the entire range of CBRN threats and hazards through WMD proliferation prevention, WMD counterforce, CBRN defense, and CBRN consequence management activities in support of operational and strategic objectives to combat WMD and operate safely in CBRN environments. CBRN threats and hazards include WMD, improvised weapons and devices, and TIM and can potentially cause mass casualties and large-scale destruction. Many state and nonstate actors (including terrorists and criminals) possess or have the capability to possess, develop, or proliferate WMD. U.S. policy prohibits the use of chemical or biological weapons under any circumstances, but it reserves the right to employ nuclear weapons. Many potential enemies are under no such constraint. The CBRN and EOD elements of the protection cell plan and coordinate CBRNE operations. Key capabilities also integrate with other warfighting functions. Among these, CBRN reconnaissance and surveillance integrate with the intelligence warfighting function, the CBRN warning and reporting system integrates with the command and control warfighting function, and CBRN decontamination operations support the sustainment warfighting function.

Broader Terms:

Civil support operation
Protection Warfighting Function
TRADOC Capability Manager-Maneuver Support
US Northern Command, Combatant Command, AOR/Unified
weapons of mass destruction - civil support teams

Narrower Terms:

Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Programs
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosives consequence management
chemical, biological, radiological/nuclear, explosive casualties
chemical, biological, radiological/nuclear, explosive incidents
explosive hazard(s)
Explosive Ordnance Disposal
nuclear, biological, and chemical environment

Related Terms:

Army Combined Arms Support Command
Army Nuclear and Chemical Agency
biological defense
biological operations
biological weapon
bioterrorism
chemical and biological warfare
Chemical Biological Defense Command
chemical ordnance
Domestic Nuclear Detection Office
explosive
explosive ordnance
radiological accident
weapons of mass destruction