In preparation for a pending restationing to Korea, Soldiers from Joint Base Lewis McChord's 23rd and 110th CBRN battalions travelled to Utah for Operation Desert Lion. The exercise was intended to sharpen their skills and give them unique training in the chemical, biological, and nuclear fields.

All training events were platoon-centered to focus on training and developing junior leaders throughout the battalion. Platoon leaders and NCOs were given a warning order two days out to begin the orders process and to start rehearsals for their missions.

Warning orders were given every day; it was common for a platoon to conduct a mission, return to base, and immediately begin rehearsals for the next day.

Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, is the prime training site for CBRN Soldiers. The site, located in the Great Salt Lake Desert, has been a testing site for chemical agents, pathogens, and toxins since its establishment in 1942. Its high desert climate and temperatures make it conducive for today's testing and research conducted for prevention and survivability purposes.

These capabilities provided CBRN Soldiers an opportunity for hands-on instruction and the chance to observe the effects of chemical and biological agents in a controlled environment.

Soldiers augmented class time with opportunities to conduct dedicated equipment decontamination and dedicated troop decontamination in controlled areas. Soldiers conducted both route and area recon training to identify areas that had been "contaminated", and took samples of potentially harmful agents.

They also took part in mounted Stryker gunnery and convoy training during their time at Dugway.

Due to 23rd CBRN Battalion's unique mission, it will soon be gaining a company from 110th CBRN. While in Dugway, C Company, 110th CBRN Bn. conducted sensitive site exploitation, site characterizations, and chemical demilitarization missions, as well as an EOD demolitions range. Elements from 110th and 23rd CBRN battalions trained together and strengthened the capabilities of both units.

At the end of each day, at the commander's update brief, a group of Soldiers were identified to be recognized as the "Heroes of the Day," and were given certificates of appreciation by Lt. Col. Randy Kirschner, 23rd CBRN Bn. commander.

Kirschner also conducted three re-enlistments in Utah, three promotion ceremonies, and ended the exercise with a unit awards ceremony and a victory dinner.

Photo:

Capt. Mary Luther

Photo by Capt. Mary Luther 23rd CBRN Bn. Soldiers decontaminate a howitzer at Dugway Proving Ground in Utah, Dedicated equipment decontamination allowed application of soap and bleach that wouldn’t harm the environment due to on-site drainage and collection facilities. Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, is the prime training site for CBRN Soldiers. The site, located in the Great Salt Lake Desert, has been a testing site for chemical agents, pathogens, and toxins since its establishment in 1942.