CBRN Defense Readiness Reporting

Authors

• Jeffrey A. French-Lujan, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Chemical and Biological Defense
• Taylor Harrington, 83rd Chemical Battalion, 48th Chemical Brigade, 20th CBRNE Command
• Ron Fizer, ARServices
• Domah Diggs

Abstract

This article argues that the Department of Defense lacks a sufficiently standardized system for assessing and reporting chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense readiness across the joint force. Although the Defense Readiness Reporting System provides common measures for personnel, equipment, materiel condition, and training, current CBRN reporting requirements rely too heavily on subjective assessments and can overstate a unit’s actual ability to operate in a contaminated environment. Using the Marine Corps as a case study, the authors show how standardized training and equipment metrics can provide commanders with a more accurate picture of CBRN preparedness and operational risk. They contend that consistent reporting standards would improve training priorities, resource allocation, modernization decisions, plans assessment, and risk mitigation across the Services and combatant commands. The article concludes that DOD should establish more specific, standardized CBRN defense readiness metrics so commanders and senior leaders can accurately determine whether forces are manned, equipped, trained, and prepared to operate in CBRN environments against weapons-of-mass-destruction-capable adversaries.