CBRNE training is streamlined

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tom Czerwinski
  • PACAF Public Affairs
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  The Air Force will usher in a new web-based training class to help Airmen complete their mandatory training for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosive, (CBRNE) objectives.
 
The new CBRNE class will be available through the Air Force Portal and the Advanced Distributed Learning System (ADLS) beginning Oct 1. This new computer-based training will help streamline learning objectives by eliminating classroom instruction and allow Airmen to train at an optimum time prior to deploying. 

"This falls in line with Gen. Moseley's initiative to make all ancillary training web-based, but CBRNE training is considered a mobility war skill, so there will still be the hands-on portion in addition to the web-based class," said Senior Master Sgt. Roger Smith, Pacific Air Forces Emergency Services Branch. 

The new CBRNE awareness instruction will consist of seven training modules.
Airmen can expect the online class to take between two and four hours depending on an Airman's prior knowledge and familiarization with CBRNE. 

"The modules are not timed, and as an added feature there is a pre-test for each module giving the taker an opportunity to 'test out' of that particular objective," said Sergeant Smith. "One comment we have had from Airmen over the past years is the fact that nothing new was being taught, and it's all routine information, so that is where the pre-test option will be of value," he said.

The new CBRNE training will still include the initial chemical warfare training all Airmen are accustomed to, but more time will be spent on practical applications like IED and UXO identification, contamination avoidance and decontamination procedures. 

The knowledge information can be accomplished at a member's own time and pace, according to Sergeant Smith. "Once the Airman has completed the web-based instruction, then the Unit Deployment Manager or Unit Training Manager will determine when CBRNE survival skills hands-on training should be scheduled, based on projected deployment requirements," he added. 

The Civil Engineer Readiness and Emergency Management flight at each Air Force installation will implement the program starting in Oct 1.