The validation of Allied Engineering Publication (AEP- 66), the NATO Handbook for Sampling and Identification of Biological Chemical and Radiological Agents (SIBCRA) and of the CBR FORENSIC SAMPLING TRAINING CONCEPT (FRTC) are important tasks which were identified by the JCBRN Capability Development Group (CDG) and passed on to the subordinate CDG panels.
These tasks are driven by NATO’s requirement to validate both publications in a realistic CBRN environment and to increase confidence in the training concept. An additional aim is to support NATO standardization through the ratification process for the documents. The overarching goal of this project is to support the implementation of a new CBRN forensic capability through testing and validation of advanced technologies, methodologies and best practices which will significantly improve NATO’s ability to respond to CBRN threats.
Given the complexity of the validation tasks, the JCBRND CDG asked the JCBRN Defence COE to provide coordination and support.
The JCBRN Defence COE was allocated funds from the Defence against Terrorism Programme of Work (DAT POW) by NATO HQ’s Emerging Security Challenges Division and assumed full responsibility for the completion of the project.
Exercise TOXIC VALLEY (TOVY17) was identified as a suitable training opportunity which would allow an effective validation to be conducted. The Exercise was organized at the CBRN Training and Testing Centre in Zemianske Kostolany in the Slovak Republic from 25 to 29 September 2017.
The Evaluation tasks were completed by two separate Evaluation Teams (ET). The first Team was responsible for the AEP-66 Evaluation and was provided by the NATO Detection, Identification and Monitoring Panel (DIMP). The second Team was responsible for the FRTC evaluation and was provided by the NATO Training and Exercise Panel (TEP).
The JCBRN Defence COE provided personnel to coordinate the ETs’ requirements with the TOVY17 Exercise Control and also provided full administrative support.
The Evaluation reports have been sent to the responsible JCBRND CDG panels for follow on action and the JCBRN Defence COE is completing the final reports required to justify the expenditure of DAT POW funds.
Text: LTC Rudolf KONAR, (CZE-A)
Photo: WO Ilona DVORACKOVA, (CZE-A)
