CBRNe December 2016

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cbrne
CBRNe WORLD
world
December 2016
www.cbrneworld.com
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 6
DECEMBER 2016
$15
Unleashing the beast Gallant effort Devil in the detail

CBRN in the post-Mosul age JTF CS striving for better Problems in Libya and the BWC
Detecting chem-bio threats
Ensuring sensor and PPE efficacy
Advancing medical countermeasures
Improving armor and energetics
Modeling WMD risks
battelle.org/chem-biodefense ™
CBRNe December 2016 vPress:CBRNe December 2016 vPress 22/12/2016 11:31 Page 1
Leader
Good riddance to 2016
Depending on where you stand politically 2016 has
either been a miserable or a wondrous year. The CBRN
year is a lot like the music year, however, a long litany of
Brigadier General King, the current head of the 20th
CBRNE command. Gen King has taken this stoically,
and it reminds me of Commander Richard Farrington,
bad news with more of the same forecast for 2017. captain of The Nottingham in 2002, who was in
Syria and Iraq continue to be the most worrying, the command when his ship crashed into the ‘world’s
largest users of chemical weapons (CW) since the biggest rock.’
Iran/Iraq conflict. Use of chlorine and mustard has His comment at the time was: “We have done
become entirely normalised, and while sarin has not - it significant damage to a major British warship. This is
is not inconceivable. The most worrying element of this not a good day for me… [The accident was caused by]
is the spread from Syria to Iraq and from there to other an uncomfortable mix of unhappy coincidences and
conflicts that are supported by governments similar to human error… Sun comes up every morning; you run
those involved in the Syrian conflict. On this basis, a your ship aground, you get court-martialled." The same
confirmed use of CW in Yemen or even in Libya would judgement would appear to be apt for Gen King. The
not seem a massive leap of conjecture. Moreover, as problems both preceded and post-dated his
Brigadier General Ismail postulates in his interview, it appointment, yet you mail out live anthrax, you get
does not seem too far-fetched to anticipate the use of court-martialled. It will be interesting to see whether a
toxic industrial chemicals in Europe or North America. If FEMA representative is also encouraged to fall on
a terrorist can capture a truck full of steel and shoot the their sword for exposing 9,600 first responders to live
driver then it seems quite likely they could do the same ricin for the past five years at the centre for
for phosgene or chlorine. The end of structured domestic preparedness.
resistance in Aleppo and Mosul is likely to see Daesh Meanwhile funding for CBRN, like most other
fragmenting and a return to the kind of terrorism response arms (with the exception of tactical) continues
agenda previously pursued by al Qaeda. to bob along at subsistence level. Occasionally there’s a
Much as 2014 and ’15 had Ebola, 2016 had Zika. blip of good news, but mainly a grinding erosion of
Unlike Ebola, Zika had a deadline… the bio-apocalypse capability as staff members that accrued valuable
had to happen around the Olympics. When the games training in 2003-6 start to leave post and are replaced by
went off without a hitch the media promptly dropped the younger members of staff who, while talented, have not
disease like it was hot. This masked a growing increase had the same training opportunities.
in cases within US, and US territories, that has seen The drift to the right that has occurred in US and
nearly 4,000 pregnant women with lab evidence of Zika European politics would traditionally be taken as
and nearly 40,000 Zika cases reported (from Centers for positive for law enforcement and the military. Yet it is
Disease Ccontrol figures). It points to a worrying trend hard to see this as a given for CBRN. Any increases are
with the media whipping up a bio storm and arbitrarily more likely to be in conventional arms, though this may
putting it back in its box. The future, therefore, for other free up some extra budget for the fringe elements.
outbreaks is bleak. Epidemics now need a sustainable Russia remains resolutely off the US agenda, and many
narrative if funding is to be maintained. European countries are still unsure whether they want
As Jez Littlewood mentions in his article, 2016 saw a to pay for the cost of Nato, so despite Ukraine it is
major breakdown in the biological weapons convention difficult to see a swing to improve land forces.
(BWC) that is perhaps the death knell for this confused, It’s hard not to feel depressed by the current
attenuated organisation. With CW use normalised in the situation, with the prospect of more of the same in
Levant it would be hard not to see this as the ‘ask not for 2017, so perhaps we should focus on the positives. No
whom the bell tolls’ moment for the OPCW too. Could major sporting events are scheduled for 2017, so
2016 be the beginning of the end for multi-national hopefully there won’t be a massive media spike in
organisations aimed at reducing the risk of chemical and interest in CBRN agents, usually in the summer ‘silly’
biological weapons? season, to distract from the real business. Equally the
Also in 2016, the axe fell on a history of systemic fall of Mosul and Aleppo in 2017 is likely to prompt a
failure within Dugway Proving Ground and other pause in the transition from conventional warfighting to
government facilities for mailing live agent to a variety covert terrorism. This gear change is likely to take time,
of countries. There always needs to be a villain in these and will give security forces a chance to prepare. It is all
narratives, and eventually the army decided to deliver a cold comfort, but until the financial situation improves
career-killing reprimand, as USA Today called it, to it is the best we can do.
CBRNe Convergence Europe, Westminster, London, UK, 17 - 18 May, 2017 www.cbrneworld.com/convergenceeurope
www.cbrneworld.com December 2016 CBRNe WORLD 1

Contents 1-7
Leader
24-27 Firm resolution:
Contents CJTF-OIR on preparing for
News Iraq's CBRN threat
The veins of wires:

12 parsecs...
BG Ismail and the
Dr Ron Hann on getting
battle of Mosul
dust in scientists mouths
8-9 28-32
A Civil Service: CBRNe Convergence Europe
BG Gallant on & San Diego Review
improvements in JTF CS
10-14 33-39
How do I love thee... Canadian bio:
Advice for The new Canadian
President Elect Trump detect to warn system
15-19 40-43
Art for CBRN sake: Management position:
Learn more about our Christian Resch on
anniversary artists Austrian CBRN
20-23
Published by Falcon Communications Limited
44-47
Contact Details:
Editor Business Marcoms For Sales: CBRNe World
Gwyn Winfield Development Manager +1 443 605 2583 Suite 26, Basepoint,
Manager Claudine Weeks david.levitt@cbrneworld.com 1 Winnall Valley Road,
Business James Ross Winchester, Hampshire
+44 (0)1962 832 534
Development Sub Editor SO23 0LD, UK
Director Business james.ross@cbrneworld.co.uk
Jenny Walton
David Levitt Development
Executives Correspondents For Editorial: Web: www.cbrneworld.com
Art Director Anna Dziaczkowska Jeffrey Bigongiari +44 (0)1962 832 532 Twitter: @cbrneworld
Tony Denton Brian O’Shea gwyn.winfield@cbrneworld.com LinkedIn: cbrneworld
2 CBRNe WORLD December 2016 www.cbrneworld.com

CBRNe December 2016 vChanges:CBRNe December 2016 vChanges 23/12/2016 12:55 Page 3
48-50
Advertiser Index
Airboss Defense 18
Outstanding achievement Argon Electronics 32

in the field of...
Excellence and Steve Johnson? Avon Protection 47
Battelle IFC
Biofire OBC
Smash and grab: Biofire 7

Sipri's John Hart on the
Libyan demil programme Camlock 53
51-53 CBRNe Convergence 2017
CBRNE Convergence Europe

25
33-37
Surviving a toxic relationship: Cristanini 28

Jeremy Littlewood on the
latest BTWC Revcon Federal Resources IBC
54-56
Firstline 49
Flir 41
NBC-SYS 14
Hipster CBRN:
Would bearded hipsters Proengin 11
survive a CBRN attack?
57-59
Proparms 18
CBRNe World (ISSN No: 2040 - 2724, USPS No: 000 -

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CBRNews
GLOBAL CBRN THREATS AND ACTIVITY
Our threat overview picture (above), shows a selection of incidents in the last two months that have been
added to our online news feed: www.cbrneworld.com/news. Twitter - @cbrneworld and @chembiotroll
THREAT WATCH carfentanil - which is 100 times were given to a patient with
Syria evacuation stronger than fentanyl. He was aggressive lung cancer as part of
The situation in Syria was rushed to hospital in critical a clinical trial. There are also
changing by the day in the run- condition but later stabilised. plans for a US medical trial to
up to publishing this edition but start in early 2017.
the latest reports coming out 50m fatal doses of carfentanil seized
were that while 6,000 people Border agents had to wear CRISPR presents bioterror threat warn
had already been evacuated, a hazmat suits after seizing a 1kg scientists
further 50,000 were still trapped package of carfentanil in Scientific advisers warned in a
in Aleppo. The Syrian Vancouver, which appeared to be letter to President Obama that
government suspended heading to Calgary from China. the US needs urgently to review
evacuation from eastern Aleppo, Police said the drug is so potent its biodefense strategy. The
amid claims the rebels had the amount could have produced president’s council of advisors on
broken the ceasefire terms. around 50m fatal doses. science and technology (PCAST)
has said that President-elect
Carfentanil exposure reported Chinese test CRISPR gene-editing in a Donald Trump must be regularly
A baby was exposed to the potent person briefed on the dangers posed by
opioid drug carfentanil, in Talking of China… A Chinese new technologies like CRISPR
Winnipeg, Canada, with his group at Sichuan University, has and gene therapy. In the letter,
parents subsequently charged become the first to inject a the council has urged the
with child neglect and drug patient with cells that contain president to ask Congress to
offences. Tests confirmed that the genes edited using the establish a $2bn fund to respond
nine-month-old was exposed to CRISPR–Cas9 technique. The cells to any emergencies.

World war 2 bomb dredged from sea bed original countries. To date, the samples contained carbapenem-
A dredger managed to pick up a OPCW says so-called Islamic State resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE).
world war two bomb in has used crude versions of
Portsmouth harbour (UK) in the potentially deadly chemical agents Highest level of bird flu alert for South
early hours of the morning. over 50 times in Syria and Iraq. Korea
Homes and a shopping centre had The claim was made at a defence The bird flu alert has been put up
to be evacuated, while ferry and conference in Paris. to its highest level in South Korea
train services in the area were for the first time as the disease is
suspended. The bomb was towed Scientists make batteries from nuclear spreading rapidly. The country has
out to sea by a bomb disposal waste been battling an outbreak of the
team who then exploded it safely. A team of scientists at Bristol highly pathogenic H5N6 bird flu
University have created a battery and has had to cull over 12% of
Toxic chemicals fired in Iraq from nuclear waste, which they its poultry population within a
Three chemical attacks were say offers a long-term supply of month, to try to contain the
launched by so-called Islamic energy and has zero emissions. spread of the virus.
State against the Iraqi town of Their prototype battery uses a
Qayyarah in September and man-made diamond which Bath lotion shots anyone?
October. The chemical weapons generates electric current when At least 33 people have died from
were used in retaliation after Iraqi placed in a radioactive field. poisoning after drinking a bath
government forces retook the town lotion which contains alcohol in
in late August. “IS attacks using Emergency service staff exposed to ricin the Siberian city of Irkutsk,
toxic chemicals show a brutal The Federal Emergency according to Russia’s top
disregard for human life and the Management Agency’s centre for investigative agency. As well as the
laws of war,” said Lama Fakih, domestic preparedness in the US deaths, a total of 54 people have
deputy Middle East director. has revealed that it mistakenly been hospitalised, including some
exposed around 9,600 emergency in comas. Methanol (also known
Second earthquake hits Fukushima workers including firefighters, as methyl alcohol), a light,
Another 7.3 level earthquake and paramedics and other students, to colourless, flammable liquid was
tsunami hit Japan, causing the deadly toxin ricin, during detected in the composition of
problems with the Fukushima training programmes over the past Boyaryshnik (Hawthorn) bath
power plant. The incident affected five years. The centre blamed an lotion, according to health officials
the plant’s cooling system, which external laboratory for a series of and bottles were marked with
stopped for a while, but was errors which resulted in a warnings that it is not for internal
subsequently restarted. potentially lethal form of ricin use. Skol!
powder being used in classes.
Fukushima clean up costs more than Finland’s award for supporting Libya CW
doubled Employee exposed to Ebola operation
The latest estimate for the clean The Canadian Food Inspection The director general of the OPCW,
up of Fukushima following the Agency is improving safety Ambassador Üzümcü, presented
incident in 2011 has gone up to measures after an employee was plaques to Finland, and other
around 20tn yen ($180bn or potentially exposed to the Ebola participating states, to
£142bn) according to reports. The virus after handling an infected acknowledge their contributions to
original estimate was for $50bn, pig at the national centre for the OPCW's operation in Libya.
which was increased to $100bn foreign animal disease (NCFAD). Finland received recognition for
three years later. The worker spotted a split in the providing military experts and
seam of his protective suit during financial support for the operation
Russia moves nuclear-capable missiles decontamination procedures which successfully removed
nearer Europe before exiting the lab. He received remaining chemical weapons
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin an experimental Ebola vaccine as precursors from Libya.
has said he is moving S-400 a preventative measure and was
surface-to-air missiles and a released after 21 days in isolation. UAV development in North Korea
ballistic Iskander system into According to South Korean media,
Kaliningrad. This means that the Nightmare bacteria found on pig farm North Korea is developing a long-
shorter range Iskander missiles The Antibiotic Agents and distance unmanned aerial vehicle
could now hit Berlin if launched. Chemotherapy Journal has (UAV) larger than those now in
reported that an easy-to-spread service and with greater range.
The OCPW warns of potential for IS to gene which makes bacteria Media reports claim that Seoul
use CW in Europe resistant to an important class of has already detected several
The OPCW has warned that IS antibiotics has been found in flights made by the new UAV. It is
militants who flee from Syria, samples from a US pig farm. A believed to have tracking
could potentially use chemical team of researchers from Ohio capabilities and be able to carry
weapons when they return to their State University found several out real-time observation.

Soliders killed by suicide bomb improvised explosive devices Blackfish!

IS has claimed credit for a (IEDs), chemicals and explosives ISOVAC Products, a world
suicide bomber who killed at from a safe distance. It can detect leading designer and
least 48 soldiers and wounded a variety of explosives and manufacturer of casualty
another 84 in the southern hazardous materials, in gaseous, isolation units has created a
Yemeni port city of Aden. The liquid, powder or bulk form. brand new isolation system. The
soldiers were queuing up to ORCA is a portable patient
receive their pay near al- X-ray cargo scanner qualifies for TSA isolation unit (PIU) designed to
Sawlaban military base when the list prevent chemical warfare agents
attacker struck. A similar attack Smiths Detection’s advanced HI- (CWAs) and biological/
on the same base a few days SCAN 180180-2is pro x-ray radiological particulates from
earlier also killed 48 soldiers. scanner is the latest of its causing cross-contamination
systems to be chosen for the between an enclosed patient
Head of UN nuclear watchdog visits Iran qualified section of the and the external environment
The head of the UN nuclear Transportation Security during evacuation and transport
watchdog has visited Iran for the Administration’s (TSA) air cargo processes.
second time since a landmark screening technology list (ACSTL).
nuclear agreement with world It delivers better security with Big data for viruses
powers went into effect at the faster, and more accurate images A new computer programme
beginning of 2016. Yukiya thanks to its larger tunnel is helping the New York City
Amano, the IAEA chief, said it was dimensions. department of health and
very important for Iran to fully mental hygiene to fight against
implement the agreement. FLIR announces chromatograph-mass infectious diseases. SaTScan
spectrometer for chemical threat ID uses big data to monitor, map
FLIR Systems has launched the and detect disease outbreaks
PRODuCT WATCH Griffin G465 gas chromatograph- throughout the state. The
Project Sigma update mass spectrometer (GC/MS) for earlier outbreaks are detected,
DARPA has awarded a new mobile platforms. It is the latest the sooner they can be
contract to Arktis Radiation addition to the Griffin G400- investigated, contained and
Detectors for more work to be Series GC/MS family and features limited.
carried out under the SIGMA a new heated sampling line. It has
programme. The company has unmatched sampling options for New protective mask announced in
already deployed the M1000 vapour, liquid, and solid samples the US
detectors which it developed for and is the best in its class for The US army’s Edgewood
the SIGMA programme, and they chemical identification. Chemical Biological Center is
are currently being used at the making a new scarf-like mask to
port of Antwerp’s new container New handheld networked radiation help protect against riot control
terminal - Europe’s biggest in detector agents such as 2-
terms of capacity. Passport Systems Inc has chlorobenzalmalononitrile, also
produced a new handheld, known as CS, or tear gas. The
New robotics development centre networked radiation detector. The aim was to create a mask that
Endeavor Robotics has now SmartShield networked radiation could protect users who have
moved to a large development detection system will be used to beards, or need to wear other
facility at 19 Alpha Road, Suite improve security at large scale head-borne equipment. The
101, Chelmsford, MA. This brand venues in the US and around the final design is a simple,
new state of the art facility has world, providing better protection comfortable wrap that can be
been equipped to help sustain the from CBRNe threats. donned without removing any
growth of the company through head gear.
advanced robot design, Japan Post awards $2.6m to
development and manufacture. Astrophysics Inc New mail screening solution
The move has enabled the Japan’s postal service has Baltimore bio tech firm,
company to retain all its awarded a contract to PathSensors, has launched its
employees, who have hundreds of Astrophysics for the delivery of new Bioflash MailGuard mail
years of robotics experience 71 x-ray units. Japan Post is a security screening solution. The
between them. post, logistics and courier Bioflash MailGuard system
service based in Tokyo, and will provides a fast, highly accurate,
Drone-operated, laser-based explosive be replacing its older x-ray units easy to use and low cost threat
detection system through this new contract. They detection solution for all
Laser Detect Systems (LDS) will be installed at post offices government or commercial mail
recently launched its new in 60 Japanese cities to scan rooms needing to screen mail
SpectroDrone - the world’s first parcels and mail from across and packages for potential
sensor system which can detect the country. threats such as anthrax.

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CBRNeWORLD Brigadier General Hajar Ismail talks to Gwyn Winfield about the
ongoing operation in Mosul and what it might mean to the West
Under a stranger sun

GW: Despite the expectation of large around Mosul. Now they are also doing a
amounts of chemical weapons (CW) use good job inside Mosul, where they have
in the Mosul operation it has been pretty liberated almost 30 neighbourhoods.
quiet. There was the long awaited In terms of al Mishraq, Daesh
release of some toxic industrial exploded the largest chemical plant in
chemicals at the al Mishraq plant, but in Iraq and created a major issue for Iraqi
Western media at least, it seems to have security forces and civilians as the people
been quiet. Has that been the case? had major breathing problems. Many of
HI: On October 17, when we started our them became sick and had to go to the
operation, the peshmerga forces had a hospital. Iraqi CBRN forces came to al
good, joint plan with the Iraqi security Mishraq along with some firefighters to
forces. Peshmerga forces were control the burning plant there, and
responsible for a huge area, and we made while they might not have a 100%
a very good start, liberating more than solution, they have controlled it for
30 villages in Mosul plain. We also CBRN and are in control of the fire. It
helped the Iraq security forces by was not just al Mishraq, as you know
opening up a safe corridor for the Iraqi Daesh had fires around the cities of
army so they could attack Mosul, as Mosul and has burned huge amounts of
previously the Iraqis were only around black oil around Mosul plain. We believe
the south and about 60km from Mosul. the oil was mixed with some chemical
We helped to open some tactical like mustard and US reports came back
assembly areas in Kurdistan and we positive to that effect.
opened more in Makhmur, Mosul Dam
and Hazar. They came, bringing more
than a division and did a great job
CJTF OIR cannot hit Daesh CW when they

are stored among the civilian population ©DoD

CBRNeWORLD
GW: We have seen through Operation though we can defeat them militarily provided some equipment, but they are
Inherent Resolve (see page 24) that they will try and use chemicals inside not ready yet as they need more training
airstrikes have been made on chemical Mosul or even after it is liberated, as and equipment. CBRN is very important.
facilities and units. Has this largely they will involve themselves in terrorist
neutralised the threat or are you attacks in the cities. After Mosul they GW: Is the hope that as Daesh is
getting intelligence reports that Daesh will try to kill security forces or forced into smaller areas they will
is keeping it in reserve? coalition forces and they will try to take either be forced to leave larger artillery
HI: The US made airstrikes on some chemical weapons with them so they pieces behind or those items will
of Daesh’s chemical stores, but they can use them. There is still a huge area already have been destroyed by
had already taken their CW inside the that needs to be liberated, especially airstrikes. Without them the threat
city before the operation and much of west of the river, where I think it will be from chlorine and mustard rounds
it has gone underground. Now most harder than inside. The chemical threat reverts to shorter range mortar rounds.
of their chemical arsenal is in will be there. Can you see that CW dissemination
Mosul’s residential areas. This makes across the battlefield is lessening as
it very difficult for the US and the GW: Mustard is a persistent agent and the larger pieces are left behind?
Iraqi army to strike these area as the should it gets into the groundwater it HI: There is a tough fight going on
people are being used as a human would have health and carcinogenic inside Mosul. Daesh is using mortars
shield. It is hard to attack the effects. If the fall of Mosul is not far off even against the Iraqi security forces
warehouses that are full of chemical is the need for CBRN assistance not so and they may use chemical gases with
weapons. much PPE but decon, remediation and their mortars; so CW will remain a
health and safety? significant threat. The US has destroyed
GW: Do you think there are still HI: For sure. CBRN is very important some of Daesh's chemicals, but now
large amounts of chemicals in the and we need more support, especially that they have taken the CW inside the
heart of Mosul? Iraqi CBRN. The coalition has provided city it is difficult for the US to destroy
HI: Absolutely. I think Daesh will be some good equipment for Kurdistan them. After Daesh has been defeated
defeated militarily even though the CBRN, and now it is trying to do CBRN militarily we will still face CW in the
fighting in the city is not easy, with for the ministry of interior, especially the future. Daesh will start on a lot of
Daesh using more than one million firefighters in provinces like Erbil, terrorist activity in cities like Baghdad,
people as a human shield. Even Kirkuk and Sulaymaniyah. The US has Tikrit, Kirkuk even Mosul itself and
maybe even in European cities.
Many of these terrorist activities
might involve the use of a chemical
element against civilians, peshmerga and
security forces. For now they are fighting
inside Mosul, Hawijah, Rashad; all these
areas are under their control and areas
in Syria as well. In addition, they have
thousands of foreign fighters and it will
be dangerous when these foreign fighters
return to their own countries. Security
forces need to cooperate in targeting
their ideology and economy.
It is a sensitive time for the Iraqi
government but it should start work on
the political issues. Political fractures
make the best place for organisations
like Daesh to operate. In the Middle East
we have unstable countries like Syria,
Lebanon, Libya, Yemen and Iraq. These
countries all have active terrorists
because they have tension, political
issues and instability. It is not too late
for the Iraqi government to solve the
many political issues that dog the
country, but if they don’t grasp the
nettle many people will join these
terrorist organisations.

CBRNeWORLD
Major General Richard Gallant, commander, joint task force civil support
talks to Gwyn Winfield about ensuring America knows no defeat
A gallant spirit
GW: When we last spoke to Joint Task incidents, to know what is essential in is a lot of postulation involved over what
Force Civil Support (JTF-CS), and the first couple of days. Can you take we think it will look like, but we go past
from what we see in various press ‘read across’ from other disasters to that. Every time we exercise we do it as
releases, it is all about getting lighter feel that you have the mix right? Do realistically as we can, and then we come
and faster. JTF-CS’s mission space, you have to accept the fact that until back and give ourselves a self-
however, is the big federal support you have enough incidents it will assessment to make sure we are
piece that comes in and backfills the always be guesswork and extrapolation maximising our efficiency. More than
local response. Does that mean there is as to exactly what will be required? that, doing it in a vacuum is not good
a limit on how much lighter the RG: You have identified our problem - enough, we have to continuously work
response can be? That after a while it we have never had to do it for real. So with the folks we are going to support:
can’t be a driver any more and you while I wouldn’t call it guesswork there the local first responders and federal and
have to look at other elements, such as
further specialising capability?
RG: You would think it counter intuitive
that we want to get lighter and faster
but we are also increasing our capability
and capacity by going lighter and faster.
So while there may be a limit to what
we are trying to do, we have not yet
reached it. Every time we do an exercise
we come back and scrub our kit list, see
where we can cut weight to eliminate
one piece of equipment that doesn’t
provide the critical life sustaining
capability we need.
What we have learned in the last
couple of years is that the first few days
are critical, so let’s make sure that we
front load all the most critical
equipment, all the life saving elements.
Then let’s push some of the other pieces
of equipment to a couple of days out to
make sure we maximise response, as it
all comes down to weight and pallet
space and air mobility – how many
airplanes does it take us to get our stuff
in there. In the past couple of years we
have cut back the number of airframes
required and the quantity of pallets and
pounds needed to get into our initial
operating capability aircraft. We push to
that to make sure we are lighter and
faster and that all the equipment needed
for initial operational capability is roll
on, roll off, so I don’t need to bring in
material handling equipment.
GW: The problem with that kind of

maximisation is that it becomes JTF CS is spending its time waiting for a mission by getting faster and lighter
difficult, with a shortage of CBRN ©CBRNe World

CBRNeWORLD
A gallant spirit
state entities. If we don’t understand York (FDNY) exercise and that helped knowledge because of the numbers of
their capability then we will never find inform the playbook development for outstanding subject matter experts
the answer we are looking for. NYC’s improvised nuclear device (IND) (SME) and almost become the logistics
scenario. It is all about the limited specialists? Is that a space that you are
GW: One of the other elements you aircraft and transportability that we’ll happy to occupy or does it chafe?
have dealt with recently is the UN have to get stuff into the impacted area. RG: Our sweet spot remains being a
general assembly (UNGA), and By working with the city and FDNY, the CBRN SME. Army north (Arnorth) has
presumably other high visibility events, Federal Emergency Management been identified by US Northern
too. How useful are events like the Agency (FEMA) region and the NY Command (Northcom) as the
UNGA? Do planned events really help national guard we identified everything synchroniser for DoD defence support to
with this speedy response, or do they that needs to go in there, to accurately civil authorities as joint force land
help as they gives responders an idea of anticipate and slot in the required component command. Arnorth would be
your information needs and what you’ll equipment packages and ensure the responsible for coordinating all logistics
be planning to bring in? aircraft can get there in accordance with and theatre support activity. JTF-CS
RG: We look at what has to be done for FEMA’s time/space deployment process. would remain responsible for the federal
UNGA and other events. I was in New DoD CBRN response in support of the
York City (NYC) two weeks ago as we GW: I realise that it differs from city to state at the governor’s request
have one of the Defense CBRNE city, but how about when you go
Response Force (DCRF) elements somewhere like NYC, where you are GW: Understood, but New York has a
involved in a Fire Department of New not really required to give CBRN certain attitude as well as lots of
capability. How do you try and tell
them something when they have so
much of their own expertise and
equipment?
RG: Having been there a couple of
weeks ago, it is a sharing environment
and they see that we are present to
support their requirement. They know
we have a specific capability to augment
their extensive capability, so we all agree
that we’ll identify the triggers that
would require any state or city to ask
the governor, and then the president
and DoD, to employ the DCRF. Everyone
is working collaboratively to make sure
that we identify the gaps and resources
to fill them.
GW: Trigger is a great word for this

response. The problem with CBRN is
that it can start small and then grow
exponentially as it unfurls. How do you
insert into the planning cycle the
conversation that begins, ‘I know you
guys think you can deal with it…?’ If
they wait until it is too big then it
becomes difficult to effect. They need
to call you right at the start.
RG: That is what we are doing. Our
mission is to plan, anticipate and
prepare, and that is all we do. We don’t
operate in a vacuum, as we are
continuously meeting other agencies.
We meet and plan with every
stakeholder in this enterprise. We are
Plan, anticipate and prepare. JTF CS prepares itself for the larger incidents on multiple exercises with DOE, HHS,
©CBRNe World DTRA, FBI, whoever has responsibility

CBRNeWORLD
or a plan for this we are involved in the that are really important in the bio folks on the team and whatever the
planning process. They understand our enterprise remember us, it hasn’t faded secretary of defense requires us to do,
niche capability, and we work to from their memory. The DoD realises he knows our capability, we will be able
understand where we may be needed that we are a national asset for them to respond with the right capability.
and when. and the key point of entry for any CBRN
response. Northcom, General GW: We spoke about the need to get
GW: In terms of a federal Robertson, understands what we can do, greater accuracy into IND exercises in
government playbook, I saw that Paul the important agencies fully understand the last issue (Always Consequences,
Kudarauskas from EPA’s chemical, that we are a vital asset for this kind of CBRNe World, October 2016). How do
biological, radiological, and nuclear support. For some of the other agencies, you push the envelope so you are not
consequence management advisory where we need to keep up close on their continually churning out the same IND
division (CMAD) came round. Does scope, we continuously engage through exercise and while it looks like
this closer understanding mean that inter-agency planning cells. We do capability is increasing, really you are
you might be involved with them on regular table top exercises with the only getting better within strictly
non-traditional military missions, the FEMA regions, so they know JTF-CS is defined parameters?
things that DOE or EPA might here, has incredible capacity and RG: We are doing several things. For
normally respond to? Is it just nice provides support when the governor or example every quarter we hold no
to know what they get up to, or is DoD needs us. notice drills so we can get our critical
there a mission set you’d like to initial operating capability forces into
help with? GW: In terms of this outreach, do you an impacted area in a couple of hours.
RG: Our mission set is to be prepared hold an exemplar exercise, where you We work on the front end and develop
for anything within the CBRN portfolio reach out to responders and get them the exercises and complex scenarios
and we will support the lead federal to come and see what you can really with Northcom. We also try and add
agency by doing whatever the DoD has do? So it is not just the participants or complex scenarios into the exercise so
approved for us. We are a military some flat Powerpoint? we are not just dealing with the 10kt
organisation, but we have the capability RG: I don’t think we are Powerpoint IND, where the challenge is responding
and expertise to move outside the people. As far as an indicative exercise is to a bio or a rad incident. I am all about
military operation. One of the best concerned, we participate in Vigilant training, I am an army infantry guy who
things about us is that we are trained to Guard and Vibrant Response as well as wants to train hard and find our
go into dangerous situations, so if that Gotham Shield in NYC and our DCRF weaknesses and stress points. We are
occurs then we can use that capability if chemical company in Miami. We are continuously trying to stretch the
required by other agencies. I mentioned continuously trying to engage with envelope both at HQ and units to
the exercise in NYC and next month we other agencies in the exercises. One of support the DCRF.
have 329th chemical company, part of the things I am working on is to make
the DCRF, and are going down to Miami sure that we are fully synchronised with GW: One of the capabilities we spoke
to work with them. We are constantly state national guard and their homeland about to JTF-CS last time was the
trying to expand the envelope of our response force (HRF) and CBRN disaster all-hazard response team
training partners so we understand how enhanced response force package (CERF (Dart) I wondered whether that
they want us to operate with them. P) assets so we can we try and stitch up capability had been delivered and if
that seam between our capabilities. you’d seen any advantage?
GW: First responders tend to have RG: That request would have to go the
short corporate memories when it GW: Did Ebola have any lessons for national guard. I don’t know where the
comes to the JTF-CS capability as they you? Did you have to review your mass Dart teams have gone, whether they are
rarely see you. Often when they do, it fatality plans, or the general mission working with the HRFs, but we don’t
is related to a major incident, which set and re-evaluate? Previously this have a direct relationship with them.
will generate a lot of lessons learned mission might have been seen as public
among which you can get lost. How do health, but now it is a lot less clear. GW: Obviously you have a push and
you try and keep yourself within RG: We have the B in our name for a pull relationship with various cities and
corporate memory, especially since reason, but honestly we look at it and regions. For example, FDNY and
many of them don’t want to exercise say, maybe that is an area where we Miami, provide a certain amount of
improvised nuclear device (IND) style need to focus. This year we are doing a pull on your resources, they have an
exercises as it doesn’t fit their threat bit more planning on a bio response, we interest. Do you look to build the same
spectrum? Does such reticence or usually focus on the IND scenario relationship with other ‘push’ areas,
them wanting to keep it small, because we think it gives us a great either through HRFs or do it centrally?
combined with a shortage of incidents, capability to deal with anything smaller Or is it better to almost ignore all that,
mean that corporate memory erodes? or slower in development. We have the be agnostic and have a capability that
RG: It is a good point, but the people capability to respond to Ebola, we have can go anywhere?

CBRNeWORLD
A gallant spirit
RG: I don’t think you can afford to be With your need for speed I can activity, so we need to be sensitive to the
agnostic, but you can’t know everything understand there is a trade off between American citizen’s rights to privacy.
about everyone. We need to continually specialist tools and versatile manpower.
expand our relationships and get into Is there an appetite for UGVs and GW: What you want to be the Gallant
the critical areas, which may be unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as legacy? How can you see it
indicative of other areas. The NYC there is in the rest of the defence developing and adapting in the next
playbook, for example, might look like enterprise? three to five years?
something else you encounter so you RG: Honestly, yes there is. We need to RG: I have only been here six months,
don’t need to spend time and energy take advantage of the increase in and it is a tremendous opportunity for
developing another one. It’s down to technology that we have. If nothing else me as it is a great unit. What I have
time and money. The nation, regions it allows us to be more efficient, told the team is that we need to get
and states have a plan and we need to maximise our human resource, keep lighter and faster, but we need to also
ensure we work closely with FEMA and them safe and prolong the time in which become more capable and
Northcom to take advantage of the in they can do certain tasks. We need to interoperable. We need to continue to
depth relationships and existing develop those capabilities and integrate drive down our footprint in weight,
playbooks, using them where they them into the whole enterprise: not just pallets and aircraft so we can get in
would apply to other areas. JTF-CS but also the civilian responders there faster with an improved,
to make sure that we share the same interoperable capability. The team and
GW: In terms of other force enablers, is technological developments as they are my boss are all on board to help take
there much of a role for UGVs in JTF- fielded. Regarding Unmanned Aerial JTF-CS in that direction. In the end we
CS? It is easy to get excited and see Systems, there has been a tremendous are here to save lives, prevent misery
them as a help in everything from increase in that capability, but we need and human suffering and we will do
applique kits for material movement, to ensure that we are capitalising on whatever it takes to continue to do
decon UGVs, robotic sensors for finding that within our stated authorities. In the that, and do it faster at the request of a
individuals in collapsed structures, etc. US there is a restriction on certain UAV governor or secretary of defense.
CBRNe World approached a variety of experts to find out what
CBRNeWORLD
would be on their CBRN wish lists for president-elect Trump
Dear President
Trump…
Professor Gary Ackerman, director, Jihadists are still
unconventional weapons and showing an interest
technology division, national in CBRN. That
consortium for the study of terrorism interest is not waning
and responses to terrorism (START), but the nature of the
University of Maryland attacks changes as ISIS
The new president will face a different gets involved, and the
landscape for CBRN to all previous places and countries
presidents. There are three changes in affected are evolving. For
the global environment which will have example, our changing
a major impact – political, relationship with Russia is
technological and commercial. starting to affect collaboration on
Politically, we are facing a further nuclear safety – we’ve had to step
decentralisation of the terror threat. back on that from where we were a few
years ago.
Commercially, the industries the internet. There will be new
making chemical and nuclear materials avenues for proliferation.
are moving eastwards into Asia, India The centre of gravity of hi-tech
and China, so away from the US and CBRN is also moving east. This could
Europe. This means the security of empower terrorists to get hold of CBRN
materials and the regulations weapons. The good thing is the
surrounding them are now not as technology provides opportunities –
closed as they would be in Europe or while it helps some with the offence, it
the US, so it’s easier for people to get also provides us with defence
their hands on dangerous substances opportunities. So the new president will
including bio agents and chemical need to look not only at counteracting
precursors. It makes it easier for the offensive technologies but also
terrorists if it’s outside the West. People measuring and evaluating the new
can order chemicals from China over defensive technologies.
©DoD

CBRNeWORLD
Dear President Trump…
Dr Raymond A Zilinskas, director of Al Mauroni, director, USAF centre for security of the country and its citizens,
the chemical and biological weapons unconventional weapons studies, as well as US allies and partners. Among
nonproliferation programme, James Maxwell airforce base the top strategic security risks
Martin centre for nonproliferation With the change in administrations, consistently identified are the use and
studies, Middlebury Institute of there is an opportunity to alter the proliferation of weapons of mass
International Studies at Monterey dialogue by which we discuss the destruction and global infectious disease
Since 2001, the US Department of challenges of addressing the adversarial outbreaks. The US is threatened not
State has issued nine arms control use of unconventional weapons. Key to only by state actors but the potential of
compliance reports, and all contain this is using terms of reference that cataclysmic technologies in the hands of
statements that Russia is supporting allow us to better develop ways to meet the disaffected and embittered. Yet there
activities that may violate the biological US policy objectives, in particular, remains a serious policy-strategy-
and toxin weapons convention (BWC). relegating the term ‘WMD’ to those resource mismatch, with strategies and
No explanations are presented to arms control efforts to roll back, deter, even law half implemented or not
support these allegations, but I will or counter nation-state unconventional implemented. Instead the US frequently
pose four reasons that give rise to US weapons programmes. US forces may lurches from crisis to crisis, reacting to
concerns. Despite overwhelming face unconventional weapons in major and resourcing the immediate issue
evidence to the contrary, Russia asserts combat operations, homeland security without creating enduring solutions. If
that the USSR never possessed an scenarios, and irregular warfare the US is to lead from a position of
offensive biological warfare (BW) operations, and our forces need specific strength, then first, put the house in
programme; Russia maintains three counters and doctrine for each order and secondly, resource the
military biological institutes and five situation. One general concept of strategy. Specifically:
anti-plague institutes in secrecy; in CBRNe defence does not fit all. The • Consolidate all functions of the
2012, the minister of defence promised generic term ‘WMD’ forces a particular Department of Defense (DoD) chemical
to develop weapons based on ‘genetics’; cold war definition on the discussion and biological defence programme under
and Russian officials issue false claims that does not allow for successful the army as executive agent. This
that the US government is violating resolution of this tough issue. includes the science and technology
the BWC. Following that line of thought, the programme and requirements office as
Whatever the reasons for US next administration should consider provide for in US law.
concerns, it would be imperative for replacing the 2002 national strategy to • Clearly identify that the purpose of the
our government to engage with Russia combat WMD with a presidential DoD chemical and biological defence
for the purpose of clearing up the four executive order that has three distinct programme is to train and equip the
reasons and whatever other related objectives. First, the executive order armed forces and expand the portfolio to
issues are of concern. However, neither should direct the executive agencies to include radiological and explosives R&D
the Bush nor Obama administrations adopt one set of terminology, so there and procurement.
have, as far as can be discerned, are not several governmental • Establish a separate organisation in the
substantively engaged the Russian definitions of WMD or mass casualties. army as executive agent to consolidate
government on matters related to the Second, the executive order should R&D and procurement of medical
BWC. By its inactivity, the US task executive agencies with specific countermeasures for biological warfare
government might, in effect, give responsibilities to ensure that they can and emerging infectious diseases.
Russia a green light to pursue activities work towards US policy objectives, • Implement the FY13 Department of
that results in the Russian military considering that adversaries might use Homeland Security Appropriations Act to
developing advanced BW systems unconventional weapons against US establish an assistant secretary for
against which western countries would security interests. Finally, the executive CBRNE.
be ill prepared to defend themselves. order should appoint a national • Integrate, reduce and eliminate
Mr Trump has been quoted as security senior advisor to coordinate interagency duplication of CBRNE R&D
saying that he will focus on efforts among these executive agencies. and procurement efforts and require
advancing America’s core national The views expressed in this article annual interagency reporting.
interests. It is in our interest to make are those of the author and do not • Require all CBRNE and related
sure that Russia does not replay the necessarily reflect the official policy or national and military security strategies
Soviet Union’s decision made in the position of the air force, the to clearly identify goals, purposes and
1970s, to establish and operate the Department of Defence, or the US outcomes and the associated resources
world’s largest and most government. required.
sophisticated BW programme. As a
first step to prevent this from Major General (ret) Steve Reeves, Lieutenant General (ret) Tom Spoehr,
happening, the Trump administration ex joint programme executive officer Heritage Foundation’s director of the
needs to fully engage Russia on chem bio defence, consultant centre for national defence, in
biological and biosecurity matters. A US president’s first priority is the Washington, DC

CBRNeWORLD
Many areas will compete for respond to, mitigate and recover from responder requirements to federal
attention in the opening days of the CBRNE incidents and threats. Much partners in support of efficient R&D,
Trump administration, but one of the effort has been placed in developing testing, and fielding CBRNE
early efforts he should sponsor should these capabilities efficiently so that capabilities. This should be done
be a study to optimise the US federal they can be used to safely manage both through direct line item funding
government’s CBRNE efforts. Over traditional hazardous materials instead of the current system of
time both significant gaps and accidents and the new intentional asking individual agencies to budget
redundancies have developed in our threats. This work has been a slow for this information.
nation’s efforts to counter weapons of difficult process and as we approach a
mass destruction. Indeed trying to 20 year mark there is still a lot to be Dave Ladd, principal, Blackthorne
decipher the capabilities and accomplished. The following are my Services - CBRNE consultants, ex-
responsibilities for countering WMD key thoughts combined with those of director, hazardous materials
between the departments of defence, several of my peers across the US. They emergency response, Massachusetts
homeland security, health and are not in any priority order as we Department of Fire Services
human services, and justice can agree unanimously that they are all Clearly, the top US priority for the next
be bewildering. important. four years must be a bioterrorism
For example, for a variety of • Sustainment of the local capabilities response strategy. This priority is not
byzantine reasons, the DoD is that have been developed with support based upon the probability of
operating a facility for the advanced from federal grants over the last 15 bioterrorism, but on the current state
development and manufacturing of years. of disarray of civilian biodefence.
vaccines, a responsibility much more • Final development of a sharing Unresolved matters of technical
properly handled by health and human network between federal partners and detection capability, initial protective
services. Over time each department local responder communities of actions and medical countermeasures
has developed individual capabilities critical, sometimes classified, are just the tip of an iceberg of
that when viewed holistically make information to non-traditional intel controversial topics that have simply
little sense, while at the same time disciplines that play a key role in been left unfinished.
some capabilities are not being successfully managing CBRNE Independent panels and
addressed well by anyone, such as incidents. commissions have reported the need
radiological detection device • Strive for a better coordination for a cogent and capable response, and
development. between prevention, response and the flaws of the current system. Since
The US army is not immune from recovery. Current grant initiatives the Amerithrax attacks of 2001, the US
this near sightedness. For a variety of focus separately on each mission has spent $171 billion on civilian
reasons it has developed overlapping causing local planners to work on biodefence, yet has no agreed
capabilities between explosive ordnance piecing the information together. objectives or capabilities.
disposal (EOD) and chemical and • Designate a lead federal agency with What is required is a suite of
functional area 52 personnel that it has responsibility for coordinating the policies and capabilities that are
thus far been unable to rationalise. The federal effort in the prevent, response nationally or federally supported, but
old saying ‘it’s all fun and games until and recovery missions and able to locally provided and controlled. These
someone loses an eye’ applies here. communicate this to the local requirements cannot be met by
Waiting until a CBRNE event takes community as one voice. continuing the current practice of
place is too late to figure out this • R&D funding is critical to develop simply providing grant funds to be
critical area. Therefore a study to more effective detection and spent on a vague list of authorised
recommend ways to optimise identification capabilities for biological equipment. Past efforts to address
government responsibilities and threats, naturally occurring and concerns surrounding detection
capability for countering CBRNE intentional. capability through voluntary consensus
should be among the new • Funding of a national standardised standards lacked any incentive to
administration’s highest priorities. training programme for response to support development and testing costs.
biological threats developed with The new administration must
Chief Robert Ingram, WMD Branch responder, health, and law enforcement delegate the responsibility and
Chief, Fire Department of New York officials. authority to a lead federal agency to
US federal, state, and local • Fund multi-discipline organisations develop a roadmap to true capability
governments have made many (such as the Interagency Advisory for bioterrorism response and to
important strides in developing Board and First Responder Resource execute it through federal state, local
capabilities to prepare for, prevent, Group) that provide prioritised local and tribal authorities. The plan must
1
Sell, et al, “Federal Agency Biodefence Funding, FY2013-FY2014”, Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefence Strategy, Practice, and
Science, 2013, 11(3): 196- 216; Boddie, et al, “Federal Funding for Health Security in FY2016”, Health Security, 2015, 13(3): 186- 206.

ABD - FINAL CBRNe AD DEC_2016.pdf 1 16-11-16 10:33 AM
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CBRNeWORLD
Dear President Trump…
bring about consistent and measurable such attacks. We need only to look at separate but engender closer working
capabilities and provide for recent events like those in New Jersey, relationships.
sustainment of these capabilities, once New York city, San Bernardino, and 6) Try and find better solutions to food
achieved. A continuing failure to Boston to understand that these defence. This can’t be categorised as
complete the development of a threats are real and demand the ‘too hard’. Encourage industry to find
bioterrorism response capability will funding support of the incoming high throughput screening solutions to
immediately and irreparably dissolve administration and Congress to hepatitis C, E.coli and salmonella and
public confidence in homeland accomplish the CBRNE mission. work out from there.
security, should another major
bioterrorism event occur. Gwyn Winfield, editor of CBRNe World Governor Gabriel Cinomis,
1) Cancel BioWatch. As a new mayor of Dogtown
Investigator Timm Pusztai, National ‘maverick’ incumbent you can draw Dear Prime Minion-elect Pumpkin, As
Tactical Officers Association, liaison – lines under things that previous Mayor of Dogtown, having been so for
NFPA 472 technical committee: administrations started and this has to ten years now and just won re-election
standard for competence of responders be one of them. BioWatch is a system (no term limits here), and having had
to hazmat/WMD incidents that has worked partially, at best, and my share of incidents, I feel compelled
CBRNE mission capabilities are crucial still sucks up funds faster than a fat to provide some insight into the CBRN
to civilian law enforcement and fire man at a spaghetti eating competition. problem.
agencies throughout the US. Carry the risk. First, please use Gaggle to look up
Contemporary world-wide terrorism 2) Re-examine elements of the defence CBRN. These are not problem letters of
trends suggest that the US is also nuclear nonproliferation programme, the alphabet. All stand for
vulnerable to attacks involving especially those that are part of the unconventional weapons of mass effect
explosives, chemical and radiological second line of defence. The greatest or weapons of mass destruction,
weapons. These possible attacks threat to US imports comes from depending upon your sensibilities at
require first responders to be equipped countries with weak the time.
to detect, respond to and mitigate the legislation/controls, that are often C is for chemical weapons. These are
effects. Without continued funding highly corrupt. If these systems can be a broad range of things (some of which
through the homeland security and subverted for cash, they are not much were specifically designed) to
urban area security initiative grant of a deterrent. incapacitate or kill we dogs. B stands for
programmes, first response agencies 3) Merge the response elements of the biological weapons, some of which
risk having a diminished capability to Environmental Protection Agency aren’t really but are classified as such.
effectively respond to future incidents (EPA) and Department of Energy Biological weapons are (mainly) bacteria
in the US. (DOE). There seems no need for both and viruses which have been specially
With the emergence of the securing the EPA’s radiological emergency made and delivered to infect the most
the cities (STC) programme, valuable response team and the DOE’s dogs possible, usually with intent to kill.
radiological detection equipment has radiological assistance programme R stands for radiological weapons. These
been made available to large teams. are distinct from nuclear and are mainly
metropolitan areas like New York and 4) ‘Plus up’ the civil support teams used to spread radioactivity around an
Los Angeles. As the STC programme (CSTs). With greater drawdown in area, thereby sowing fear and creating
expands to more metropolitan areas, civilian response the likelihood is that one hell of a mess.
additional agencies now have access to they will be need to hold the line until N stands for your apparently
this programme, which is crucial to the homeland response force (etc) gets favourite thing: nuclear weapons.
agencies without a funding stream to there. Encourage and formalise Dogtown implores you not to
equip and train their first responders transfer of interoperability and proliferate these weapons or the
with vital radiological equipment that working practices to other title 10 & technology to construct them. Please
is both expensive and training 32 forces. CSTs ‘get’ working with local look up the word proliferate before
intensive. Continued and increased partners far better than other elements reading further. We already have plans
funding of the STC programme is of the defence enterprise. in place, constructed over multiple
imperative to protect our major 5) Improve links between the Drug prime minion terms, to deal with
metropolitan areas from possible Enforcement Agency and the CBRN CBRN. Please let those of us who have
radiological accidents or attacks. response enterprise. Previously the two studied these topics for decades do
Current events in the US and across have kept each other at arms length, our jobs and continue to protect dogs
the world, suggest that there is an yet changes in drug production and from these threats. We urge you not
ongoing need to fund programmes that choice are moving them closer to use Infowars for anything other
allow agencies to purchase equipment together. Sharing understanding, case than entertainment. Demonic portals
and train front line personnel, tactical work and response is of benefit to each do not exist and are not a way to rid
operators and bomb technicians for side. Keep the intelligence piece us of CBRN.

CBRNeWORLD The feedback on our 2016 covers has been fantastic,

this is a chance for you to learn more about them
Artists’ alley
away from illustration to his love of personification of agents would be a good
D
avid Levitt and I have been
publishing CBRN/NBC magazines watercolours. Needing a new artist in study for the artists as it allowed creative
for 14 years and right from the 2011 we started working with Nick freedom in a way that CBRN tasks
start it was apparent that just having Spender, who helped shape the look of wouldn’t, for example. Realising that
photos on the cover would rapidly our Turkey event. Nick proved to be (and CBRNE would only cover five issues out
become formulaic – you can only have so still is) a highly versatile artist able to of six, we decided to make toxins as the
many variations on a person in a turn his hand to a variety of styles, and sixth, despite already being a biological
respirator. We first worked with a as such has done a number of favourites or chemical weapon (depending on your
talented artist called Dave Frewin who for us from the ‘Tokyo’ samurai to our inclination).
drew the NBC International covers and ‘London’ Sherlock Holmes. We asked the artists for descriptions
also illustrated our playing cards and As versatile as Nick is, for our tenth of themselves and their influences and
some of our early covers. As is often the year in publishing I wanted to bring in have combined these with some of the
case with artists, Dave needed a full time artists with different ideas and styles. The ideas behind the work.
job to supplement his art, and when he editorial team kicked around some ideas
retired his family persuaded him to move in 2015 and decided that a Gwyn Winfield

CBRNeWORLD
west of Glasgow, away from all the
hustle and bustle of modern city life!
http://www.nickspenderillustrator.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/NickSpender-
Dambusters-559693734233789/
Nick had the unenviable job of illustrating

the most recent case, the murder of
Alexander Litvinenko with Polonium 210.
The magazine was going to come out at
Nick Spender the same time as the inquiry, which
Nick Spender was trained as a graphic meant that it could be picked up by
designer and illustrator at Epsom mainstream media, so his caricatures of
School of Art and Design (now part of Putin, Litvinenko, Kovtun and Lugavoi had
the University of Kent), and after to be good. As an ensemble piece it was
several years working as a designer going to need a mechanism to bring
went fully freelance as an illustrator in everyone together and once the concept
the mid 1980s. of the bungling goons was played with it
didn’t take long to get to the Mad
He has illustrated numerous book and Hatter’s tea party. Elements to look out
magazine art covers, (including Doctor for are the map of London on the table
Who covers) and more recently has been and the crumbs/sparkles marking areas
working on a number of non-fiction of contamination.
graphic novels. Via Amazon, he has
published two ebooks, evoking the spirit
of his mentor at college, Frank
Hampson - the creator of Dan Dare in
the 1950s. He now lives on an island
insurance”. He loves the creepy, and the

unsettling, which is probably why he
never enjoyed painting scenery or
flowers and mountains. He loves talking
with his fans, and is always willing to
help out with questions. So go ahead
and message him! “Hope to see you
down the road. All of you.”
shawncoss@live.com
IG: shawncoss
Shawn Coss www.facebook.com/shawncoss
Shawn is an Ohio based artist who loves artrocities
to sling ink and paint at paper until it Twitter: shawncoss
forms some type of creature. “It's very
therapeutic,” he writes. “I also work for Editorially, CBRNe World needs a balance
the ever popular webcomic and cartoon between soft and hard/dark images, so
show, Cyanide and Happiness. As long as when it came to our first dark image it
I can remember, I've always been was a natural choice to go to Shawn.
drawing. If I couldn't hold a pencil, I Through conversation he decided to go
was probably drawing with dog poop for anthrax and to model it on the
into the sidewalk like some inbred Sverdlovsk release. Conscious that with
caveman. I always knew my art was shit. the February issue we could be accused rather rotten main figure. Behind this
Apparently back then, it literally was.” of Russia-bashing we wanted to make figure stand some of the victims of the
Shawn is a self taught ‘dark artist’ - clear that this was a Soviet issue, rather accidental release, which the current
what does that even mean!? He went to than Russian, and the image had to regime still maintains was down to eating
school for nursing, and has a registered relate this. tainted meat. Elements to look for are
nurse licence, which does nothing for Shawn was keen to capture the the onion spire and skyline of Sverdlovsk
him as an artist, but “does give me lesions of anthrax, which led to the in the background.

CBRNeWORLD
Artists’ alley
Krenz Cushart
[Krenz apologises but English is not his
native tongue and he did not want to
get into Google translate issues!] Krenz
Cushart is an illustrator and drawing
teacher in Taiwan. He likes to try
different art styles and studies various
great artists. He started drawing 14
years ago, and will keep drawing every
day in the future
https://www.facebook.com/
KrenzArtwork
https://krenzartwork.weebly.com
Ironically this was planned to be one of

the soft covers, as Krenz typically does
dreamy anime-esque art work. When this
collided with CBRN it brought out the
great dark June cover featuring the sarin
attack on the Tokyo subway. Krenz
admitted that the threatening ‘zombie,’ as
he called the giant figure, was outside his
comfort zone and looked forward to
returning to his usual blend of images.
The zombie required numerous drafts to
get right, but either through language
barriers or superior artistic imagination
Krenz created this beast that held the
responder cradled in its hands.
Cathrine Langwagen I knew that I had found the perfect

Cathrine is a medium for my creativity and I knew
Swedish fantasy what I wanted to work with full time. A
artist who small selection of the many artists that I
specialises in draw inspiration from would be Carl
concept and Larsson, John Bauer, Stephanie Pui-Mun
conceptual art Law, Brian Froud and Alphonse Mucha.
and
illustrations for info@cassiopeiaart.com
books, video www.cassiopeiaart.com
games, as fine http://cassiopeiaart.deviantart.com
art and other
media. She’s Our October 2012 cover featured a
always had a Mucha-esque cover by Nick Spender, and
wild imagination and a very visual mind while it divided opinion it was one of
and expresses that side in creative our most popular images. When we
outlets such as art and hand crafted thought about revisiting it for August we
items. Growing up in a small village knew that Cathrine would be the best
near forests and the ocean and having a person for the job. What we wanted to
deep fascination for fairytales and try and capture was the duality of
fantasy stories has left most of her art radiological agents. That while much of
heavily influenced by nature infused modern society is built on these agents,
with magical undertones. in medicine and agriculture, they can also out of cultural sensitivity and a desire to
She writes: “I discovered a digital art be used to kill in various ways. stop him looking like Dr Manhattan from
magazine in 2005, and realised what you Robert Oppenheimer’s oft-attributed Watchmen! Elements to look for are the
could do in art programmes such as quote - ‘Now I am become death…’ - creative uses of radiological agents
Photoshop and Painter on the computer from the Bhagavad Gita immediately running up the left hand side of the
rather than with traditional pen and suggested Vishnu. Cathrine worked long doorframe and the destructive ones on
paper, I was hooked. From that moment and hard on the image of Vishnu, both the right.

CBRNeWORLD
formally in her second year of college.
Her first love was stone lithography but
she has since transitioned to acrylic
painting and digital illustration.
IG @emma.illustrates
Facebook: @emma.puckett.illustrates
DeviantArt @Salix-Tree
Toxins present a challenge to the

illustrator since many of them are
microbes, and try as you might there is
not a lot you can do with T2 toxin. We
therefore focussed on the organic
Emily Puckett toxins, such as ricin, and combined that
Emily Puckett is a professional artist with a lot of natural poisons. Once we
living and working in the US. She shares came up with natural products Emily
her love of art as a painting instructor, was our first choice for the October
and also uses her unique perspective and cover, since her art often combines the
style to create custom illustrations and human form with natural wild and
tattoo designs for a wide variety of beautiful imagery.
customers around the world. Armed with the ‘Bumper Book of
Emily has bachelor degrees in art Organic Poisons’ Emily created the
and psychology from the University of frame of ricinus commenus, jequirty pea,
Louisville and was part of a research heartbreak grass and amanita
team that travelled internationally mushrooms. Elements to look for are
studying peace and conflict the impact of some of these poisons on
transformation. She has always had a the body, inflammation of the digestive
love of art but began studying it tract, bloody tears and sallow skin.
Abigail ‘Abz’ J Harding https://www.facebook.com/AbzJHarding/

Abigail is a https://www.instagram.com/
mixed media abzjharding/
and comic
artist, a post When it comes to explosives you are
graduate at either forced into a Hieronymus Bosch-
York College style parade of different explosives or
with a BA in 3D focus on one. Having decided on a single
contemporary agent it had to be TATP, beloved of
craft. terrorists everywhere. As opposed to
Watercolour sarin and anthrax, which are not
and ink are Abigail’s preferred commonly used agents, there was a good
mediums, before she finalises work in chance that a terrorist somewhere
Photoshop. Her art explores eldritch would cause harm with TATP during the
and nightmarish fantasy, symbolism life of the December issue. The last thing
and emotional embodiments that we wanted was seem insensitive to the
resemble macabre creatures. She families of those victims, or indeed any
believes art is a language all on its own before that.
and can express feelings and emotions As such we decided to remove TATP
words alone cannot. Abz recently from natural surroundings, and since it is
worked on her first ‘gig’ within the frequently nicknamed ‘mother of Satan’,
comics industry, collaborating with Abz Harding was an obvious choice to
writer Richard Starkings creator of illustrate this capricious and mercurial
Image Comics’ ongoing series agent. Our last ‘dark’ artist - at least for hence the fact that ‘she’ is cracking the
Elephantmen, to illustrate the entirety a while - she draws a wide variety of border with which we are trying to
of issue 72. demons and devils and as such was contain her. Since anything that contains
perfect for this beast. her becomes destroying fragments she
http://abz-j-harding.tumblr.com/ We wanted to capture the inability symbolically wears the chains that were
http://abz-j-harding.deviantart.com/ of TATP to be chained or confined, supposed - but failed - to hold her.

CBRNeWORLD Col. Brant Hoskins, CJTF-OIR Deputy Director of Security and Protection,
on training Iraqi forces for the CBRN threat
The Mustard Club

GW: What level of CBRN training and GW: Do you see any difference in GW: What information are they feeding
equipment has been provided to Iraqi attitude towards CBRN training back on the sort of CW devices that are
forces? How much of this is tailored to between Iraqi army and Peshmerga being used against them? Is this
their main mission, that is surviving to forces? Are there regional/tribal nuisance rounds, or are they beginning
fight, and how much of it relates to attributes that make them view the to see Daesh develop an offensive CW
specialist mission sets like sensitive threat in different ways and require strategy? How do you adapt training
site exploitation (SSE) and sampling different responses from you? and advice to them at short notice, ie
and identification of biological, BH:: Both the Iraqi army and based on field conditions?
chemical and radiological agents Peshmerga have pragmatic approaches BH: Partnered forces in Iraq and Syria
(SIBCRA), etc? toward CBRN training. The emphasis have been good about sharing
BH: The primary focus of CBRN efforts they place on this training has been information from attacks or when
in support of the Iraqi Security Forces directly correlated to what they are CBRN materials are discovered. Latency
(ISF) over the past year has been to seeing played out on the battlefield or in reporting or moving physical samples
provide basic CBRN training and tied directly to credible intelligence. As has presented a few challenges which is
equipment in order to help the troops you can imagine there are great understandable considering the current
survive and fight in CBRN demands on their respective systems, situation. Overall, information sharing
environments. Specifically we instructed and in most cases they do not have the is generally pretty smooth.
them on how to react to an attack using luxury of focusing on training or ISIL has used chemical
indicators and warnings, and how to equipping efforts that aren’t absolutely weapons in several different
conduct any required decontamination. necessary. Among the different regions ways and against different
While the main focus has been on and tribes there is a general respect for categories of targets.
providing basic capabilities, there have the dangerous potential of CBRN Most of the
been efforts in developing higher order weapons.
capabilities within the ISF and other
Iraqi government agencies. It is worth
noting that the Iraqis themselves have
pursued higher order detection,
protection and decontamination
capabilities.
Operation Inherent Resolve involved a wide range of nationalities and assets ©CJTF OIR

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CBRNeWORLD
The Mustard Club
attacks have focused on attempting to GW: What impact on operations is the maximise protection. Further to the
cause casualties among Peshmerga or Al Mishraq fire having? Has the US equipment highlighted above, CJTF-OIR
ISF along the forward line of troops, provided any assets to help deal with moved an air monitoring team to Q-
however. These attacks have drawn a the situation, and if so what feedback West to inform protection actions.
significant amount of media attention has there been? The government of Iraq led the
but have not generated militarily BH: The Al Mishraq fire caused no response to the fire at Al-Misraq and
significant effects. significant impact on CJTF-OIR coalition forces were in support,
To facilitate short notice training operations. A few times each day providing logistics, reconnaissance,
and advice, the combined joint task shifting winds brought noxious fumes imagery, and hazard modelling, etc. In
force – operation inherent resolve to Qayyarah Airfield West (also called Q- coordination with the government of
(CJTF-OIR) and other coalition partners West. Ed). During the most dangerous Iraq, we planned and prepared enhanced
or government agencies have times within these periods, coalition measures to extinguish the fire,
established advisory teams that forces donned protective masks and however the government of Iraq was
coordinate directly with Iraqi restricted outdoor activities. We also able to extinguish the fire with existing
government agencies and various parts shipped in extra protective mask filters engineering and firefighting capabilities
of the ISF. for US and coalition partners to without additional support.
The emphasis on training is directly correlated to what they see on the battlefield ©CJTF OIR

CBRNeWORLD
GW: Did the non-mustard round scare in place? Is it a traditional system of BH: The CW lessons learned over the
have any long term impact, either on point detectors, have stand off past 12 months are especially valuable
mission posture or commanders’ detectors been included or has there and will be preserved for several
interest in CBRN? been a field test of something like the reasons. First, while ISIL CW
BH: The incident did not have any effect joint US forces Korea portal and capability and use was underdeveloped
on CJTF operations. We re-examined integrated threat recognition and has little real impact upon
our CBRN preparedness at forward (JUPITR) system? coalition forces, it demonstrates the
locations though, shifted some assets to BH: In order to maintain operational negative consequences of what could
more vulnerable positions, pushed some security we do not provide information happen if coalition forces faced a more
additional protective equipment forward on base protection or specific counter- developed threat unprepared. Second,
into theatre, and accelerated staff CBRN technologies being used. this conflict is highlighting the need
studies of other potential industrial to identify, target, and respond to the
hazards and threats. GW: From the reports you see, is full scope of an adversary’s WMD
Mosul the only chemical weapon (CW) programme using both active and
GW: What kind of base protection game in town? Have other areas gone passive measures. Third, the Al
programme for CW has Qayyarah put quiet, with munitions being pulled Mishraq fire, oil fires, and other
back, or has transport to other fronts hazards reinforce the need to prepare
been disrupted? for potential hazards on second and
BH: ISIL is focusing most of its efforts third world battlefields. Finally, the
in Mosul right now, including CW CW aspects of this conflict provide an
efforts. While most CW attacks in the excellent example of the logistical
past of couple months have occurred in requirements of future CW fights.
the vicinity of Mosul, we have seen
activity in other locations as well, like GW: If you had the luxury of
Al Bab and Aleppo. While we assess travelling back 12 months for
that Mosul likely represents a high CBRNE training and preparation
water mark for ISIL CW employment, what would you do differently? What
we also accept that we could and are have been the CJTF lessons learned
prepared to encounter CW weapons in preparing coalition forces for
throughout the CJTF-OIR this?
combined/joint operations area (CJOA) BH: Things we would do differently
at any time or location. include:
• Enhanced ISF and Peshmerga CW
GW: What role might US forces have building partner capacity initiatives.
in exploiting the Mosul University • Increased amounts of personal
labs? Will that be a joint mission, or protective equipment (PPE)
will it be an ISF mission and they will positioned forward in theatre.
share elements with you? If the latter • Focused, detailed war games on
are you training them to do SSE to foreign consequence management
the required level? Is that possible operations.
with the time and resources available?
BH: The exploitation of CW sites in and Key lessons learned include the
around Mosul will be a combined following:
mission conducted in accordance with • Coalition forces must possess and
bilateral agreements between coalition practice responses to CBRN attacks or
forces and the government of Iraq. I weapons use.
cannot go into further details • Reporting and information sharing
regarding future operations. agreements and architecture must be
in place prior to CBRN/WMD events.
GW: Are CJTF/ISF chemical weapon • Units must be prepared to provide
lessons learned of much value to US PPE to personnel that enter theatre
forces? Can you see anything being taken without proper PPE.
from them and implemented in 20th • Coalition forces’ contributions to
CBRNE, or is the scale and capability of CBRN training, equipping and
US army (and other armies) so great that operations have been superb (Italy,
it is difficult to map across? Germany, France, Romania et al).

Dr Ron Hann, director, chemical/biological technologies department
CBRNeWORLD
for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency talks to Gwyn Winfield
about smuggling scientists into foxholes
Hann shot first

T
here is generally a clear division Previously, when governments were keen to try and get more scientists into
between ‘teeth and tail’ in the allowed to have an offensive weapons the field to share the life of soldiers,
military, between those that ‘do’ programme, scientists would spend a lot sailors, marines and airmen, not only so
and those that enable them to do so. more time in (the contaminated) field there is better non-academic
Usually this means a cadre of with soldiers, interested in how their understanding of the challenges facing
procurement, training and logistics latest weapon degrade combat them but also to result in better
support personnel, as well as that breed effectiveness. As interest in expanding scientific solutions. As such he has
unto itself, staff officers. While there are the lethality of the agent diminished so created the ‘Scientist in…’ series. The
scientists behind all branches of the did the opportunity for spraying a first of these was Scientist in the
military, none have as many as CBRN. significant amount of agent around, and Foxhole, but Silo (rocketeers), Sea (navy)
When the air that you breathe, the the need to observe it in the open. and Sand (marines) quickly followed.
ground you touch, the liquid you drink Scientists retreated to their labs, where What was largely lost through the
can all kill you and there is little room variables could be controlled, and peace dividend era was the
for improvisation, everything needs to soldiers… well they largely breathed a understanding of how soldiers use the
be proved, checked and checked again. sigh of relief. kit, understanding of the physical
Traditionally there was never as That relief might prove to be debilitation engendered by sharing the
large a gulf between the responders and premature, as the Defense Threat same protective measures and frankly a
the scientists as there is today. Reduction Agency’s (DTRA) Dr Hann is common taxonomy. As scientists who
‘…And after the chilli eating contest is when we’ll tell the scientists about defecation drill…’
DTRA is introducing scientists to the various joys of PPE ©CBRNe World

CBRNeWORLD
Hann shot first
Suddenly the lab didn’t look so sterile and joyless… Understanding soldiers operational environment helps scientists and
engineers produce better BAA’s and research ©CBRNe World
experienced that period have retired 1987, as such he was able to take part in drove him not only to want to improve
that corporate knowledge has been lost, Iraq one and two, as well as other the life of the user, but also to reduce
and Dr Ron Hann is keen to get it back. engagements. Following his tour in cost and increase efficiency. “I
“Yes, it is a good point, I hadn’t 2002, when he was involved in sensitive remember [in Gulf War 1] as a user the
thought of the peace dividend but site investigation missions in Iraq, he third time the alarm went off I threw it
generally, not a lot of scientists serve on gained his PhD in organic chemistry. He in the back of the vehicle and I wasn’t
active duty within the military. At any left the chem corps in 2014. While not going to pull it out again. I bought
one time 0.4% of the population serve unique in the US military (but more canaries for my units in Desert Storm
on active duty, and only about 7.3% of common in the Czech Republic and as we had M8 [automatic chemical
the population have ever served in the Germany), his long experience in front agent alarm system] alarms going off
military. That is a low population line soldiering combined with an in driving me nuts.
number and once you break it down in depth understanding of how the science “At one point the entire 7th corps
terms of how many scientists have works provided him with the desire to went into MOPP4 protective gear
served, I bet the number is dramatically help drag the two fields closer together. because of the alarms, and at $68 a suit,
smaller. My background shows me that The big question for me is that having times 122,000 soldiers, that is not a
the ‘Scientist in…’ programme will help now worked on both sides of the fence, trivial event. I looked at different
to get our scientists to understand what and possessing in depth understanding opportunities, challenges for prototypes,
we do. We did more of this in the ‘40s of frustration regarding eggheads on the putting some budget into an innovation
than we do today and it is tremendous one hand, and a realisation of the fund that crosses my five different
professional development for them as enormity of process and protocol on the divisions, one does detection and disease
well: it will help them better understand other, how does he find the energy to surveillance. This innovation fund
the problems they are working on.” try and bring them together? requires cross divisional development of
Dr Hann practises what he preaches. Dr Hann suggested that the products and we work through some
He started in the US chemical corps in memory of the frustration and the cost ideas, brainstorming, and try and push

CBRNeWORLD
technology that doesn’t naturally mesh provide a clear equation for the project, longer lump all users together. They are
with a programme of record.” of the sort liked by accountants. The starting to understand that the navy’s
One of the innovative pieces Dr good news for Dr Hann, is that in the operational environment is very
Hann and his team were involved with cost/benefit equation, even if the different to that of the marines, and
was the destruction of Syrian chemical benefits are nebulous, the costs are very while joint solutions are needed, just
weapons on the MV Cape Ray, others low, allowing it to sit easily in the insisting that something will ‘have to
included successful medical benefit bracket. do’ won’t work. They have to think
therapeutics such as the ZMAPP “I take some senior leaders on these harder about the problem.
antibodies for Ebola. Admittedly there is trips as not all of them have operational Just as the project is not aimed at a
a difference between funding the experience. While we might not put single branch of the services, neither is
science and doing it yourself, but Dr them in protective suits and masks, it aimed at a single branch of science,
Hann’s hope is that by providing greater what is good is for them to see a young with engineers, chemists, biologists and
understanding of what is needed in the private complaining to a PhD that they physicists all being equally encouraged.
field, what will work and what doesn’t, have been doing decon with mops and That said, since this is voluntary there
scientists will be better able to spot buckets since the 1950s and asking for does tend to be a patchy take up across
winners. It is something he brings up better. This pushes the PhD to think the different groups. “There is definitely
when we ask how he defines success. harder about the problem, hearing it a skew towards engineers and chemists
“One of the metrics [for success] from the user has better impact. In and not as much from the biological
that I have been looking at is, as we get terms of cost it is very cheap, it is just sciences – who knows what germs there
proposals for projects, to see new ideas travel. The hardest part is finding are in the field! I have to encourage the
coming in or different technology that opportunities with the units and finding microbiologists and immunologists
hasn’t been looked at before. We’re also a unit that is willing to take on some more than I do the chemists, who want
engaging better with industry as we scientist who will ask questions to jump in and take things apart, and it
have a better appreciation of what we “Now we have done a couple of is the same with the physicists.
are trying to do and can articulate the iterations, and our warfighters realise Engineers always want to know how
technology we are trying more clearly. that we want to help them do things things work, so they are pretty
That is important when we put out a better and are not there to chastise aggressive, particularly the detection
broad agency announcement (BAA) them, it has been incredibly positive. and protection people. For vaccines and
saying that we want to work with The marine corps has come back and is therapeutics it is an academic thing,
industry in the following areas and it throwing events at us faster than we can their job usually means making sure
ends with X,Y, Z capability. If you make line up people to go. The navy is that the vial gets out to the battlefield at
it too broad it is like saying, ‘give me a responsive, even though it does not the right time.”
rock,’ when we don’t know what the have a lot of CBRN challenges, but there In my opinion the challenge for Dr
rock looks like but hope it will be the are technical issues we would like to Hann and his team is where does the
right rock when we see it. That is a bad help with to make life easier. The project go next. If it goes on to be a
way to go about trying to develop national training commander is very success then it needs to be codified and
things. We are articulating our needs to positive and happy to help us get standardised, so it becomes an
industry better and as we go through opportunities several times a year. So education module most likely used in
and review the proposals we get, we are while it is not that expensive to send ten the induction process for scientists. It
better able to weed through and pick people to a location for a week, the also requires a continuing level of
those we think will have an operational payback from the scientists’ and enthusiasm from the services. While
response that makes sense.” developers’ better understanding a they are currently in the full flush of
The ‘Scientist in…’ is now in its problem set will really help us over the excitement over finally getting their
second year, but it isn’t just young next few years. It does take time to get point across, once this is achieved (or
scientists who take part, though they return on investment, however, it is not) the desire to provide scientists with
make up 60% of the attendees, as Dr analogous to science, technology, engaging insights into their work will
Hann is also encouraging their heads of engineering and mathematics (STEM) begin to ebb. Yet it is also hard to see
department and senior scientists into working with high school kids and what would keep scientists going
the programme. This has the added college students.” through the Silo, Foxhole, etc, sequence
advantage of giving senior leaders a Enthusiasm from user groups is not if they got the same kind of experience
chance to see the benefits of the underplayed. One of the major drivers each time.
programme at first hand, rather than for this interview came from a marine Part of the problem with any
hoping that they perceive the insisting that I speak to DTRA about solution is that while Dr Hann runs and
improvements in BAA and don’t this as they felt it was having such a funds the programme, the scientists
attribute them to chance or other major positive effect for both sides. that do it don’t belong to him. Instead
factors. Indeed, as with any project with Another benefit that Dr Hann was keen they come from across the defence
soft benefits, it will always be difficult to to point out is that the scientists no enterprise: ECBC, USAMRIID, US Army

Hann shot first
Medical Research Institute for Chemical Defence,

Dahlgren naval research lab etc. “In our office its part of
our onboarding. During your year of coming on board you
would do one of these exercises and then sustain that once
every three years with another opportunity, hopefully in a
different service. That’s now how it is for scientists in our
office, in other labs I don’t know that they would start a
formal programme, but we will provide an opportunity for
them to participate.”
In terms of the military organisations, Dr Hann
admitted that it was very individual driven, there may
come a time when enthusiasm cools, but he is not seeing
it yet. As well as dealing with the current users he was
also keen that they extend their net to organisations like
the civil support teams (CSTs). Having started off as an
enlisted infantry reserve soldier perhaps Dr Hann has his
own history in mind, where experience gained through
the reserve can act as a feeder for a longer career in
military science and technology. Indeed both the CSTs and
the consequence management unit (part of 20th CBRNE)
offer exciting opportunities for scientists who want a foot
in both commercial and military science. Dr Hann
suggested that modern retention of scientists is such that
ideas like ‘Scientist in…’ are the best way to have an
impact and persuade them to stay or to come back.
“I am thinking of the future and how 40% of our
workforce will be eligible for retirement in the next four
to five years, so I might not ever impact the older
generation effectively with a programme like this. The
baton has to be passed on. One of these days I will want
to go play with the grandkids and take up fishing, so I
need to inspire a new generation to go forward, solve
this really hard problem set and push it forward rather
than just throwing boxes at troops. I am focussed on the
younger generation, particularly millennials, they don’t
tend to stay in any job for longer than five years. But
they may come back, so keeping them excited and
interested is good for professional development and
these opportunities round them out and make them
interested in what we do.”
Dr Hann’s hope for the future is not only to try and
standardise the product and get it into orientation but
also to invert it, and develop something for the soldier. A
‘Soldier in the lab,’ a ‘Soldier in the procurement office’
[Soldier around the water cooler? Ed.] etc. “What I am
trying to do is to get opportunities for senior leaders to
come in and get a better appreciation of the labs. At the
junior officer level it would be to establish three month
fellowships. If you can get a captain to come in, take
them around the 12 DoD labs we fund, see what their
capability is, spend time with the Joint Program
Executive Office to see how acquisition works, and spend
time with us to see what the technology horizon looks
like and where science is going. This would be a great
opportunity so that when they become general officers
they can do more than spell CWMD; that would be a
success, but that is 10-15 years down the road.”
www.cbrneworld.com/convergenceeurope
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CBRNe Convergence europe

May 17 - 18 2017
Central Hall,
Westminster,
London, england
Gold Sponsor
www.cbrneworld.com/convergenceeurope
CBRNe Convergence Europe

As opposed to previous Convergence we are not going to have two full days of presentations,
instead we are going to have the mornings of the two days with presentations and the
afternoons are going to be four workshops, each looking at a different stage of CBRN defence
and moderated by three individuals with different backgrounds. The first will look at the
intelligence, research and medical countermeasures/stockpiling stage. What are the obvious
triggers that groups are looking at creating a CBRN device, how do we get in front of that, how
do we intercept and what are the early stage precautions that we need to put in place long
before an attack happens? The second will look at immediate pre-incident, how do we set up
cordons, monitors and screening, how do we intercept in the planning phase? The third stage is
post-release, how do we manage a complex incident with an inevitable shortage of information,
how we balance life-saving with evidence recovery? The final stage is the investigation and
recovery phase. How do we prioritise evidence, how do facilities handle contaminated evidence
and how do we restore business and confidence to an area?
We hope by bringing in a range of moderators from different disciplines we can provide a lively
and thought inspiring discussion that, when balanced with the morning presentations allows a
more rounded delegate experience.
Day One – Major Cities Day Two – Regional Security and Major Events
8.45 – 9.00 Introductory Plenary 8.30 – 9.30 Live Demonstration
9.00 – 9.30 Commissioner Dany Cotton, London Fire Brigade
London Fire Brigade 9.30 – 10.00 Brigadier General Hajar Ismail,
9.30 – 9.50 Metropolitan Police TBC Director of Coordination and
9.50 – 10.10 UK Health TBC Relations, Kurdistan Regional
10.10 – 10.30 TBC Government, Ministry of Peshmerga
10.00 – 10.30 Industry
Coffee 10.30 – 11.00 LTC U.L. Armstrong, Commander,
773rd CST, Kaiserslautern
11.00 – 11.30 TBC 11.00 – 11.30 Industry
11.30 – 12.00 Industry TBC
12.00 – 12.30 TBC Coffee
Lunch 12.00 – 12.30 Industry

12. 30 – 13.00 Lt. Ken Hawkes Special Operations
Workshop 1 Maj Gen (Rt) Steve Reeves, Division of the Los Angeles Port Police
Insp. Mark Roberts, PSNI, TBC
Workshop 2 Brad Geeslin FBI, TBC, TBC Lunch
Workshop 3 Christophe Libeau, TBC, TBC
Workshop 4 Nick Gent, PHE, Workshop 1 Maj Gen (Rt) Steve Reeves,
John Simm, Met Police, TBC Insp. Mark Roberts, PSNI, TBC
Workshop 2 Brad Geeslin FBI, TBC, TBC
Coffee Workshop 3 Christophe Libeau, TBC, TBC
Workshop 4 Nick Gent, PHE,
Workshop 1 Maj Gen (Rt) Steve Reeves, John Simm, Met Police, TBC
Insp. Mark Roberts, PSNI, TBC
Coffee
Workshop 2 Brad Geeslin FBI, TBC, TBC
Workshop 3 Christophe Libeau, TBC, TBC Workshop 1 Maj Gen (Rt) Steve Reeves,
Workshop 4 Nick Gent, PHE, Insp. Mark Roberts, PSNI, TBC
John Simm, Met Police, TBC Workshop 2 Brad Geeslin FBI, TBC, TBC
Workshop 3 Christophe Libeau, TBC, TBC
5.00 Live Demonstration Workshop 4 Nick Gent, PHE,
Metropolitan Police John Simm, Met Police, TBC
CBRNe Convergence europe

The workshops will take place on 16th May 2017 in Central Hall.
Workshop 1 – Psychosocial and behavioural aspects of CBRN incidents
Workshop Leaders
Dr Richard Amlot, Scientific Programme Leader of the Behavioural Science Team at Public Health England, Dr Holly Carter, Research
Fellow in the Behavioural Science Research Team at Public Health England, Dr John Drury, Social Psychologist at Sussex University
Workshop aims:
1. To describe evidence relating to likely public behaviour during mass emergencies and disasters.
2. To explain how different responder management strategies can impact on public experiences and behaviour during CBRN emergencies,
and highlight the importance of considering psychosocial and behavioural factors when planning for such emergencies, with the example of
mass decontamination.
3. To describe what makes an effective strategy for managing the psychosocial aspects of CBRN incidents, both during the acute phase,
and in the longer-term – including specific recommendations for effective management.
4. To highlight how an informed public can result in improved management of incidents involving CBRN agents, and discuss the possibility
of pre-incident public education.
Summary
The likelihood of incidents involving CBRN agents has increased in recent years, due to advances in technology, and the willingness of
terrorists to obtain and use CBRN materials. Interventions designed to reduce the risk from CBRN agents, such as decontamination, may be
more stressful for those involved than the incident itself, if not managed appropriately. This may result in increased public anxiety and
reduced public compliance during incidents involving CBRN agents, which could have serious consequences; failure of members of the public
to behave cooperatively may result in disorder, increased spread of any contaminant, and potentially increased numbers of dead and injured.
Behavioural and psychosocial factors will therefore play a key role in determining the outcomes from a CBRN incident. Despite this,
planning for incidents involving CBRN agents has relied on outdated assumptions involving common myths about disasters, such as public
disorder and mass panic; this has resulted in a focus on controlling, rather than communicating with, members of the public. This is of
concern, since recent research has shown that these types of control management strategies may actually create public disorder, rather
than preventing it.
This workshop will provide policy makers and emergency planners and responders with a better understanding of the behaviour of
crowds during mass CBRN emergencies, and will show how an understanding of psychosocial factors during CBRN incidents can result in
improved public compliance, reduced public anxiety, and improved health outcomes. The workshop will result in improved understanding
of the psychosocial and behavioural factors involved in CBRN incidents, and will culminate in a series of recommendations for effective
management of members of the public during, and prior to, such incidents. These recommendations, tools and techniques can be used to
inform guidance and training for practitioners, thereby impacting upon practice.
The workshop will be of interest to those with responsibility for planning for and managing incidents involving CBRN agents, including
policy makers, emergency planners, and emergency responders.
Workshop 2 – Policing CRISPR, will the lessons from previous gene editing help us in
future attempts
Workshop Leader
Dr Brett Edwards, Lecturer in Security and Public Policy at the University of Bath
Over the past couple of years, CRSPR enable genetic engineering and expression control has emerged as the next big thing in
biotechnology. Indeed, in 2015, it was labelled Science’s ‘breakthrough of the year’ by which time CRSPR enabled techniques were already
being used in laboratories around the world, and a number of CRSPR based research technologies had already reached the market. This
break-through relies on harnessing a specific aspect of the immune system of prokaryotic organisms. ‘CRSPR’ or (Clustered regularly
interspaced short palindromic repeats) and associated DNA cutting proteins (Cas) can be used to insert DNA sequences into a range of
organisms. CRISPR/Cas enabled editing is making genetic engineering research and development projects easier and cheaper. It is proving a
versatile technique which is broadening horizons in terms of both research and application development in a wide range of sectors-from
bio-fuel production to healthcare.
The discovery of this technique is associated with the usual hyperbole and patent battles which we have come to expect (and has also
allegedly become the name-sake of a new thriller starring Jennifer Lopez!?). There has also been significant discussion of the potential
impacts of this field in terms of biosafety and biosecurity. This includes both the opportunities and challenges that this breakthrough
represents. In particular, there has been discussion about laboratory and field-trial safety, so-called ‘garage biology’ as well as the threats
posed by misuse by states and terrorists. With the latter appearing particularly pertinent considering recent failings in Geneva at the most
recent Biological and Toxin Weapon Convention review conference.
In this meeting we hope to cut through some of the noise surrounding the field, and think about likely developments in the coming years-
in terms of both opportunities and challenges. This will involve disentangling discussions about the promise and risks posed by the field in
scientific, policy, political and public forums. In this meeting we aim to bring together bench scientists, safety and security professionals and
policy makers to reflect on the state and future of the science and its governance
CBRNe Convergence Europe 2017 – Floorplan
Gold Sponsor
BioFire Defense Safeguarding Humanity
At BioFire Defense we deliver a fully integrated suite of
biological agent identification products, including the FilmArray
system, and life science systems to the biodefense and first
responder community. Our contribution to society includes
products and ideas that speed up medical results, help people
stay healthy and make communities more secure. Simply put, we
make the world a safer and healthier place.
Silver Sponsors
Avon Protection
Avon Protection is a world leader in CBRN PPE and respiratory protection, providing complete solutions
for air, land and sea based personnel in military, law enforcement, first responder, fire-fighting and industrial
sectors worldwide. Our portfolio of modular CBRN respiratory protection products together with
consultancy services and tailored training packages allows us to deliver truly end-to-end procurement
solutions to a global market. We have supplied respirators to the UK Ministry of Defence and other NATO
allies since the 1920’s and we are the primary supplier of CBRN respiratory equipment to the United
States DOD Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Special Operations Forces.
BBI Detection
BBI Detection is a world leader in the development and supply of innovative technologies for rapid sampling
and identification of Biothreats and Explosives. Our award winning IMASS™ platform is designed to be used
to directly sample powders, surfaces or liquids for the rapid, sensitive and accurate identification of
explosive or biological threats. Our IMASSTM system is a robust, lightweight and easy to use even when
fully encumbered.
CRISTANINI
Since 1972, Cristanini has been creating and manufacturing innovative topquality solutions for CBRN
decontamination and detoxification that, today, enjoy a widespread appreciation and worldwide recognition.
Our extensive range of products, both for civilian/industrial and military sectors reaches unprecedented
technological sophistication and adaptability. Cristanini systems are reliable, ruggedized and simple with one
multispectral decon/detox product BX 24 effective against CWA, BWA, TICs and emerging diseases. Our
latest development is named LDV-X, a decon solution for critical infrastructures and indoor spaces.
Cristanini company is NATO constructor A5009 since 1987, it has ISO 9001:2008 company quality system
and, above all, is AQAP 2110 product quality certified.
Pony Industry Co., Ltd.

Pony Industry Co., Ltd. was founded in 1965 by Non-Destructive Inspection Co., Ltd. (NDIC). We started
out as a part of this organization, with the plan to create “Safe” and “Peaceful” society. To achieve the
goal, we offered various inspection systems and materials, adopted new technology, developed total-
inspection systems, and furthermore started the sales and support of security-related products with
leading-edge technology.
Exhibitors – to exhibit please contact david.levitt@cbrneworld.com or james.ross@cbrneworld.co.uk

Air Techniques International (ATI) has been AirBoss Defense, a world leader in CBRN Researchers from the Applied Argon Electronics was established in 1987
a pioneer in optical detection technology personal protective equipment (PPE), Psychological Sciences team, part of Public and has since become a world leader in the
for more than 50 years. ATI’s EBS™ Real- emergency preparedness disaster relief, Health England, have developed a number development and manufacture of hazardous
Time Biological Threat Detection Sensor healthcare and decontamination, is an of training courses based on their expert material detector simulators, most notably
represents the cutting edge in innovative, integrated company that research and policy output in the area of in the fields of military Chemical, Biological,
biosurveillance trigger technology. ATI is leverages long-standing expertise and emergency preparedness and response. Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) defence.
also the maker of the JSMLT (Joint Service advanced technologies to develop, design Training focuses on the psychosocial Our simulators have applications from civil
Mask Leakage Tester) used by the U.S. and produce ergonomic products that aspects of emergencies and disasters and response to unconventional terrorism and
military to test respirator mask integrity achieve the highest quality standards. When includes effective accidental release, and international treaty
against chemical and biological threats. it comes to safety and security, AirBoss risk and crisis verification, with a growing presence in
Defense offers The Ultimate Protection. communication, the nuclear energy generation and
Psychological First education markets.
Aid and effective
management of
mass casualty
decontamination.
Bertin Technologies, subsidiary of CNIM Blücher GmbH is the world market leader Bruhn NewTech's core business is the Cam Lock Ltd is one of the world’s leading
Group, has strengthened its scientific in air permeable CBRNe protective development of CBRNe Information specialists in the design and manufacture of
instrumentation and systems division by materials and clothing. Blücher’s Management software and Sensor personal protection life support systems.
acquiring Saphymo. It is now the only SARATOGA® protective material systems Connectivity Management software and With an impressive range of products
French industrialist to offer a full range of are based on the only technologies that hardware.We have a team of specialist including aircrew oxygen masks, CBRN
solutions in detection and identification of provide the high levels of protection and personnel including Software Developers, Respirators, industrial working respirators,
chemical, biological, radiological and operational capability as required by the Defence and Public Safety Practitioners emergency escape sets and fire fighter
nuclear (CBRN) threats under its brand most demanding Armed Forces and First and CBRNe Subject Matter Experts.Our breathing apparatus, Cam Lock leads the
Bertin Instruments. Responders around the world. specialist skills are focused on the industry in respiratory life support.
development and provision of highly
effective CBRNe Incident Management
Decision Support Tools, targeted to
address the challenges of both
conventional and asymmetric threats.
Resolve™ enables true through-barrier Decon7 Systems, LLC offers an Falcon Communications is the publisher of Federal Resources is a key provider of
hazardous and contraband materials ID; environmentally friendly two part, non- CBRNe World magazine and the CBRNe mission critical solutions for protection,
a new capability for Hazmat, EOD and law toxic, non-corrosive decontaminant World Directory. In addition to this they detection and safety products for the
enforcement. The system works through engineered to neutralize the world’s produce the world’s leading events for the DoD, Federal, State and local agencies.
non-metallic barriers such as coloured greatest chemical and biological threats. CBRN industry; the CBRNe Convergence Offering total life-cycle solutions from
plastics, glass, paper, card, sacks and fabrics. The Decon7 formula can be rapidly series. They also do consultancy work for a procurement, training, management and
Comprehensive library materials include deployed and applied as a foam, fog, spray, variety of commercial and governmental sustainment, Federal Resources
explosives, precursors, toxic industrial or mist to eliminate 99.99999% of all agencies and are part of the GIFT CBRN continuously advances organization
chemicals, chemical warfare agents and bacteria, viruses, spores, molds, and forensics consortium for the European segments delivering the support needed
narcotics. chemical & biological hazards. Commission. Stop by the booth, see the for any mission faced by responders in
power of the Directory and learn about the hotzone.
our next shows!
First Line Technology designs, INFICON products detect and identify The leading manufacturer of clothing for Our company is committed to working
manufactures, and supplies disaster trace levels of chemical warfare agents, protection against hazardous chemicals, with the U.S. Department of Homeland
preparedness and response equipment like volatile organic compounds, and toxic flames and heat. Our latest innovation, Security, as well as other arms of the
our medical ambulance bus (the industrial chemicals in air, water and soil. Permasure, is an on-line tool enabling federal government, to develop cutting-
AmbuBus®), our PhaseCore® Cooling Fully portable, INFICON HAPSITE ER simple calculation of real world “safe-use” edge technology that can help protect
Vests, and our line of decontamination Chemical Identification Systems provide times for over 4000 chemicals including populations and property at home, and
equipment. Our decon equipment includes fast, accurate lab-quality results on-site to most CWA’s – information currently abroad. Our mission is to save lives.
FiberTect® activated carbon dry decon, a help you make critical decisions affecting difficult to obtain and representing a major We are proud that Passport Systems is
three-layer nonwoven composite substrate life, health and safety. advance for CBRN risk assessment. pioneering the technology that is making
for CBRN Decontamination. We work our world safer.
with first responders and the military to
develop innovative products that make
their jobs easer and their lives safer.
Proengin develops and manufactures Survitec Group (“Survitec”), leading Tracerco offers a range of Intrinsically Tradeways, Ltd. is the principal worldwide
biological and chemical warfare agents field provider of critical safety & survival Safe Radiation/Contamination Monitors exporter of U.S. Military Specification (US
detectors using flame spectrometry: technology to the marine and defence (Class 1 Division 1) that are ATEX & FM MIL SPEC) CBRNE Defense Equipment.
AP4C-handheld chemical detector for markets, is pleased to announce the compliant to protect the workforce from Our high quality product and service
CWA, TICS and NTAs, AP4C-V aboard completion of its merger with exposure and environmental contaminants. solutions have been delivered to over 55
wheeled, tracked, Unmanned Ground Wilhelmsen’s marine safety business, Tracerco’s latest technology featured is countries. Tradeways, Ltd.’s complete
Vehicles (UGV) and Unmanned Aerial creating a market leader in safety and our Personal Electronic Dosemeter (PED) CBRNE product line includes biological
Vehicles (UAV) reconnaissance vehicles, survival solutions that can be used in potentially explosive identifiers, CBRN air-crew masks, and
AP4C-F for critical buildings and ships, environments such as Class 1, Div 1. escape masks. Founded in 1974.
MAB-for biological alarm, AP4C-VB and
AP4C-FB for simultaneous Chemical and
Biological detection.
CBRNeWORLD
Claudine Weeks on the 9th Annual CBRNe Convergence
San Diego Round-up

After months of planning and organising, looking at the response architecture and with presentations from FBI San Diego,
the 9th CBRNe World Convergence was how it is employed. Air National Guard, and the Drug
suddenly upon us in sunny San Diego. He was followed by Scott White from Enforcement Administration’s (DEA)
The team flew out to greet over 400 CBRN Defence, who talked about staying southwest laboratory. The discussion
delegates, some 30 speakers and more ahead of the CBRN threat and examined was followed by networking over a
than 60 industry partners from around ways to engage in long term planning splendid lunch, kindly sponsored by
the world, all eager to get started. and analysis. Emergent Biosolutions.
This year, the event was held at the The third plenary session was Will Hargett, executive vice president
Town and Country Hotel and Convention presented by Brigadier General William E from this year’s platinum sponsor,
Centre and ran over two days,1/2 King, 20th CBRNE Command, who Bruker Detection Corporation, then
November. Unfortunately the pre- provided an overview of the command’s presented on making the world safer by
conference workshop on managing most recent operations and exercises the use of key threat detection
radiological casualties had to be across the globe. technologies and talked about how best
cancelled due to budget realignment The morning sessions were to solve the challenges that first
within the Department of Energy (DOE). concluded by Professor Gary Ackerman, responders face, through technology.
director of the unconventional weapons
Day one and technology division (START), Stephen Mooney, Bruker Detection,
Registration opened a day before the University of Maryland, who examined said: “We have had a great turn out,
event started, as the stands were going the emerging technologies which are we’ve networked with a lot of people
up, and a sociable networking evening currently presenting perils and that we already knew, and met some
was held out in San Diego town - to give opportunities for CBRN defence. He new clients.”
everyone a chance to meet up and make focused on how changes in adversary The parallel stream focused on
contacts - on spooky Halloween. motives are now requiring a reevaluation decontamination, with a presentation
Many entered into the spirit of the of how we respond. from the Environmental Protection
night by dressing up in impressive Of those 2016 Convergence attendees Agency (EPA) on its responsibilities
Halloween costumes, and the prize for who commented in a survey, 89% stated during a bio event, followed by Phil
best outfit went to Chris Carpita from that they thought the quality of our Tackett, product manager from Flir, who
908 Devices who turned up as a gorilla! speaker programme was either good or covered new classes of portable
He received a bottle of champagne from outstanding. technology to enable better prevention
the team for his efforts. The work streams which followed on of terrorism.
Next morning, after recovering from from the morning speakers, focused on The afternoon ended with sessions on
Halloween, the delegates descended on the experiences of teams from both Los forensics and explosive ordnance disposal
the Town and Country Hotel to join the Angeles and California telling how cross- (EOD). Within the forensics work stream,
opening plenary sessions of CBRNe agency working can help in the fight Laura Cochrane from Emergent
Convergence 2016. against CBRN threats. BioSolutions, looked at the history of
Armed with their delegate bags from We heard from the teams who work chemical threat nerve agents, and talked
sponsor Battelle, which included together across the city of Los Angeles, about countermeasure preparedness.
sunglasses thoughtfully provided by to protect the public against CBRN Adrien Sivignon, a crime scene
sponsor Flir, for the San Diego weather, incidents, with presentations by the FBI, investigator from the French Judicial
the global contingent settled down to hear LA Police Department, the LA County Police followed, with a presentation on
our own Gwyn Winfield open the event. Sheriff’s office and the LA Port Police. CBRN forensics in the aftermath of the
Day one focussed on lessons Bataclan theatre attacks in Paris.
learned, provided by various Ken Hawkes, LA Port Police, said: Adrien talked about the lessons
organisations within the US that were “I’m the purchasing representative from learned from the tragedy, and how the
happy to share their experiences with my department for hazmat material and French responding agencies have realised
the audience and talk about their so I come here to meet the vendors and that with the increased threat, they need
capabilities and plans for the future. find out what’s the latest and greatest to work in a more coordinated way and
The first plenary session was presented hazmat equipment out there. Coming to understand each other’s roles. Adrien
by Stephen Cichocki, programe manager, Convergence is a great thing and I said the attacks had resulted in far better
CBRN, US-Canadian North American encourage anyone involved in hazmat, multi-agency cooperation, increased
Aerospace Defense Command/US Northern law enforcement or fire to attend these training and joint exercises.
Command (NORAD/NORTHCOM). He conferences.” The day ended with food, drinks, and
focussed on ways to improve the US’s Meanwhile, a parallel work stream time to network, unwind and catch up
national CBRN response capabilities, looked at California’s CBRN defence, with colleagues at the official CBRNe

CBRNeWORLD
Convergence 2016 drinks reception, • FLIR Systems’ new mobile Griffin G465 military, in fact all who are involved in
kindly sponsored by Passport Systems. gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer CBRN issues around the world.”
Convergence wouldn’t be possible for chemical threat detection. Michael Rogers, from Los Angeles
without the support of our sponsors, who • Argon Electronics’ launch of its new County Public Health, gave an overview of
this year were: Platinum Sponsor: Bruker Plumesim Smart, taking its popular the Aliso Canyon natural gas leak, and the
Detection; Gold Sponsor: Emergent Plumesim software down to the mobile joint public health response that was
BioSolutions; Silver Sponsors: Battelle, phone level. required to handle it, with health, fire and
BioFire Defense, Federal Resources, Flir gas departments all working together.
Detection, Passport Systems, Veteran Steven Roberson, Qinetiq North The 9th Annual CBRNe Convergence
Corps of America; and Bronze Sponsors: America, said: “We are at CBRNe ended with poster presentations on rapid
Argon, Avon Protection, BBI Detection. Convergence because this is an awesome diagnostics, revolutionary enzymatic
show. The foot traffic and the quality of sensors, service ready operational
Day two folks that have stopped by the booth has validation (SROV) to detect the presence
The second day of Convergence focussed been superb for us.” of CBRNe hazards and the potential
on International capability, exploring threats generated by explosive cylinders.
ideas and lessons learned from across the Fiona Marshall, BBI Detection, said: In short, the event featured a
globe. But the stand out speaker for me - “The show has been going really well for packed two days with highly engaging
and it was clear that the audience was us so far, we had a really busy day on the speakers sharing their expertise,
visibly moved – was Dr Sermet Sezigen stand yesterday and we’ve really enjoyed knowledge and experiences, in a wide
of GATA Medical University, whose being here and have met a lot of variety of CBRN-related areas. But don’t
powerful presentation examined a family interesting people. The show has been just take our word for it! We received
who were victims of a blister agent attack very well organised.” some excellent feedback:
during the Syrian conflict. In fact, 90% of attendees voted the
Dr Sezigan brought home to the trade exhibition either good or William Guglielmo, ITL Solutions said:
audience the very real impact of outstanding in a survey following the “CBRNe Convergence here in San Diego
chemical weapon use in Syria through Convergence event. has been fantastic. We have got a lot of
his case study dealing with a family that The 400+ delegates then heard new contacts with folks both here in the
suffered horrific injuries and loss when talks on high visibility events, drones US and from overseas, from all walks of
their home was hit by a bomb carrying a in CBRN, terrorist threats and hazmat, the CRBNE world, from local fire
blister agent. His graphic and detailed in the afternoon of day two, before it departments all the way up to federal and
presentation rendered even the most was time for the poster session where state representatives. We’ve really
experienced in the audience speechless. key presenters covered a variety of enjoyed being here and look forward to
Looking at the CBRN threat from a research areas. next year.”
different, but similarly important angle, Using strategic assets to mitigate the
was Colin Barthel from the Food and impact of biothreats and emerging Russell Greene, Battelle added:
Drug Administration (FDA). His infectious diseases was the topic “It’s a great conference. We like meeting
presentation covered food defence, presented by Chrissie Flowers from our government clients here and other
looking at the ways the FDA is engaging BioFire Defense. She discussed the commercial vendors like ourselves that
with key stakeholders on the issues difference between biosurveillance and do testing and sell products in the
around food defence and protecting this emergency diagnostics and explained CBRNE defence area. It’s a great
vital industry. lessons learnt from navigating the US networking opportunity and we get to
He spoke on some of the new food approval process for Zika and Ebola. see all the new technologies. It’s a really
regulations, which are coming in soon Next at the speakers’ podium was Lt Col beneficial conference.”
and will impact every company, Christophe Libeau, from the Paris Fire
worldwide, which exports food to the US. Brigade, who reviewed the lessons the Until next time
While our speakers entertained, fire service had learned from the attacks So from the team here at CBRNe World –
educated and inspired the delegates, our in 2015. He talked about joint it just remains to once again say a huge
trade partners claimed their attention at approaches to preparedness with partner thank you to all our speakers, delegates,
over 60 booths displaying the latest agencies, as well as the problems and exhibitors, sponsors and supporters for
CBRNe equipment and technology. issues in updating a CBRN mass casualty making this CBRNe Convergence a great
We even had several live product rescue plan. success! We look forward to seeing you
launches at the show including: all in 2017!
• ISOVAC Products’ new isolation system Christophe Libeau, Paris Fire Brigade, In fact, 80% of this year’s attendees
– operational rescue containment said: “For us as CBRN first responders, said they were planning to come along
apparatus (ORCA). Convergence and the symposium are next time, budgets permitting! So if
• Passport Systems’ new Smartshield very important. They constitute one of you’d like to join us in London or
networked radiation detection system, the most important events we have, Indianapolis, just visit
which is aimed at protecting against enabling us to meet industry partners www.cbrneworld.com for details of how
potential nuclear terrorists. and other firefighters, police and to register.

Arun Ramaniah, Deputy project director of the LBDS project and

CBRNeWORLD Colonel (ret.) Juliana Genova (Ph.D.), Strategic communication advisor,
from Canada’s Directorate of CBRN Defence within the
Department of National Defence on new thinking in biodetection
A new way of thinking

Dealing with new and modified BWAs their libraries. Small groups operating resume normal operations.
Biological defence systems detect and outside secure areas could also carry Point sensors sited in the vicinity of
identify known biological warfare agents personal sensors/air samplers for the protected force, can only provide
(BWAs) by comparing sample data with personal safety and for processing on ‘detect to treat’ capability. Advance early
the data of known BWAs stored in the return. Personnel exposed to biohazards warning received through standoff
libraries of detectors and identifiers. would be quarantined at the discretion biosensors will provide ‘detect to warn’
New and modified BWAs can, therefore, of medical staff. capability. Apart from taking full
circumvent biological defence systems Preventing exposure of personnel is protective measures, commanders will
designed for known BWAs. Canada’s the primary task of the LBDS. The be able to manoeuvre their forces to
local biological defence system (LBDS) system will include sensitive sensors evade the biological hazard and retain
project attempts to address this problem that can detect pathogens in low the initiative.
in its entirety. concentrations. Immediate alarm given LBDS will provide active standoff
by these sensors will enable personnel to biological sensing, employing laser-
Defeating biological attacks take essential protective measures. With induced fluorescence (LIF) technology.
In asymmetric warfare there may be the troops protected against a probable Defence Research and Development
little or no prior intelligence of a BWA, biological classifiers with large Canada has achieved this capability.
biothreat and the first indication may be pathogen libraries will test air samples LBDS will include an advanced version
the event itself. to validate any alarm. If no match is of the biological standoff sensor to
According to the US National found, the alarm will be deemed false significantly extend biological
Academy of Science, “The US BioWatch and the troops can resume their tasks surveillance coverage beyond the areas
programme is designed to get upstream unencumbered by restrictive protective physically occupied by our own troops.
of clinical detection systems by gear. If a match is found, sensitive point The standoff sensor will determine
providing early warning to local, state, sensors will continue to monitor the the size and concentration of the hazard
and federal partners should an airborne biohazard and indicate when it is safe to cloud and be able to track its progress.
release of certain types of biothreat
agents occur. The programme relies on
collectors deployed in jurisdictions
around the country, and on sample
results provided through public health
laboratories. It is a component of a
much broader monitoring and
surveillance effort to identify and
respond to terrorist threats.”
This concept could be applied at the
tactical level to bridge the biohazard
awareness gap. Air samplers mounted
on vehicles performing routine duties
outside protected areas would extend
biosurveillance without imposing
additional burden on troops. These air
samplers can operate continuously or be
triggered by a biodetector on board.
Regular surveillance will characterise
the environment over a large area and
create the backdrop against which
sudden surges of new elements can be
discerned. The air samples will be
analysed to obtain early indication of
the type of BWAs the medical services
may have to deal with. New pathogens
will be analysed with technology used in
detectors and the data will be added to LBDS will build on previous Canadian bio initiatives like VPBDS ©DND

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CBRNeWORLD
A new way of thinking
The area covered by the biohazard cloud confirmatory identification will to the threat location. Where nanowire
will be indicated on the digitised map by permit medical authorities to sensors are deployed in a grid pattern
the standoff sensor. The enhanced confidently determine and across large areas like an airfield, they
version of the standoff sensor will add a recommend a line of treatment. can track the movement of the hazard
reliable decision tool to help local cloud and confirm the projections made
commanders react to the biological Technological edge by the cloud mapping software. This
attack without allowing the invisible Where commercial off the shelf/military would present the ground truth to local
danger to overwhelm them. The tool is off the shelf (COTS/MOTS) equipment commanders. Nanowire sensors will
cloud mapping software which will use does not adequately address the concurrently employ different means for
the empirical data generated by the evolving biological threat, the LBDS will assessing the sample to arrive at
standoff sensor to make short-term use emerging technologies to make up detection, and will have an in-built
projections of the movement and the shortfall. While LBDS intends to capability to indicate the level of
dispersion of the cloud. This will allow procure the latest equipment from probability, which can be further
the commander to make timely industry, it is also pushing the verified against the standoff detection.
decisions about the protection level for technological boundaries so that it can
his forces. pre-empt an adversary seeking to Equipment design
As the standoff sensor is designed to circumvent biological detection Detectors, air samplers and classifiers
detect biohazards remotely, the systems. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) used by LBDS will be modular in
approaching biohazard cloud should not technology emulates the human design. Their functional components
be allowed to cover it. Should that immune system and could open new will be capable of independent operation
happen, the standoff sensor would be possibilities for recognising biohazards, so that functionality can be configured
unable to function and would needlessly known or unknown. There are 13 to suit the role and skill of the user. To
become contaminated. It should, known TLRs in the human immune expedite the introduction of emerging
therefore, be mounted on a mobile system. When biological organisms bind technologies into the biological defence
platform so that it can continue to with TLRs they create patterns, which system, the initial version of the new
monitor and project the evolution of the make it possible to classify the equipment will have basic essential
biohazard cloud. The standoff sensor organism. This emerging technology capability. However, the equipment will
will perform both surveillance and has great potential. be designed to accommodate its full
reconnaissance roles. If mounted on a Nanowires are highly sensitive field functional potential. Enhancement will
platform with collective protection effect transistors (NW-FET) capable of be made incrementally as the
capability, the standoff sensor crew will detecting a biological hazard at the technology matures. Besides providing
be able to perform both roles more molecular level. The sensitivity of the new capability early, this development
aggressively. By monitoring the sensor allows for real time detection technique will eliminate the need to
dissipation of the hazard cloud, the and also provides a clear indication of redesign the equipment and reduce the
standoff sensor will be able to gauge its when it is safe. Working at the nano retraining burden.
effectiveness as a weapon and indicate level, the device uses very little power,
the point at which it will cease to be a indeed the button cell powering this System
biological threat. The cloud mapping device can last for over a month’s LBDS will integrate technologically
software will also be able to trace the continuous use. This means nanowire advanced, commercially available
cloud to its source and provide critical sensors can operate unattended for long solutions with emerging and cutting
information, which is essential for the periods. Nanowire technology is being edge technologies to provide the
hazard prediction application to harnessed to produce miniaturised Canadian armed forces with the best
accurately compute long-range hazard sensors that could have varied biological defence system. System
prediction for forces downwind. The application. These versatile sensors integration will generate synergy that
source information can also be used to could be employed as point, personal, will far exceed the sum of capabilities
take action against the perpetrator and mobile, remote and handheld sensors. offered by the system components. The
in helping to deter the adversary from Nanowire sensors could potentially standoff sensor, for instance, has to
making repeat attacks. detect both biological and chemical cover a wide arc of observation. It is
LBDS will be capable of providing hazards. The versatility of the sensors challenging for the laser to locate
presumptive identification that will will greatly enhance the flexibility of microscopic particles at long distances.
enable selection of medical LBDS and the anticipated low cost will Remote sensors deployed ahead at the
countermeasures. Confirmatory allow the project to buy greater same distance or further can detect
identification of BWAs will be carried quantities for a variety of roles. BWAs and help direct standoff scanning
out by health services. The samples Nanowire technology can be of the threat area.
from the site of the bioattack will be deployed outside the secure perimeter Components of the system have
sent to a health services facility for early warning and to direct both the overlapping capabilities that create
within the theatre. The provision of biological and chemical standoff sensors functional redundancies, which are

CBRNeWORLD
results from different components to
rapidly reach an acceptable conclusion.
With reliable inputs for risk analysis,
commanders are less likely to
overreact to a threat and let the
biological attack disrupt the operation
more than warranted.
With the estimated time of hazard
movement and assessment of its impact,
the commander can take reasonable
risks to maintain operational
momentum. Lock down of an airbase
can, for instance, be delayed allowing a
runway to be used till the projected
movement of the hazard cloud renders
it unusable. It can also inform the base
commander about safe areas on the base
to which assets can be moved.
Conclusion
Force protection is second only to
mission accomplishment. LBDS
provides decision support to protect
personnel and equipment while
proceeding with an operation at low
risk. LBDS does not compel the force
to hunker down and wait for the
hazard to blow over. It indicates viable
options to retain initiative. Enabling
passive defence against biological
attacks, LBDS also allows the
commander to proactively mitigate the
effectiveness of the biohazard. It
enables biological defence to monitor
the environment for biological threats.
It provides protection from biological
LBDS will use emerging technologies to make up any COTS shortfall ©DND hazards with minimal burden on the
force. The LBDS reduces the
beneficial at the system level. The assessment of the biological hazard on operational and training burden by
limitations of different technologies operations. The two factors are; impact automating the system, providing
under varying conditions could be the biohazard is expected to have on the detect to warn capability and
mutually covered. Apart from increasing operation and the likelihood of the actionable decision support.
flexibility, this will greatly reinforce detection and projection/prediction The CBRN defence programme
system resilience. being accurate. Commercially available needs to continually monitor the
sensors generally detect the presence of evolving biological threat. In addition to
Situational awareness and decision a biohazard.They have no means for meeting the current biological threat,
support indicating the level of reliability. The LBDS paves the way for future CBRN
LBDS will collect air samples from a commander simply has to accept or defence development by introducing
wider area than static sensors within reject the detection. Either option could equipment and technologies capable of
protected areas. Integration of LBDS prove disastrous. The sensors to be combining biological and chemical
with command and control procured by LBDS will use different defence. LBDS could, in future, help
communication networks will enable technologies for simultaneously lighten the operational, training and
biological hazard awareness to be analysing the same biological sample. logistical burden of biological and
shared with the entire deployed force in Unanimity of the result will reflect its chemical defence. It would improve the
real time. reliability. Redundancies within the operational readiness of the Canadian
Operating successfully in a biothreat system will permit automated cross- armed forces to operate in chemical and
area depends on accurate risk checking of detection/classification biological threat environments.

CBRNeWORLD
Christian Resch, CBRN defence officer in the Austrian armed forces, commander
of their high readiness CBRN defence company on Austria’s strategy for
chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear consequence management
A management position
S
ocieties with developed industrial disaster relief operations. The established high infections transport
and service economies are the overwhelming need for manpower, teams and hot zone extraction or
drivers of complex globalisation specialists and high value assets is casualty decontamination teams3.
processes. The resilience of these covered by the armed forces. Plus, the Firefighting organisations are - except in
societies goes hand in hand with their forces provide the most important big cities - voluntarily constructed and as
economies, which require a capability after or in case of suspected CBRN experts are rare in those
comprehensive approach including terrorist attacks, namely force organisations, their bases are established
security. Although Austria’s economy is protection. This need is only now being in areas where the knowledge and
very stable, through its infrastructure, taken into consideration by first interest are available. Professional
which encompasses traffic, responders in civil protection firefighting units cover the full spectrum
telecommunications, energy, finance and organisations, after the recent attacks including detection and analysis or
healthcare, the population must be and investigations around the globe and decontamination. This rough description
aware that critical infrastructure is an within Europe - and is an issue means that, although federalism is in
important issue and is, indeed, critical to especially in big cities. many cases a great achievement, in the
the nation’s wellbeing. To protect that In Austria’s major cities the first case of consequence management it
infrastructure Austria lists seven key responder concept is based on a leads to a variety of different mechanisms
factors, which are also defined in the combination of voluntary and and in the end obstacles are unavoidable.
national security policy. They are professional civil protection services like With national forces, it is a bit easier.
stability within the European rescue organisations and fire brigades. Police forces for example have officers
neighbourhood; Russia’s role in Europe; They are the key players in the response, specially trained in radiation protection
global political trends; global conflict but without efficient protection and in every unit. Car accidents and house
development; the future role of Nato; hazard warning equipment, terror search activities may demand a quick
and development within EU integration incidents can easily become a serious reaction. For special cases CBRN
as well as its common security and trap for civil emergency organisations. investigation teams are designed to act
defence policy. Awareness of CBRN hazards is a as the first responder for identification
Disasters and catastrophes due to significant issue within all rescue and forensics, but the core competencies
natural or human causes and including organisations and authorities. in CBRN defence are within the armed
terrorist incidents, can easily affect the Austria’s civil protection and disaster forces. Special equipment and
whole of society because they attack relief follows the federal principle of manpower as well as experts and
critical infrastructure. CBRN government, which means that every research and development define the
consequence management deals with state (Bundesland) is responsible for its strength and fill the following gaps.
actions taken to maintain or restore the own response and preparedness plans, as Confused situations following a release
essential services society needs and the well as the mitigation of hazards. or suspect incident involving chemical
management and mitigation of disasters National strategies provide the defining warfare agents (CWA) or toxic industrial
triggered by CBRN hazards. It requires framework for this, but even so CBRN materials (TIM) demand a reach back
symbiosis between military and civilian consequence management measures are capacity with CBRN experts.
defence assets, especially after terrorist developed in different ways. Let’s take one Furthermore, on site identification, as
attacks. According to the Austrian example from chemical industry. Critical well as sampling, sample packing and
constitution these tasks are strictly infrastructure like Seveso enterprises transportation is necessary and a large
segregated within the ministries of must fulfil strict obligations as per decontamination capacity is essential.
defence and the interior. In case of national and international laws and Situational awareness for CBRN
consequence management scenarios, the guidelines, and much the same as local consequence management is an integral
national law and political strategy authorities in terms of spatial planning or part of the entire armed forces and is
ensures that the need for close response measures. Within the based on three concepts.
interoperability is met. authorities of some states for example, CBRN defence individual protection
While on almost every occasion the official CBRN first responder teams are includes basic knowledge of hazards and
Austrian interior forces are in the lead established and civil servants working the handling of individual protective
(the only exception is when warfare there as experts and team members. In equipment for every soldier and
agents are involved and the army takes others, however, there is nothing. employee (even the civilians). Essential
over), they can get any military support Rescue organisations, on the other therefore, is minimising the harm of
they need, using the military civil hand, mainly fulfil that need through CBRN agents and TIM, especially those
defence assets (MCDA) approach as in awareness training. Not all states have which endanger life and health and

CBRNeWORLD
impair the operational readiness of units. This function includes such tasked with conducting missions abroad
essential equipment. It is crucial to measures such as early warning and and has a high state of readiness for
survive attacks by CBRN agents or TIM reporting, fortification, local observation rapid deployment within Austria. This
releases for a minimum of six hours and of meteorological conditions, unit is reinforced with a team of experts
if necessary to fulfil missions under implementation of dosimetry and covering radiological, chemical,
CBRN conditions. To increase the level evaluation of exposure to radiation. biological and veterinary issues. They
of individual protection up to 96 hours, And finally, the cavalry! The CBRN are capable of working on CBRN
CBRN collective protection (COLPRO) is defence branch comprises units at forensics and can conduct a remote
important, integrated, and contains company level. Their main tasks are CBRN controlled, automotive survey on site as
deployable, stationary or mobile reconnaissance (including detection, well as field laboratory analysis.
systems. They can be set up either as an sampling, identification and analysis), Reaction time for conventional
improvised or a technical and decontamination (of personnel, vehicles military action may be weeks or even
constructive protection measure to and equipment, terrain and months, for disaster relief operations or
minimise the grade of individual infrastructure), CBRN USAR (urban search assisting interior forces, troop
protection necessary along with the and rescue, heavy lifting and firefighting deployment is within a few days.
physical and psychological impact of tasks under CBRN conditions) and water Unconventional incidents such as
wearing PPE. purification (from contamination). terrorist attacks or the release of warfare
CBRN defence all arms are soldiers Past incidents like Paris or Brussels agents demands a much shorter reaction
embedded in all units and weapons lifted CBRN defence capability to a time for specialist forces. Intelligence
branches, who are trained and equipped strategic and most likely task level. Five information can sometimes lead to
to provide detection, identification and operational units cover the whole of setting a notice to move (NTM) to
decontamination support within their Austria. One of those is additionally shorten the reaction time, but still a
‘I don’t care if it is New Year’s Eve, you can’t sleep there! Five operational CBRN units cover the whole of Austria ©Austrian MoD

CBRNeWORLD
A management position
high percentage of occasions require confirmed terrorist threats or incidents succeed in recovering a safe and secure
rapid reaction and deployment on site. in progress, when the NTM is at its environment by the deployment of hot
Therefore, force protection assets, highest of 15 minutes maximum or the zone extraction teams, medical and
special operation forces, explosive teams are deployed in a staging area. decontamination units.
ordnance disposal (EOD), military police The duty officer is reinforced with staff CBRN consequence management
and CBRN defence units are part of a to provide all necessary support, such as has now been implemented by the army
brigade-sized first responder concept logistics or contact with civil for a year. It has paid off with shorter
called Kommando Schnelle Einsätze authorities, laboratories, legal advice, reaction times, a legal base for more
(rapid operations command). This etc. Staffing develops into a CBRN qualitative support to external
concept anticipates fast deployment in operations command that ensures full stakeholders and the establishment of a
Austria’s conurbations. mission documentation and a reach communication and information
Recent incidents have raised the back capability with subject matter platform. The strategy is now being
need for efficient and quick consequence experts from different fields like implemented in all other emergency
management. Not only in Austria, but CBRNE, static or medical. operations. It ensures that capabilities
throughout Europe and globally it is CBRN HIT is integrated part of the and capacities are shared and avoids
getting more important and CBRN military first responder concept and duplication. Furthermore, a
defence is a crucial part of it. That is ensures a rapid response on site to comprehensive training approach is
why those forces are also specially evaluate the situation. It saves reaction now possible.
trained to conduct joint missions in time and information, while the Police special forces, professional
contaminated areas. Additionally, after a response units prepare for deployment. firefighting units and military forces as
year of successful testing, a CBRN The hazards investigation team is well as rescue organisations can now
military first responder concept is being mission tailored and covers level 1 conduct counter terrorism scenarios
developed. Not every suspected occasion capabilities such as detection and together. They share the same
demands the deployment of a powerful identification of contaminants, sample situational awareness of CBRNE threats.
brigade sized quick reaction force. Some taking for immediate analysis and They are improving protective
can be handled with a small specialised decontamination. In case of more equipment as well as interoperability,
team of experts to support civil specific needs such as forensic analysis and in future common strategic
authorities assessing the situation, or to or explosive device disposal an add-on development, at least in terms of CBRN
replace them in more robust scenarios, approach can increase the capability to consequence management, will head
where military forces are needed. level 2. It means that force enablers such into the same direction across all
The CBRN hazard investigation team as military police, EOD teams, special stakeholders. Common standard
(HIT) concept is based on a 24 hour operation forces or a field lab can be operation procedures, compatible
reach back capability to be drawn from mounted to ensure a safe environment equipment and communication and
all civil authorities or emergency and verified data for further expansion of joint training will become a key to
organisations and critical infrastructure the mission. This comprehensive success to counter future challenges and
enterprises. Evaluation of the situation, approach is crucial for a mission to strengthen Austria’s resilience.
risk analysis and countermeasures can
be advised on and support teams sent to
site. Such deployment must be legally
based whether it is supports civil
authorities or interior forces. In addition
to information support, the duty officer
can deploy a hazard investigation team
depending on the state of readiness. The
team will come from one of Austria’s
CBRN defence units closest to the area
of interest.
CBRN HIT distinguishes between
three alert states. Under normal
circumstances the threat level is set as
low, which means teams have a 120
minute NTM. During daily duty hours,
this NTM is 30 minutes. In case of
suspected threats or during high
visibility events, the level is set as
medium with a NTM of 90 minutes.
High alert is only triggered in cases of Taking it to another level! The HIT team comes in different levels ©Austrian MoD

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CBRNeWORLD Steve Johnson, Lecturer in Intelligence and Forensic Exploitation at

Cranfield University, asks if you can ever have too much excellence
Profligate excellence
A
n old saying suggests that a lie can Clearly someone in DHS wanted to strategic or academic level. While the
cover half the earth before truth make sure they definitely had one, centre carries out some training
has got its boots on. As the lie because shortly after its creation there (mainly in the use of terrorism data)
arrives in town it might note that it has was a panoply of centres and even it feels like more could be done to
been beaten by a centre of excellence today after some cutbacks there are have empirical impact on capacities
that arrived earlier. The world is still 11. One of these is the national in the US. These activities may go on,
groaning under the weight of centres of consortium for the study of terrorism for example for intelligence agencies,
excellence (COEs) and the cynic may and responses to terrorism (START), but can’t be reported. But equally it
feel that only a fool would open any which is headed by the University of feels as if more value could be
department or centre without appending Maryland and includes such notables as extracted for regional fusion centres
‘excellence’ to it. CBRN and counter Gary LaFree and Gary Ackerman. The etc. One might also observe that the
terrorism has generated flocks of these latter has a particular interest in CBRN centre is well funded. All told, a
COEs and they have been with us now and has been behind many of START’s remarkable success story.
for over 10 years. So hopefully you are research projects in this area. Nato traces its centres of excellence
feeling excellent? No? Then perhaps Launched in 2005, START is over back to the Prague summit in 2002.
you’ve foolishly been to a centre of 10 years old and has affiliations with This gave birth to allied command
mediocrity, or a centre of quite good but over 50 academic institutions, transformation (formerly allied
we’ve not had quite enough time to be predominantly in the US but also command Atlantic) which was
as good as we would have liked. around the world. It is quite possibly responsible for making the alliance ‘a
What is the purpose of these the most successful as a centre of leaner, more efficient organisation’.
centres and have they had any real excellence out of all the initiatives Four years later Turkey received
success? Does anyone dare comment examined in this article. The reason is accreditation for a Nato COE on
on them, given that they tend to share possibly quite simple. The heart of the defence against terrorism. There
out quite a bit of funding? CBRNe START initiative is incremental followed centres for CBRN (Czech
World knows no fear [apart from salad. improvement in data. The headline Republic, 2007), counter improvised
Ed.] and takes the axe of detached resource is the publicly available global explosive devices (C-IEDs, Spain,
cynical analysis to the Department of terrorism database (GTD), which has 2010), EOD (explosive ordnance
Homeland Security (DHS), EU/UN and outlasted and outclassed almost all disposal, Slovakia, 2011), crisis
Nato programmes. others, but the centre has worked on management (Bulgaria 2015) and
As a caveat this assessment has not and improved many other resources many more. Structurally COEs have
sought comment from any COEs, over the years. sponsoring nations that provide
though they are more than welcome to These resources and the associated financial support, and contributing
submit a right to reply, but has rather collection activity have meant that the nations who provide something else
sought to assess them via their outward centre has been able to rapidly (money or support in kind). Nato
facing publicly available materials. produce many research papers and observes: “All COEs must act as a
DHS has enjoyed some friendly perspectives documents on all aspects catalyst for Nato transformation and
criticism over the years. The US of terrorism. It has coordinated with open their activities to all alliance
government’s accountability office has other COEs, in particular the CREATE members. COEs must not duplicate
had it on various high risk lists since its centres (economic impact of nor compete with current Nato
creation. It is no simple task to combine terrorism), and has kept tightly to an capabilities, but instead offer an area of
multiple agencies, and in the field of achievable brief. The result is that expertise not already found within
CBRN it can easily feel that you are today many around the world seek out Nato. To this end, all COEs must have
always second fiddle to the Department START, and cite its research, without subject-matter experts in their field of
of Defense (DoD) and Department of the need for much outreach. specialisation”.
Energy (DoE) in spending. A few So START has definitely had a Obviously, this is why there is no
statutes help beef it up, notably it is remarkable impact on the study of duplication between centres for C-IED,
allowed to draw on DoE national labs terrorism globally. This can certainly EOD, CBRN and terrorism… There are
like Lawrence Livermore National be considered to have helped the DHS 12 sponsoring nations and one
Laboratory and Los Alamos. Also the and certainly the GTD fulfils a contributing nation for CBRN. From
Homeland Security Act requires the monitoring function that the state is 28 Nato members. Austria has joined
under secretary to establish at least one expected to carry out. If any criticism too, but isn’t a Nato country. The Nato
university based centre for homeland can be levelled it might be that the COE for CBRN feels like it needs a hug.
security (Sec. 308). COE has benefits at a predominantly Its website requires an overhaul, there

CBRNeWORLD
Profligate excellence
is a lot of out of date material and Finally, we come to the EU’s armements) was absolutely caustic
some areas seem a little unlikely. The centres of excellence. A friend of mine about the COEs back in 2012. It
list of tasks it carries out seems way remarked at the launch of this highlighted a string of cultural gaffes
more than it could realistically achieve. programme that they felt very unsure and the limits of the bottom up
When it comes to training, the courses about the title: it seemed boastful and approach. Others were frustrated by
focus on training CBRN assessors, the plurality of ‘centres’ of excellence byzantine procurement approaches –
CBRN warning and reporting, seemed intuitively wrong. One would leading many very capable entities to
radiology and crisis management. A expect an Englishman to attack EU turn away from the scheme. Some EU
total of 9 courses is planned for 2017. spending profligacy… Well, sorry to member states were good at
The biggest challenge around the disappoint, but the EU centres of encouraging participation in the
Nato centres is that they vary vastly in excellence are not all bad (which is as programme, others were worse than
funding (or at least one must assume close to a compliment as we get!). They terrible and scarcely told their agencies
they do, looking at their outputs). So have definitely had some interesting the tenders were available. The delivery
the CBRN centre’s website and activity effects, although by no means 100% of expertise is by contractors who can
appears the poor relation to the successful. There is very impressive burn through money very fast, and as
Spanish C-IED COE. Incidentally if you core activity, which is the recent Department for International
were seeking information about the establishment of regional secretariats Development (DFID) audits in the UK
CBRN threat, you would find that on and national teams. At the time of reveal, not always with a great deal
the Spanish C-IED COE website rather writing this article the initiative had to show.
than the CBRN COE. Whether it is trained 3,692 people (a worryingly These three initiatives had very
appropriate for any Nato COE to have precise figure), established 47 national different mandates, although they
an unclassified document giving teams and launched 54 projects. were all supposed to be centres of
detailed information about the viability Usefully for this article the excellence. DHS START has had
and capability of actors to use CBRN, European Court of Auditors has success, the EU has some very
without any control on circulation, is a reviewed the project. Sadly, its auditing positive components but the Nato
matter for discussion. Certainly, is a bit rubbish: more an audit of the programme seems underfunded and
though, one might expect a little more processes that take place than an lacking clear purpose and direction.
referencing in the document at least evaluation of effectiveness or value for While the DHS and EU sites are
to show that the information is only money. Even so, the COEs got a clean impressive and testament to huge
from open sources. The C-IED courses bill of health with recommendations amounts of work carried out,
are predominantly intelligence related that interactions between the complex collaboration and network building,
(Analyst notebook, Attack the grouping of the joint research centre, the Nato sites lack much of this
network, etc). UN interregional crime and justice despite being in existence for longer
If the aim of the COEs is to make research institute, European external in many cases. It is questionable as to
Nato more agile they need to run action service and Europe aid needed whether they should even maintain
efficiently and with each other. Yet work, and that regional secretariats sites on the public internet if they are
there is surprisingly little linkage needed greater technical capability. going to look poor and disjointed.
between the websites. There is perhaps Good points but a shame that the Better a closed portal and an
a danger that the COEs have become scrutiny was no deeper in an initiative impressive landing with the loose
zombies, moving ahead merely that has soaked up many millions of ends hidden away.
because they already exist, and without Euros and then dripped them out Finally, this exercise has brought
quite the support across the alliance across consultancies. up an interesting point that also
one might expect. After 10 years why is The idea at the heart of the EU demands further research. The
half the alliance not even a COEs is golden. Don’t create question of how much money has
contributing member? C-IED has only dependency, don’t dole out aid, instead been spent on non-proliferation and
nine members and surprisingly the UK help countries to help themselves. how effective it has all been. It is a
is absent (it does support the CBRN Don’t tell them what they need, ask point levelled against entities like the
COE). They seem to reach out to other them what they need and help them EU. If the COEs haven’t solved our
partners, to a limited extent, and have self-assess. Then create clear networks problems yet – then what has all the
attendees on their courses from between partners. It is one of the most non-proliferation and threat
around the world. But the prime facie inspiring initiatives since the CWC and reduction spending achieved? How
evidence is that this is relatively small the OPCW. There is always a ‘but’ much more needs to be spent? And
scale and driven by opportunity (eg though. Much like the OPCW the heart much like the EU programme
engagement with H2020 industrial of the idea is good but sometimes challenge – if it is a perpetual
research grants, and occasional non- things go wrong in the execution. requirement should it really be given
Nato attendees) rather than by CESIM (Centre d’Etudes de Sécurité to contractors or should CBRN
implementing a strategy. Internationale et de Maîtrise des expertise be in the public sector only?

John Hart* describes the 2016 international operation to
CBRNeWORLD
remove Libya’s chemicals
Moving day
L
ibya joined the 1993 Chemical GNA control. In addition, a UN envoy country destruction; out-of-country
Weapons Convention (CWC) in to the GNA suggested earlier this destruction, and a combination of in
2004. This resulted from a then year that Libya’s reconstituted army and out-of-country destruction. On 20
secret trilateral consultation process could be decentralised. To this end, July 2016 the EC agreed to help
between Libya, the UK and the US to efforts have been made to establish destroy Libya’s category 2 chemicals
clarify the nature and scope of Libya’s military councils representing the out-of-country. The TS began to
nuclear, biological and chemical country’s eastern, western and develop a destruction plan and a list of
weapon holdings, programmes and southern regions. recommendations for additional
related activities. Libya declared to the Further urgency was added to the measures for the safe and expeditious
Organisation for the Prohibition of 2016 chemicals removal operation as transport, storage and disposal of
Chemical Weapons (OPCW) IS forces were reportedly operating these chemicals.
approximately 25 tonnes of sulphur approximately 70km from the storage On 27 July the EC adopted a
mustard, 1,390 tonnes of precursor location and anti-Libyan government decision on the destruction of Libya’s
chemicals and 3,600 unfilled air fighters killed two security officers at remaining category 2 chemicals. The
bombs. In 2011 Libya submitted a checkpoint approximately 2km from EC requested the DG to present it
supplementary information to the Ruwagha in May. with a plan for the destruction which
OPCW for previously undeclared Given the security situation and included ‘provisions for ensuring clear
holdings of sulphur mustard and lack of destruction technology and responsibility at each stage for the
artillery shells at Ruwagha, left by the other support, Libya’s national chemicals and takes into account all
previous government. Ruwagha is authority wrote to the OPCW director relevant considerations’ no later than
about 700km south-east of Tripoli in general (DG) in February 2016 asking 19 August. The plan was to include:
central Jafa and some 193km south him to consider the option of Libya’s initial CW declarations
of Sirte. transporting the remaining four submitted on 23 March 2004; Libya’s
Libya has experienced difficulty in category 2 chemicals to a facility general plan of destruction submitted
destroying its remaining stockpile, outside the country for destruction. on 26 March 2004 (EC-36/DG.20, 26
mainly category 2 chemicals. The The same month the OPCW executive Mar. 2004); amendments to Libya’s
groups fighting in Libya comprise pro- council (EC) asked the DG to initial category 2 CW declarations
government national accord (GNA) coordinate efforts ‘to identify and submitted by Libya on 23 March 2004,
forces, the Libyan national army evaluate technical, operational, 4 May 2009 and 1 July 2016; the
(LNA), the Benghazi defence brigades security, financial, and legal factors to outline plan for CW removal
(BDB), the petroleum facilities guard address the destruction’ of these developed by the OPG; Libya’s plan for
(PFG), Islamist militias, local militias chemicals. Meanwhile, the category 2 transporting chemicals from the
and various associates of so-called chemicals were transferred to new storage site to the point of
Islamic State (IS). containers supplied by Canada, which embarkation; outcomes of
In August 2016 the US bombed IS were affixed with global positioning consultations with interested parties
targets comprising a tank and two system (GPS) trackers to help ensure on providing relevant assistance for
vehicles in Sirte. This was the third security oversight and facilitate OPCW the removal and destruction
US airstrike against IS targets in verification. operations; and availability of
Libya as a training camp in Sabratha The OPCW technical secretariat financial, technical, logistical and
was hit in February 2016. In late July (TS) and the member states undertook other resources as of August 2016.
IS forces reportedly controlled a series of consultations with the In the same month,the trust fund
approximately 250km of coastline on relevant actors. This was achieved for support to Libya (TSL) was set up
either side of Sirte. In September primarily through the establishment by the OPCW to support destruction
2016 Libya’s prime minister Fayez al- of an operational planning group outside the country. The TSL’s role
Sarraj called for talks after opposition (OPG) with sub-groups holding encompassed operational planning
forces took control of the principal responsibility for inter alia logistics and preparations pertaining to the
eastern oil ports. All four oil export and communications. The OPCW storage, removal, destruction, and
ports have now reportedly fallen from considered three broad options: in- verification of the remaining category

CBRNeWORLD
Moving day
2 chemicals; drafting agreements Kamptstoffen und Rüstungsaltlasten weapons and materials of mass
related to the storage, removal, MBH (GEKA MBH). destruction fund. Denmark’s
destruction, and verification of the contribution comprised a civil
remaining category 2 chemicals; • Phase 1 - destruction of 2 transportation vessel with 18
storage, removal, destruction, and chloroethanol. personnel, a support staff of 120
verification of those chemicals; • Phase 2 - destruction of people equipped with a helicopter, a
transportation of samples for off-site tributylamine. field support command of about 20
analysis and characterisation • Phase 3 - destruction of phosphorus people and other support elements of
purposes; decontamination of tricholoride (PCl3). about 90 people. Denmark tapped
storage containers; and any other • Phase 4 - destruction of thionyl defence fund reserves earmarked for
support and verification activities, chloride (SOCl2). international operations. The UK
as deemed necessary. made available the Royal Fleet
The TSL also supported: contracts Incineration plant no 1 (Munster-1) Auxiliary Mounts Bay landing ship
for consultancy and contracting will be used to destroy the 2 dock, a detachment of Royal Marines
services, including subcontracting, chloroethanol, operating at 800- and contributed £500,000. Finland
special services agreements for 1,000oC. The afterburner of the provided a CBRN unit. France made
experts, contracts for interpreters, plasma arc system at incineration available Marseilles port facilities for
translators, medics and training; plant no 2 (Munster-2) will be used to equipment transfers. Italy sent a
travel related costs, including daily incinerate the tributylamine. The flue vessel to Libya to transport samples to
subsistence allowances, insurance, gas at Munster-2 will be cooled to the OPCW laboratory via Malta.
danger pay, and stand by duty 70oC before being passed through Denmark led operation removal of
allowances for personnel engaged in acidic and caustic scrubbers, chemical agents from Libya
planning, destruction, and verification respectively followed by electrical (OPRECLIB). A full conflict spectrum
activities; general operating expenses, precipitation and then passing was developed, including attacks by
including the rental of premises, through a final carbon filter. A armed groups at the port of Misrata.
furniture, vehicles, equipment, cargo specially constructed neutralisation On 25 August the ships conducted a
and courier services, port fees, system at Munster-1 using a caustic training exercise, including a crew
security, and maintaining equipment; soda solution will treat the extraction exercise to the Mounts Bay,
supplies and materials; and equipment phosphorus trichloride and thionyl at a specially closed port that Italy
costs, including computer hardware chloride. Pending sampling and made available. On 27 August at 04:30,
and software. analysis results the hydrolysis the operation began with a joint
Germany was the only country products might be incinerated. The Danish/Libyan military dive team
with facilities that could readily Canadian ISO tank containers are to inspecting the pier area for explosives
handle all four chemicals using be washed and checked for possible and obstructions. At 05:00 loading
existing technologies and residual contamination. CCTV is being commenced under radio silence. A
equipment. Based on the experience used to record points at the GEKA total of 23 containers, holding
of the Syrian maritime removal facility that are potentially vulnerable approximately 500 tonnes of
operation, the OPCW also decided to diversion. Libya will retain the legal chemicals, were loaded. The task force
that Denmark was best placed to use jurisdiction of the chemicals until travelled some 2,855nm over nine
its assets to effect the Libyan they are verifiably destroyed. days at 12-15knots, with the vessels
maritime removal operation. Destruction is to be completed within staying out of sight from the African
On 26 August 2016 the EC 15 months of the chemicals arriving coastline. The containers were
considered and adopted a decision on at GEKA MBH. checked for leaks approximately once
the plan for the destruction of Libya’s States providing assistance every 4 hours while enroute. On 8
category 2 chemicals outside its included Canada, Denmark, Finland, September the containers were
territory and an arrangement between France, Germany, Italy, Malta, Spain, transferred to Germany at Bremen.
the OPCW and Germany for the the UK and US. According to one For German legal reasons, the
destruction of these chemicals. Unless unofficial estimate, the total cost of imported chemicals were deemed
otherwise agreed, the OPCW would the Libyan removal operation was chemical waste. Partly for this
cover the costs of verification carried circa $7m, while the Syrian maritime reason, the OPCW had to conduct
out in Germany. The category 2 removal operation cost circa $20m. sampling and analysis of the
chemicals comprised phosphorus The Libyan donor architecture was chemicals prior to maritime removal
trichloride, thionyl chloride, based on in-kind contributions, operations. The OPG gave great
tributylamine and 2-chloroethanol. substantially shortening the normal attention to the development of air
Destruction would be done in four OPCW bidding process which typically and surface transportation options.
phases at the Gesellschaft zur takes four months or more. Canada The OPCW’s secure information
Entsorgung von Chemischen tapped its global partnership against exchange (SIX) was also adapted to

CBRNeWORLD
implement video documentation of we would be very happy if we can Iraq, CWC member states have
Libya’s sample packaging. finish this work before May or June expressed support for
Libya will implement an 2017 to close once and for all the institutionalising an OPCW field
environmental clean up at the dossier, because we [are] committed to sample analysis capability. Partly to
Ruwagha site. Problems partly stem the local community in Ruwagha to this end, the OPCW is establishing a
from the incineration and hydrolysis clean up the facility. You can imagine rapid response assistance team
products of pre-2016 sulphur mustard almost 30 years of storage in bad (RRAM) whose responsibilities
destruction operations, which possibly conditions, where the temperature is include the detection and
comprise several tonnes of over 50o, and very corrosive characterisation of toxic chemicals
contaminated salts. In addition, a chemicals, so a lot of chemicals being using on site analytical equipment;
number of the older tanks filled with leaked to the soil and evaporated. The sample taking (including biomedical)
phosphorus trichloride and thionyl cleaning up work will start in for off site analysis; and offering
chloride were badly corroded and February/March next year.” advice on how to secure an area for
probably leaked. A European official responded by forensic examination and to isolate
Libya’s permanent representative stating: “The EU has already forensic evidence.
to the OPCW stated on the record at committed through Ms Mogherini Authoritative information will
the annual EU non-proliferation [head of the European external action become available as the OPCW,
consortium meeting in Brussels in service] to pay for the expenses governments and other participants
November 2016: “We are putting whenever we have a plan and a budget issue lessons learned reports and the
together now a plan for the clean up [from Libya] for the decontamination individuals concerned speak publicly.
of the storage facility, and there is a in Ruwagha, and we plan to do that as
huge amount of chemicals after the soon as we have it.” *The views expressed are the author’s
destruction activities of sulphur In light of the latest maritime and do not necessarily reflect those of
mustard, and we will ask the EU for removal operation and continuing the Stockholm International Peace
the assistance with this project, and OPCW field monitoring support in Research Institute (SIPRI).
Jez Littlewood, assistant professor in the Norman Paterson School of

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International Affairs at Carleton University, Ottawa asks whether we should be
worried about the failure of diplomacy to solve biological weapon proliferation
The art of looking for trouble

T
he The Washington Post editorial For those at the frontline of declared facilities, and investigation
of 30 November 2016 focused on biological weapons issues, such as procedures for alleged or suspected
the risk of arms control biodefence, detection, mitigation and non-compliance with the BWC, and
agreements and weapons treaties public safety, the relevance of a stalled disputes about the relationship between
unravelling in the coming years.1 While diplomatic process is unlikely to affect disarmament and development and
the real focus of the piece was US- their work in the next few months and peaceful cooperation in the biological
Russian relations and nuclear weapons, years. But, the BWC matters and a crisis sciences, resulted in slow progress.
it opened the argument with reference in its routine diplomacy is not Negotiations dragged on into 2001,
to the 1972 Biological Weapons insignificant. While it is correct to note and with the change of US
Convention (BWC) and the eighth that neither national nor international administration from President Clinton
review conference (7-25 November law has been altered by the review (1993-2001) to President George W
2016) in Geneva. The conference conference, the convention is the Bush (2001-2009) came a change of
produced a ‘dismal outcome’ which fell foundation of much activity at the approach by the US. In the summer of
far short of the expectations and frontline of biosafety and biosecurity, as 2001 the US formally rejected the draft
ambitions of a number of states parties well as biodefence and other areas. text of the BWC protocol and noted no
and civil society groups. Unlike Thus, the failing diplomacy matters in a outcome would convince it that
previous review conferences no number of ways. verification of the BWC was possible.
programme of work for the period At the level of high politics between Less than two months later, 9/11
between the eighth and ninth review states, the review conference was a happened and the attacks on the US led
conferences was agreed – that is 2017 victim of wider clashes and differences to a fundamental reassessment of
to 2021. The usual, routine, assessment between states such as Iran and the US, national security threats and hardened
of each article of the BWC did not Russia and the US, and others. While an approach in the US that was already
result in a new final declaration that the adversarial relations between the US suspicious of multilateralism.
affirmed the obligations within each and others are not a direct cause of the In the BWC context, what emerged
article and developed additional dismal outcome they are a contributing from the collapsed negotiations was a
understandings that reflect the factor that cannot be easily isolated. All series of meetings focused on specific
consensus view of states parties.2 The international meetings are affected by topics under what became known as the
text agreed at the seventh review the context in which they occur, but the Intersessional Process (ISP). These
conference in 2011 was essentially BWC has usually (though not always) meetings were intended to ‘discuss and
repeated with very few modifications to been low enough on states’ agendas to promote common understandings and
reflect events, incidents and permit a managerial approach to issues effective action’ on specified topics such
developments since then. where arguments and different views as national implementation legislation,
For those who follow international are identifiable. So, the common cause codes of conduct for sciences, assistance
treaty negotiations and implementation of preventing biological weapons and protection in the event of use of
the crisis in diplomacy is a significant adoption and proliferation usually biological weapons and other issues.
issue. As Richard Guthrie noted: results in a compromise. Over time, between 2003 and 2005,
“Progress within the regime to control The roots of the 2016 dispute that 2007 and 2010, and 2012 and 2015,
biological weapons has been put back stymied further progress in the BWC go three ISPs were bookended by the fifth
many years”3 and long-standing back to 2001. During the 1990s, in the (2001-02), sixth (2006) and seventh
chemical and biological weapons analyst aftermath of the cold war, a propitious (2011) review conferences.
Jean-Pascal Zanders referred to the international climate for arms control In its original incarnation the ISP
outcome as:”A great disappointment”4. A saw the Chemical Weapons Convention was a rescue mission, intended simply
much harsher reality exists, however, finalised in 1993 and the to keep states parties talking about
and the fact remains that a treaty most Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty relevant issues in the wake of the
people have never heard of just completed in 1996. In this environment collapse of the protocol negotiations
completed a routine meeting and failed states parties to the BWC embarked and avoid a complete breakdown of
to agree on anything substantive. upon negotiations that were intended to diplomacy. They also served as a means
Although all key legal obligations strengthen the convention and lead to a to keep the US engaged with the BWC
remain in place and unaffected, there compliance and verification protocol for on a regular basis. As time wore on,
are concerns that a crisis in 2016 could the BWC. Although negotiations began however, while the ISPs never resulted
be a portent of the unravelling of arms in 1995, the difficult issues related to in effective action per se, because
control in the next few years. declarations, routine inspections of common understanding was simply

CBRNeWORLD
and finding it everywhere
The recent BWTC Revcon was anything but a staid affair ©US Mission in Geneva
about understandings and not agreed, negotiations would not have its support in the event of BW use, and commit to
mandatory obligations to be enacted, and others went along with that more time and a very slight increase in
they developed a life of their own. A approach for lack of better alternatives. resources seem to have been too much
temporary measure in 2002 was Not all states were willing to give up on for Iran, at least publicly, and for other
renewed in 2006, and in the absence of verification, however. The non-aligned states, that were less public about their
an alternative, renewed once more in movement (NAM) maintained a formal objections. Rather than see the
2011 even though most observers position in favour of verification and continuation and expansion of a process
agreed the process was limited and the Iran pushed ever harder against the US. in lieu of verification and formal
format stale. Thus, 2016 appears to have been a negotiations, Iran exercised its ability to
Moreover, the further states parties breaking point for Iran. thwart consensus decision-making and
travelled on from 2011, the further Plans to expand the ISP to include prevented a new ISP.
verification of the convention slipped working groups on specific issues In practical terms this crisis in
down the agenda. The US remained related to compliance, scientific and diplomacy may not last beyond
adamant that verification and formal technological developments, assistance December 2017, when the next meeting

CBRNeWORLD
The art of looking for trouble and finding it everywhere
of states parties is scheduled. If it is not consensus on an intersessional process’. 1

Editorial Board. 2016. Weapons treaties
resolved in December 2017, the BWC In addition, the three people based in look ready to unravel, and that’s a big
could remain in limbo with no regular Geneva who provide day to day support problem The Washington Post November
meetings of experts or states parties to the BWC, its implementation support 30 https://www.washingtonpost.com/
until 2021. By itself, that four year unit (ISU), were provided with a opinions/weapons-treaties-look-ready-to-
unravel-and-thats-a-big-
hiatus is not fatal to the normative or renewed mandate to continue their task.
problem/2016/11/30/2ffcf11e-b5ad-11e6-
legal prohibitions on biological As a result the procedures and existing b8df-600bd9d38a02_story.html?
weapons, but it could lead to architecture of the BWC have been utm_term=.743438df1446
inattention, which may in turn have a retained. The arguments of 2016 could
corrosive impact on the BWC as the be resolved by December 2017, making 2
Background on the routines of a review
convention becomes detached from real the eighth review conference a bump on conference and their salience can be found
world events. a road rather than a portent of collapse. at: Graham S Pearson, Nicholas A. Sims &
Such real world events are occurring In substantive terms, the limited Malcolm R Dando (editors). 2016.
at numerous levels: in science and outcome of 2016 does not signal the Strengthening the Biological Weapons
technology, in private and public beginning of the end of the BWC; in Convention (Bradford, UK; Division of
enterprises and laboratories, in ‘maker fact, the legal standing of the BWC is Peace Studies)
http://www.brad.ac.uk/acad/sbtwc/
communities’ and do-it-yourself bio unaffected. Nor does it mean that a
briefing/KeyPoints8.pdf
enthusiasts and biohackers and in the host of states are eagerly waiting to
emergence of a bioeconomy5. By far, the develop biological weapons, withdraw 3
BioWeapons Prevention Project. 2016. The
vast majority of this activity is from the convention, or ignore their Eighth BWC Review Conference: a minimal
legitimate and holds tremendous obligations under law. The very limited outcome RevCon Report 16, December 1.
promise for the future. Even so, the real outcome of the review conference is a http://www.cbw-events.org.uk/RC16-16.pdf
world is also infused with various risks, crisis, not a disaster. Anyway, BWC
from natural outbreaks of disease, states parties dealt with a more 4
The Trench. 2016. BTWC 8th RevCon
laboratory accidents, biocrimes, significant crisis in the recent past at Final Document. November 25.
sabotage and insider threats, and the their fifth review conference (2001) http://www.the-trench.org/btwc-8th-revcon-
risk of bioterrorism6. which was resolved in 2002. final-document/
As others have noted, if the BWC is There is no reason to be sanguine 5
For a discussion and outline of these
not attached and relevant to these about the outcome, however. A
issues see for example: Bowman, K, K
developments and communities it will sustained crisis in BWC diplomacy may
Hughes, and J L Husbands. 2011. Moving
wither away and alongside the end up having a corrosive impact on Forward: Trends in science and technology
normative constraints on biological global norms, regulations and practices and the future of the Biological Weapons
weapons may be weakened and the very related to the collective endeavour of Convention Bulletin of the Atomic
foundation of the legal constraints on preventing the proliferation and use of Scientists 67:3 16-25; the International
biological weapons may begin to biological and toxin weapons. In reality, Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM)
crumble7. The opportunity provided by the BWC is not the frontline of efforts, Foundation. http://igem.org/Main_Page
the eighth review conference ‘to but it is the foundation of them; its OECD. 2009. The Bioeconomy to 2030:
revitalise the bioweapons treaty by obligations are the legal and normative Designing a Policy Agenda
taking concrete actions to expand its basis for much activity. http://www.oecd.org/futures/long-
relevance, enhance its capacity to review The international community just termtechnologicalsocietalchallenges/
thebioeconomyto2030designinga
developments in science and failed to take a step forward at a time
policyagenda.htm
technology, and strengthen the when the risks of misuse of biology and
confidence of nations in the peaceful the life sciences are increasing. Any 6
A good overview of these issues is provided
intentions of their fellow treaty continued failure to respond to these at: Centre for Biosecurity and
members’ has been missed8. risks and take ameliorative actions Biopreparedness. 2016. Biological Security
It is important to establish what this may, over time, result in first line Threats – situation report on biological
missed opportunity does and does not officers and responders dealing with attacks, weapons development and misuse
mean. The conference was not, in fact, a more, and more dangerous bio- (Denmark) https://www.biosikring.dk/
complete failure. The next scheduled incidents in an environment where no_cache/nyhed0/article/385/361/
review conference was fixed for 2021, national support is evident in Western
continuing the five-yearly process, and a democracies, but international
7
Filippa Lentzos, Gregory D. Koblentz.
2016 It’s time to modernize the bioweapons
meeting of states parties was agreed for awareness, support and resources are
convention Bulletin of the Atomic
December 2017. Moreover, that meeting waning because of a failure in
Scientists November 4.
has been tasked to ‘make progress on diplomacy. This is not an inevitable http://thebulletin.org/it%E2%80%99s-time-
issues of substance and process for the outcome: but it has become more modernize-bioweapons-convention10128
period before the next review probable following the failure of a
conference, with a view to reaching routine diplomatic meeting. 8
Ibid.

Lillemor Örebrand of FOI explains a study on how stubble
CBRNeWORLD
affects the fit factor designed and led by Andreas Fredman and
Jerker Thorpsten, also of FOI
I moustache you a
question…
A
well-groomed and styled beard is sector. Its research areas include pressure air purifying respirators,
a men’s fashion trend nowadays. matters concerning all aspects of toxic hereafter denoted as the gas mask.
But is it possible for men to be chemicals, viruses, bacteria and ionising Twelve men were asked to join the
both stylish and safely protected using radiation including non-proliferation study. They were selected to represent
negative pressure full face air purifying and export control, disarmament issues various degrees of beard growth, beard
respirators, or do they have to choose? and threat assessments. stiffness, facial shape and experience in
Although it seemed to be an This study was performed to wearing masks.
established truth that any beard should examine how the fit factor of a negative Prior to the study each man
be avoided we found very few studies to pressure full face mask would be obtained a new mask and real-time fit
verify this. FOI, the Swedish defence affected with stubble of different checks were performed to ensure a
research agency, performed a study to lengths. We expected that the study good fit and that the correct size of
shed some light on the problem. would lead to valid results upon which mask was used, etc. They were also
FOI is a leading European research to base sound recommendations on instructed in how to don and doff the
institute in the defence and security stubble and use of full face negative mask correctly before the experimental
Figure 1. The daily mean value of all 12 men’s overall fit factor shows a negative trend.

CBRNeWORLD
I moustache you a question…
Figure 2. A comparison of personal variations.
tests started. The experimental part of 1. Normal breath 1 – hold head still worn for 10-15 minutes, which might
this study was carried out over 15 days. and breath normally. improve the seal due to increased
On the day before the study started, 2. Deep breath – take a deep breath moisture and heat.
day zero, all the men were asked to and exhale through mouth. On days one to four, new photos
clean shave. Photos of their chins and 3. Head side to side – look over each were taken of every man in the test,
cheeks were taken for reference. After shoulder at one second intervals. documenting the growth of the stubble.
this they were not allowed to shave at 4. Head up and down – look at the After his photo was taken, each man
all for 15 days. ceiling and then down to the floor at performed the fit tests with a short, five
The men were asked to don the one second intervals. minute break in between the two tests.
mask and successively enter the test- 5. Speak out loud – speak During days five to 13, no photos or fit
chamber. Inside the chamber a couple continuously during the entire tests were performed. On day 14, the
of tea lights, were used to create an exercise. final day of the test, a photo was taken,
aerosol challenge. The air inside the 6. Bending over – bend forward at the showing the overall beard growth, and
chamber was circulated by a fan, giving waist so the upper body is parallel to the final two fit tests were performed.
a uniform particle concentration. A the floor, hold the position for one The mean particle concentration in
PortaCount plus 8020 with a built-in second then repeat. the chamber for all days was measured
condensation particle counter was used 7. Normal breath 2 – hold head still and calculated to 240,000 ± 40,000
for all measurements. The PortaCount and breath normally. particles/cm3. A daily check was
was placed on a table inside the performed to make sure the
chamber together with a computer that After the first fit test was completed PortaCount was working properly.
logged all data, such as ambient the subject stepped out of the chamber When all fit tests were completed
particle concentration, fit factor for for approximately five minutes, and the results were calculated.
each exercise individually and overall then re-entered the chamber to
fit factor. perform a second fit test. During the Results and conclusions
The fit test consisted of seven pause he was not allowed to remove The main aim of this study was to
exercises. Each exercise was performed the mask. The second fit test was investigate whether the degree of
for 50 seconds. The exercises included identical to the first, but at the time of stubble would affect the fit factor when
in this study were: the second test the mask had been using a gas mask. As expected the

CBRNeWORLD
overall fit factor showed a negative three specific subjects. out of 12 showed lower fit factors on
trend, with significantly lower As can be seen, one man (dashed the last day of the study. Two men
protection factors obtained at day 14 line in figure 2) shows an excellent already showed lower fit factors on day
compared to the first day when the overall fit factor during the whole four. One man (circle in figure 3) did
men were clean shaven. The study. A slightly negative trend can not perform the fit tests at days three
PortaCount calculated an overall fit be seen, even though the fit factor for and four.
factor after each completed fit test. day 14 is remarkable high. For Regardless of the latest fashion for
The mean overall fit factor is plotted another man (solid line in figure 2) stubble, the old truth regarding
against time in figure 1. The error bars days zero, one and two show a very beards and gas masks seems to hold
do not just include the stubble effects high fit factor, followed by an true since the data in this study
but also variations between subjects. alarming drop in his fit factor in the suggests the following conclusions:
Regarding our assumption of a later measurements. The third man • Individual variations in beard
moisture sealing effect in the fit factor in this example (dotted line in figure growth, and possibly other factors as
for the second fit test performed as 2) also showed an overall decrease in well, to various degrees, negatively
compared to the first, it was observed his fit factor but seemed less affect the fit factor during a 14-day
that in over 70% of all fit tests the vulnerable for the first three days of period without shaving.
second was better. beard growth. • On a short time scale the fit factor
So, were there any differences in In summary, very high fit factors was improved, possibly because
fit factors between the 12 men, or were obtained in this study. In order moisture from the skin sealed the
were they all following the same to visualise the lower fit factors mask.
trend? It could be seen that stubble obtained for some men, figure 3 shows • To ensure the best possible fit and
affected the fit factor more for some of the overall fit factor zoomed in on the protection using a full face negative
the men than for others. For example, final day of the study. pressure air purifying respirator, be
figure 2 shows the differences between As can be seen in figure 3, six men sure to clean shave before donning.
Figure 3. Overall fit factor at the end of the study, zoomed in for better visualisation of the lower fit factors. The man
represented by the circle in the figure did not perform fit tests on days three and four.

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decontamination and protection, both civil and and detoxification, personnel decontamination and
military, with decontamination systems and materials detoxification.
products suitable for large-scale action and
capable of dealing with CBRN emergencies. Finally, Cristanini also produces an innovative
system for Chem-Bio Large Decontamination
Our CBRN decontaminant and detoxicant agents Volume named LDV-X, which is able to detoxicate
are effective against CBRN contamination and without damaging materials and with negligible
suitable for preventive sanitization operations. The final waste. In conclusion, we have a “System of
main CBRN decontaminat and detoxifying products Systems” and “Full Spectrum” solutions that are
include: cost saving through innovation and proven science
- The BX24, a product that removes the CB and proven on operations.
contamination and neutralises it. BX24 also
decontaminates RN contamination and is also
effective against TICs; www.cristanini.it
PROENGIN Biological and Chemical Detection Systems

Proengin has developed biological and – AP4C-F, on critical buildings and ships.
chemical warfare agents (CWA) field These detectors show same detection
detectors using flame spectrometry. performances, with characteristics suitable
for vehicles, buildings and ships, in terms
Chemical detection of autonomy and data networking.
AP4C is a hand held chemical detector
able to detect all CWA and many TICs, Biological detection
precursors, derivatives or unknown The biological detector MAB has the
(Novichok). Continuous measurement, fast unique capacity of detecting and
clear down after positive detection and categorizing biological particles with a
particular easiness of use make of this proven extremely low false alarm rate. It is
detector the perfect one for field missions. designed to trigger sampling and analysing
Range of products show also: devices.
– AP4C-V, aboard wheeled and tracked
reconnaissance vehicles, www.proengin.com
AirBoss Defense
AirBoss Defense is a world leader in the AirBoss Defense is an innovative, integrated
design, manufacturing and supply of CBRN company that leverages long-standing
personal protective equipment (PPE), expertise and advanced technologies to
emergency preparedness disaster relief, develop, design and produce ergonomic
healthcare and decontamination that includes : products that achieve the highest quality
- CBRN Protective hand wear and footwear standards. A unique capability of controlling
- Gas Masks and Powered Air Purifying the manufacturing process from material
Respirators (PAPRs) development through transformation to final
- Full range of Gas Mask / Respirator Filters product gives AirBoss Defense a competitive reputation of always delivering on promises in
- Rapid Deployable Shelters and Mass advantage, and assures providing end users terms of contract and project management,
Casualty Decontamination Systems the highest level of protection. product innovation, and on-time delivery that
- Healthcare Respirators fully comply with customer requirements.
- Individual Patient Isolation and AirBoss Defense maintains a dynamic team of
Transportation Systems (ISOPODs) professionals that has built the broad When it comes to safety and security, AirBoss
- Extreme Cold Weather Footwear knowledge base which contributes to its Defense offers The Ultimate Protection.
Proparms
Founded in 1973, in the Province of Québec, Canada, Proparms Ltd. specializes in the development of Explosive Ordnance Disposal
technology. Proparms is the sole designer and manufacturer of the Neutrex and Recoilless families of waterjet disrupters, along with
specialized ammunition and projectiles and a wide range of EOD/IEDD tools.
The company is ISO 9001:2008 certified and fully integrated, providing research and development, to precision manufacturing.Proparms is client
focused and safety conscious and provides in-service expert technical and training support. Proparms disrupters are powerful, versatile and can
be used in either manual or robotic deployment.
Proparms products are represented by agents worldwide and used in more than 80 countries by police, military, government agencies and
related authorities.

CAPABILITY PROFILES
Detection:
NBC-Sys: Innovation focusing on your Safety! Chemical toxic agent detector kit (KTDC) /
Fiel Biological Detection Kit (KDTB Gold®) /
From design to production to customer support, Individual Protection: Individual detector of neurotoxin agents
NBC-Sys covers numerous technologies Gas Masks-civilians, soldiers, helicopter pilots/ (DETINDIV)
against nuclear, radiological biological and Civilian: EVATOX (adult, child, baby), Paper detector notebook (PDF1)
chemical hazards. BIOPROTECT / Filtering Canister (NBC NATO,
ABEK, Wide spectrum) / Blower (CASU) / Sampling:
Military and Civilian Interventions face to Survival kits (LABIC, ISK) Sampling equipment (EPTBC – set of
Toxic Hazards: biological and chemical sampling and
NBC terrorism; Civil defence; Industrial Decontamination: transportation equipment – and sampling kit)
Accidents (Nuclear and Chemical); Hazmat MEERKAT®: Multi-purpose decontamination
Transportation Accidents; Emergency response equipment / Emergency: a range made with
and Disaster Management "Fuller's earth" ingredient, powdering gloves and
decontamination kit / DSSM: Decontam-ination Contact:
Collective Protection : System for Sensitive Material / SYMODA: Tel: +33 477 191921
Air conditioning & Filtration unit for vehicles, MObile SYstem for Air Decontamination / Fax: +33 4 77 19 1929
tents and ships /Complete range of filters (NBC, CERPE: personal decontamination line / SDA: Sales@nbc-sys.com
NBC+TIC's) from 12 to 300 m3/h thorough decontamination system of vehicles www.nbc-sys.com
Federal Resources
Federal Resources is a key provider of mission
critical solutions for protection, detection and
safety products for the DoD, Federal, State and
local agencies. Offering total life-cycle solutions
from procurement, training, management and
sustainment, Federal Resources continuously
advances organization segments delivering the
support needed for any mission faced by
responders in the hotzone.
Battelle: Solving the World’s Most Complex Chemical and Biological Defense Challenges
For more than 25 years, • Material, Product, and System To solve your most pressing
government agencies and Test & Evaluation challenges, Think Battelle First.
manufacturers alike have trusted
• Products and Lifecycle
Battelle to solve their chemical 1.800.201.2011
Management
and biological defense challenges. solutions@battelle.org
• Threat Assessment www.battelle.org/mission-ready
With expertise in dozens of inter-
related scientific disciplines, • Medical Surveillance,
unmatched chemical and biological Diagnostics and Intervention
test facilities, advanced product • Mission Support Services
design and manufacturing, and
objectivity as the world’s largest • Applied Genomics
independent R&D organization, • Chemical Demilitarization
Battelle provides comprehensive
chemical and biological defense
solutions, including:
PlumeSIM-SMART™ - Subscription based CBRN / HazMat training simulators

PlumeSIM-SMART provides a powerful enhancement to warfare instruments to monitor the simulated threat.
your Table Top and Live Field CBRN / HazMat Activity and movement is recorded to provide extensive
Exercises using SMART-SIM simulators implemented after action review analysis, enhance student learning
as applications (Apps). and verify response team, cell controller, senior
management and commander performance.
Ideal for your COMAH / SEVESO type offsite industrial
release exercises and CBRN related incident training, a
variety of different types of scenario based upon a
Chemical, Radiological or hazardous material threats
and releases can be implemented.
Supporting multi participant Table Top and large area

field exercises, users select simulators from a library Web: www.argonelectronics.com
that includes radiological, multi gas, and chemical Email: info@argonelectronics.com

CAPABILITY PROFILES
Cam Lock Ltd
Cam Lock Ltd is one of the world’s leading specialists in the
design and manufacture of personal protection life support
systems. With an impressive range of products including aircrew
oxygen masks, CBRN Respirators, industrial working respirators,
emergency escape sets and fire fighter breathing apparatus,
Cam Lock leads the industry in respiratory life support.
SEC Technologies
SEC Technologies is a trusted partner for customers around the globe when it comes to detection of
chemical and biological warfare agents and industrial toxic chemicals from distance. Our active stand-
off detectors have detection range of 6 km and unmatched sensitivity on the market.
SEC Technologies is the only company that has developed a working battle-field proven active stand-
off detector for chemical and biological warfare agents. This success motivates us, to invest further
into R&D and bring innovative solutions to our customer and in such a way contribute to safety and
security of people around the globe.
CBRNe
CBRNe Convergence
CONveRgeNCe europe
CBRNe Convergence Conference & Exhibition

Growing closer, staying distinct: merging civilian and military
response to CBRN, IED and hazmat threats
Meet and network with your existing and prospective customers

at our two events in 2017
• CBRNe Convergence Europe- London, May 16-18, 2017
• 10th Annual CBRNe Convergence, Indianapolis, uSA, November 6-8, 2017
To exhibit or be a sponsor at these leading events contact:

David Levitt at david.levitt@cbrneworld.net James Ross at james.ross@cbrneworld.net
www.cbrneworld.com

CBRNeWORLD Governor Gabriel Cinomis, a Prairie Dog, gives his

opinion of CBRN matters from his unique perspective
Prairie Dog
Entering the mayoral den this morning, I I certainly did have things that without much forethought, to take to
found Ms Chuckworthy sobbing at her needed my attention, not the least of various social media platforms to say
desk! She sat up quickly and made a good which was an upcoming (but yet to be the absolute stupidest things and facts
show of returning to the stalwart fully scheduled) meeting with the prime be damned.
assistant I have depended on for over 10 minion-elect. The Pumpkin’s ‘people’, If I were to say the wrong thing in a
years, but I had seen the improbable and namely his daughter, Cucurbita, had meeting with Pumpkin, might I not
felt it necessary to enquire. contacted my office to arrange a meeting. expect then to see some social media
“Oh, mayor, really, there’s nothing I was asked to prepare some talking missive disparaging my mayoral office,
amiss. I…I…I had something in my eye.” points on the priorities for Dogtown but, myself or my staff? I certainly don’t have
“Yes you did, Ms Chuckworthy. Tears. frankly, I did not see the need to put in enough gold and gems on display here
Now what is upsetting you?” too much effort as the Pumpkin is known (none in fact) to make the mayoral den
She paused for a bit, looking this way to have a notoriously low tolerance for seem like a place Pumpkin would want to
and that. The mayoral den was empty serious discussion, let alone facts and visit or be seen visiting. I am certain I’ll
this morning as I did not have any figures. be summoned to his palace, Gourd
pending appointments so close to the I considered informing Pumpkin that Towers, for the meeting or maybe that
holidays. his best friend forever, Wroclaw Paedo is ridiculous hotel he built in Dogtown.
“Mayor Cinomis, someone assembled a dangerous sociopath and was simply How technical may I be in my
a number of photographs on the break manipulating him with flattery and discussions? Not very if what I read is any
room corkboard. Quite a few from over praise, much like one might do with a indication. The Pumpkin has thus far
the years, including a very striking small pup. One hopes Pumpkin does not neither believed any intelligence provided
colour photograph of you in front of the make the same mistakes with No Dong to him nor availed himself of the
flag out at the desert test range.” Ill or the Bastard. briefings, suggesting that
“Really? I shall have to travel down I was asked to discuss CBRN with technical/serious discussions are not
there and take a look. I take it this Pumpkin. I did write up something but something for which he has the patience
photographic assemblage was the cause I’m not certain as to where my notes to listen.
of your distress? I hope nothing classified have gone. Suffice to say, I fear Pumpkin Perhaps I can simply reduce the
was placed on the board?!” may actually think chemical and various concepts down to primary school
“No, nothing like that, sir, but biological weapons have a use or place in level sound bites. Use some flashy colours
someone did manage to tack up your our arsenal and not recognise them for and needless hyperbole. Intersperse this
hospital bracelet from that time you were indiscreet indirect weapons of mass with blatant appeals to his legendary
poisoned. There was a cover page from effect. Given his dog crush on Paedo and vanity. Comment on his coiffure-du-jour.
the Armageddon Plan but just the cover. that regime’s apparent blind eye to the Remark on the beautiful orange hue of
I think we ended up using the rest of the Bastard’s use of chemical weapons on his his fur and how it simply is THE BEST.
plan to line the canary cages. No, it was own populace, what might his position be Given some past reports, I could say I
some pictures, purportedly of me but on such things? want to bed Cucurbita in the mayoral
actually they were of that assistant for The Pumpkin has spoken about den or wherever because, well, dogs like
Mr Bent, Ms Twitchy; the one who was abrogating various treaties, or at us can just get away with these things. I
sleeping with him.” minimum, making disastrous policy shall have to run some of this by Ms
“Now, now, Ms Chuckworthy! There changes with regard to decades-long Chuckworthy, but in small doses, so she
was never any proof of that sordid commitments. Could the prohibitions does not vomit.
rumour. Well, except for the lipstick against the manufacture, use and Am I deeply concerned? Yes, yes I am.
stains on his collar. I suppose their deployment of chemical and biological These next few years are going to be
closeness during meetings where she’d weapons also be on the chopping quite challenging here in Dogtown. Many
sit on his lap. Then there’s…” block? What about nuclear weapons and are worried that Pumpkin’s quick temper
“Sir! The point is that those the decades long work of trying to will cause him to order the launch of a
photographs of her sitting there in those decrease the overall number of such on nuclear weapon to settle some petty
shameless stockings and the other the planet? I have a feeling the Great dispute and thereby end the world. Some
intimating she’d been intimate with Coch Bear would certainly love to see that strongly suspect Pumpkin will be
Mawr – they are captioned as being me!” trend reversed. impeached within a couple of years. Then
“Oh dear! I can certainly see why you’re Some might say I am being I will simply have to deal with a religious
distressed but no one who knows you needlessly alarmist and simply crazy dog. Why, now, does that seem like
would ever mistake you for Ms Twitchy.” participating in a conjectural fantasy. it would be such a relief?
The rest of the conversation was Thus far, the actions of the prime
equally productive and I soon went (fled) minion-elect suggest he is anything but ‘Til next I poke my head up.
to my mayoral desk. predictable and willing, apparently Gabriel Cinomis
CBRNe Convergence, San Diego, California, USA, 31 October - 2 November, 2016 www.cbrneworld.com/convergence2016

Reliable Results from
the Lab to the Field
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CBRNe December 2016 Cover and Spine v4:CBRNe December 2016 Cover and Spine v4 21/12/2016 14:54 Page 1

Unleashing the beast Gallant effort Devil in the detail

Ensuring sensor and PPE efficacy

Advancing medical countermeasures

Improving armor and energetics

Modeling WMD risks

CBRNe Convergence Europe, Westminster, London, UK, 17 - 18 May, 2017 www.cbrneworld.com/convergenceeurope

www.cbrneworld.com December 2016 CBRNe WORLD 1

The veins of wires:

CBRNe Convergence Europe, Westminster, London, UK, 17 - 18 May, 2017 www.cbrneworld.com/convergenceeurope

2 CBRNe WORLD December 2016 www.cbrneworld.com

Outstanding achievement Argon Electronics 32

Smash and grab: Biofire 7

51-53 CBRNe Convergence 2017

CBRNE Convergence Europe

Surviving a toxic relationship: Cristanini 28

CBRNe World (ISSN No: 2040 - 2724, USPS No: 000 -

CBRNe Convergence Europe, Westminster, London, UK, 17 - 18 May, 2017 www.cbrneworld.com/convergenceeurope

www.cbrneworld.com December 2016 CBRNe WORLD 3

CBRNe Convergence Europe, Westminster, London, UK, 17 - 18 May, 2017 www.cbrneworld.com/convergenceeurope

4 CBRNe WORLD December 2016 www.cbrneworld.com

CBRNe Convergence Europe, Westminster, London, UK, 17 - 18 May, 2017 www.cbrneworld.com/convergenceeurope

www.cbrneworld.com December 2016 CBRNe WORLD 5

Soliders killed by suicide bomb improvised explosive devices Blackfish!

CBRNe Convergence Europe, Westminster, London, UK, 17 - 18 May, 2017 www.cbrneworld.com/convergenceeurope

6 CBRNe WORLD December 2016 www.cbrneworld.com

Learn more at www.BioFireDefense.com

Under a stranger sun

CJTF OIR cannot hit Daesh CW when they

CBRNe Convergence Europe, Westminster, London, UK, 17 - 18 May, 2017 www.cbrneworld.com/convergenceeurope

8 CBRNe WORLD December 2016 www.cbrneworld.com

CBRNe Convergence Europe, Westminster, London, UK, 17 - 18 May, 2017 www.cbrneworld.com/convergenceeurope

www.cbrneworld.com December 2016 CBRNe WORLD 9

GW: The problem with that kind of

CBRNe Convergence Europe, Westminster, London, UK, 17 - 18 May, 2017 www.cbrneworld.com/convergenceeurope

10 CBRNe WORLD December 2016 www.cbrneworld.com

GW: Trigger is a great word for this

CBRNe Convergence Europe, Westminster, London, UK, 17 - 18 May, 2017 www.cbrneworld.com/convergenceeurope

12 CBRNe WORLD December 2016 www.cbrneworld.com

CBRNe Convergence Europe, Westminster, London, UK, 17 - 18 May, 2017 www.cbrneworld.com/convergenceeurope

www.cbrneworld.com December 2016 CBRNe WORLD 13

CBRNe World approached a variety of experts to find out what

CBRNe Convergence Europe, Westminster, London, UK, 17 - 18 May, 2017 www.cbrneworld.com/convergenceeurope

www.cbrneworld.com December 2016 CBRNe WORLD 15

CBRNe Convergence Europe, Westminster, London, UK, 17 - 18 May, 2017 www.cbrneworld.com/convergenceeurope

16 CBRNe WORLD December 2016 www.cbrneworld.com

CBRNe Convergence Europe, Westminster, London, UK, 17 - 18 May, 2017 www.cbrneworld.com/convergenceeurope

www.cbrneworld.com December 2016 CBRNe WORLD 17

LBM FR-C2A1 Filter M96 Filter

WIZARD RECOILLESS DISRUPTER

POWER to decap a pipe bomb

CBRNe Convergence Europe, Westminster, London, UK, 17 - 18 May, 2017 www.cbrneworld.com/convergenceeurope

www.cbrneworld.com December 2016 CBRNe WORLD 19

CBRNeWORLD The feedback on our 2016 covers has been fantastic,

CBRNe Convergence Europe, Westminster, London, UK, 17 - 18 May, 2017 www.cbrneworld.com/convergenceeurope

20 CBRNe WORLD December 2016 www.cbrneworld.com

Nick had the unenviable job of illustrating

insurance”. He loves the creepy, and the

CBRNe Convergence Europe, Westminster, London, UK, 17 - 18 May, 2017 www.cbrneworld.com/convergenceeurope

www.cbrneworld.com December 2016 CBRNe WORLD 21

Ironically this was planned to be one of

Cathrine Langwagen I knew that I had found the perfect

CBRNe Convergence Europe, Westminster, London, UK, 17 - 18 May, 2017 www.cbrneworld.com/convergenceeurope

22 CBRNe WORLD December 2016 www.cbrneworld.com