CBRN Officer Versus CBRN Warrant Officer

摘要

"Following the events of 11 September 2001 and continuing through the current operating environment, the role of the Chemical Corps has evolved from conducting conventional chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) passive defense to encompassing the full spectrum of operations, including consequence management; weapons of mass destruction-elimination; and toxic industrial chemical, toxic industrial material, and radiological hazards mitigation."1 This new focus has placed an even greater emphasis on the need for Chemical Corps Soldiers who arc technical experts in the areas of CBRN hazards and operations.The Chemical Corps supplies the Army with highly trained CBRN experts. "Currently, the Corps is composed of officers, noncommissioned officers, and enlisted Soldiers. There are not, nor have there ever been, warrant officers in the Chemical Corps."2 The increase in technical CBRN requirements has resulted in a greater challenge regarding the development of incoming lieutenants. "Unit expectations for these new [soon-to-be platoon leaders, executive officers, and] battalion CBRN officers [have] shifted from combined arms tactics and leadership advisor to technical expert for all new technologies developed and fielded to support the expanding missions."~3