Technology helps New York National Guard prepare for chemical and radiological threats

A New York City Police officer assigned to the NYPD's Chemical Ordnance, Biological and Radiological Awareness (COBRA) unit goes through decontamination during a joint exercise with New York Army National Guard Soldiers of the 222nd Chemical Company, based at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, N.Y. at the NYPD's Rodman's Neck Tactical Village in the Bronx, N.Y., on Saturday Nov. 19, 2016.The National Guard Soldiers and the members of the places of the COBRA Training Unit used the exercise to share techniques and procedures, and enhance readiness in case of a disaster or terrorist attack.

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New York National Guard

A New York City Police officer assigned to the NYPD's Chemical Ordnance, Biological and Radiological Awareness (COBRA) unit goes through decontamination during a joint exercise with New York Army National Guard Soldiers of the 222nd Chemical Company, based at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, N.Y. at the NYPD's Rodman's Neck Tactical Village in the Bronx, N.Y., on Saturday Nov. 19, 2016.The National Guard Soldiers and the members of the places of the COBRA Training Unit used the exercise to share techniques and procedures, and enhance readiness in case of a disaster or terrorist attack.

NEW YORK - Military teams trained to detect, identify and stop various threats are helping local responders keep the country safe. The Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Response Team, or CBRN, are specialized teams trained to sniff out potential chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear attacks. CBRN teams are strategically positioned all over the U.S. and its territories.

Defense TV got a closer look at how CBRN teams train by tagging along with the 24th Civil Support team in the New York City area. The exercise simulated real world scenarios involving an unknown chemical agent.

The New York National Guard’s 24th Civil Support Team trains on how to enter buildings where potential threats –like nerve agents– may be. Then, they identify any hazards that may exist by decontaminating the area, setting up a command post for communications, and ultimately, the team enters the hot zone.

Watch the latest episode of Defense TV to learn more about how the CBRN team works.

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