319th AMXS develops Mission Ready Airmen through CBRN training Published May 30, 2025 By Senior Airman Anthony Nunez-Pellicer 319th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Airmen from the 319th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron engaged in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear response training April 19, 2025. This course is part of the Ready Airman Training requirements and ensures airmen are equipped to recognize and respond to threats posed by hazardous materials, including toxic chemicals, biological agents, radiation and nuclear fallout. CBRN instructors from the 319th Civil Engineer Squadron guided airmen through the correct procedures for donning and using Mission-Oriented Protective Posture gear, which includes gas masks, protective outerwear, gloves and overboots. The ensemble is designed to shield servicemembers from exposure to toxic or radioactive materials. The course features both classroom and hands-on instruction. The instructional phase covered MOPP gear inspections and identification methods for hazardous substances. The hands-on section placed airmen in simulated CBRN-contaminated environments where they were evaluated on their efficiency and efficacy in donning their MOPP gear and performing “buddy checks” to ensure their teammates’ gear was on correctly. “We often bring up real-world examples, like the Anthrax attacks, to show the airmen how relevant and serious this training is,” said Senior Airman Karlie Hicks, emergency management apprentice for the 319th CES. “In deployed settings, there’s no time to waste, they have to gear up fast and be mission-ready.” Participants also learned to use M8 Chemical Detector Paper, which helps identify the presence of liquid nerve and blister agents. CBRN readiness equips airmen across all career fields with the tools and knowledge to manage contamination threats, especially in situations where emergency management teams may not be available, such as deployments and temporary duty locations. “Our job is seen as a worst-case scenario and we hope that it never happens,” said Airman 1st Class Isaiah Schimmel, emergency management apprentice for the 319th CES. “Many Airmen see MOPP gear as a pain to wear; however, that ‘pain in the rear’ might end up saving your life as long as you know how to properly wear it. You never know when things are going to go down, so take the initiative now so you don’t get blindsided later.” As the 319th Reconnaissance Wing continues to align with the Air Force Force Generation deployment model, training events like this are key to ensuring airmen are ready at a moment’s notice to deliver combat-ready airpower anytime, anywhere.