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Belgium Strengthens Its Preparedness for CBRN Attacks Through Intensive Drills.
The 4th Engineering Battalion of Amay, Belgium, recently dedicated an entire week to high-level training on CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) risks. Organized by the 315th Support Company, this session aimed to strengthen the skills of 35 soldiers from the 14th Combat Engineer Company, preparing them to face invisible threats and act effectively in case of an incident.
The 4th Engineering Battalion of Amay, Belgium, recently dedicated an entire week to high-level training on CBRN risks. (Picture source: Belgium MoD)
Over the course of this five-day training, soldiers participated in an intensive program that included detailed theoretical lessons on recognizing CBRN threats, decontamination, and using specialized equipment. The primary goal of the session was to enhance each soldier's operational efficiency in managing CBRN risks while maintaining their expertise in combat engineering.
First Sergeant Franck, a CBRN instructor, explained that the training allowed participants to review individual and collective procedures for dealing with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear dangers. In addition to the theoretical sessions, practical exercises were conducted, allowing soldiers to apply these skills in simulated field scenarios. One of the most striking moments of the week was the passage through the MER (Mask Exercise Room), where soldiers, wearing their protective equipment, operated in an environment saturated with tear gas. The exercise concluded with the removal of the masks, allowing soldiers to directly experience the effects of the gas, an experience that reinforced their trust in their protective gear.
Franck added, "The goal of this training is to make our soldiers capable of significantly reducing risks in the event of a CBRN threat, even if total decontamination is not always possible on the field. The techniques taught are essential to managing a crisis as effectively as possible."
One of the unique aspects of this training is that it does not turn soldiers into CBRN specialists but allows them to integrate these new skills into their combat engineering tactical repertoire. This requires a pragmatic approach where decontamination and protection techniques must blend seamlessly with traditional engineering missions, such as infrastructure construction, explosive neutralization, and providing assistance during natural disasters.
Private Arnaud, an OWS gunner on an AIV, testified, "This training allowed us to refresh our knowledge and improve our operational efficiency. As combat engineers, it is essential to acquire these skills to be able to intervene effectively in the event of a CBRN threat."
The 4th Engineering Battalion, a key component of the Belgian Motorized Brigade, comprises nearly 600 soldiers, known as "geniaques." Their expertise covers a wide range of essential tasks, from explosive neutralization to infrastructure construction, road development, and support for troops. In addition to these specific skills, the battalion also intervenes during natural disasters, such as floods.
Recruits in the 4th Engineering Battalion follow a rigorous training path, beginning with the Military Initiation Phase (PIM) before specializing in technical fields such as combat engineering, CBRN decontamination, and construction techniques. The unit is home to CBRN decontamination experts and combat engineers trained to operate in harsh environments and intervene in high-pressure situations, including those involving CBRN threats.
Through this intensive and hands-on training, the 4th Engineering Battalion in Belgium has allowed its soldiers to strengthen their mastery of CBRN risks, an area where responsiveness and preparation are crucial. This initiative underscores the importance of maintaining a high level of expertise in an ever-evolving operational context, where CBRN threats can have devastating consequences. The battalion continues to play a vital role in the security and effectiveness of the Belgian armed forces.