Civilian soldiers complete training as quick responders for chemical contamination

 

The 436th Chemical Company of the Texas Army National Guard has completed its first week of annual training at Camp Mabry in Austin with the 6th Civil Support Team (CST) from Austin .

The 58 Laredo civilian soldiers were visited by local dignitaries and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) personnel over the weekend at Camp Mabry to observe the intensive training to prepare the local unit as one of the 12 teams being trained for quick respond as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, or High Yield Explosive (CBRNE) team in FEMA 6 region area.

Among those attending were Lt. Blas Garza of the Webb County Sheriff's Office, Pct. 1 Constable-elect Rudy Rodriguez, and Laredo Fire Department representative officer Rodolfo Romero. Local ESGR representative MSG Adolfo “Popo” Gonzalez was the point of contact for the 436th Chemical Company of the 36th Infantry Division.

ESGR personnel were treated to an MRE meal with the soldiers after observing the setting up and tearing down of a Reeves decontamination system by the 436th Chemical team at Camp Mabry .

Visitors observed a mock exercise in which one soldier team dressed as civilians contaminated by chemical warfare were de-contaminated by a second team of responders.

“Laredo Chemical soldiers have exceeded expectations in the CBRNE training and will be ready for certification in Laredo in September 2004,” said Capt. John R. Lewis, commanding officer of the 436th Chemical company.

A team from the 6th CST will be making arrangements to have the certification issued in Laredo for the 58 civilian soldiers who are members of local law enforcement agencies.

The unit finished the first week on Sunday after going through an SRP (Soldier Readiness Process). The group is scheduled to conclude its two week annual training Saturday with their families at the Casa Blanca State park picnic grounds.