174th CBRNE Defense Awareness class offered Published Feb. 10, 2009 By Senior Airman Kevin K. Dean 174th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Syracuse, NY -- The 174th Fighter Wing emergency management office here took the unique step of combining the computer based training and hands on skills Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRNE) Defense course into single day-long course. The day-long course was necessitated because the computer-based training was not available, so the emergency management staff here adapted to the situation and offered a day-long class. Staff Sgt Anthony M. Scuderi, 174th Fighter Wing CBRNE instructor, said the course is a deployable requirement for all Hancock Field personnel and it also satisfies the explosives ordnance reconnaissance course requirements. Air Guard members must complete the requirement within 60 days if they are deploying. AFI 10-2501 requires two types of CBRNE training to be accomplished by Air Guard members every 20 months. The first phase of training, CBRNE Defense Awareness, involves explosive ordnance reconnaissance and this computer-based training is accomplished in the Advanced Distance Learning System through the Air Force Portal. After completing CBRNE Defense Awareness, most personnel also complete the CBRNE Defense Survival Skills Course. He explained the students get into the full chemical gear suit, including mask, and then practice communications skills, hydration techniques, and inspection of CBRNE gear. The Emergency Management Office here manages the unit disaster preparedness program, directs disaster preparedness activities, and plans with all base units and nearby military and civilian organizations.