Eng. / Fr.

Chemical, Biological, Radiological,
and Nuclear Defence Battalion

How does it work in practice?

The Multinational CBRN Defence Battalion falls under the operational control of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). Operational control can be delegated to a subordinate command if required.

NATO’s Allied Command Transformation provides evaluation standards, supports training and evaluation standards, determines future NBC defence requirements, and develops enhancing capabilities.

The Battalion level organization is composed of personnel from a number of NATO countries, on standby for a period of six months (termed a ‘rotation’). Like the NATO Response Force (NRF), dedicated personnel are based in their countries, coming together for training and deployment.

A voluntary lead country is identified for each rotation. The lead country hosts the Battalion headquarters, responsible for command and control arrangements, maintaining standard operational procedures, sustaining readiness levels and for planning and conducting collective, multi-national training. Contributing countries supply functional capabilities. This includes providing requisite troops, equipment and logistical support in accordance with mission requirements. The first rotation, led by the Czech Republic, consisted of personnel from eleven NATO countries.

The Battalion is composed of separate but complimentary components, which can be deployed in different stages and different combinations to suit the mission. Although based on a designed structure of companies, platoons and speciality teams, it is not a “one size fits all” solution to emerging crisis situations.  It may be composed of the following organizational elements:

  • Headquarters Command and Control. Tailored command and control capabilities with a robust communications package to support assigned and attached organizations;
  • Joint Assessment Team. Comprised of specialists that provide CBRN-related advice and support;
  • Reconnaissance. Designed to provide route, area and point detection and identification of agents;
  • Decontamination. Maintains the capability to decontaminate personnel and equipment;
  • Deployable CBRN Laboratories. Designed to provide expert sampling, analysis, and scientific advice to support operational commanders.

The Battalion has a close relationship with the NATO Response Force. While it can be deployed independently, it is consistent with and compliments the NRF. Its strength is included in the NRF count. And, like the NRF, it can deploy within 5 to 20 days.