CROSS-REFERENCE

CBRN TASKS

Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear

About this page: CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) tasks are not a separate lane in the ESB. They are integrated across the Patrol and Medical lanes — reflecting the Army's approach that every Soldier must be CBRN-ready regardless of their primary task.

This page pulls all CBRN-related tasks together in one place for focused study. Each task still belongs to its home lane (shown on the card) and is tested at that lane's station during ESB validation.

CBRN Key Concepts for ESB

MOPP Levels

Mission-Oriented Protective Posture. Ranges from MOPP 0 (gear available) to MOPP 4 (full protective ensemble). The grader will specify the MOPP level for each task.

JSLIST

Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology — the protective suit worn during CBRN operations. Know how to don and doff correctly.

9-Second Standard

You have 9 seconds to don your protective mask from the command "GAS! GAS! GAS!" This is the single hardest time standard in the ESB — practice until it's automatic.

CBRN-1 Report

The standard NBC contamination report format. Required when marking contaminated areas (ESB5). Know the line items and correct radio transmission procedures.

CBRN-Related Tasks

P5 Patrol Lane 9 sec mask don
CBRN Operations

Don protective mask within 9 seconds — instant NO-GO if slower. Shout "GAS! GAS! GAS!" Assume MOPP level, perform decontamination procedures.

CRITICAL: 9-SECOND MASK DON — hard time standard, no exceptions.
ESB5 Patrol Lane Per sequence
Mark CBRN-Contaminated Areas

Properly place CBRN contamination markers. Markers point AWAY from contamination (warning faces outward). Submit CBRN-1 report through chain of command.

CRITICAL: Markers must face AWAY from contamination — reversed markers = NO-GO.
M8 Medical Lane 5 minutes
Open Head Wound in CBRN Environment

Treat an open head wound while maintaining MOPP posture. Do NOT remove the casualty's protective mask. Do NOT apply pressure to visible brain matter — dress loosely.

CRITICAL: Do NOT apply direct pressure to exposed brain matter. Do NOT remove casualty's mask.
P4 Patrol Lane Per sequence
Camouflage & Visual Signaling

While not exclusively CBRN, camouflage techniques are tested in conjunction with MOPP gear awareness. All exposed skin must be covered including ears, neck, and hands.

CBRN Study Tips

  • Practice the 9-second mask don daily. This is the most failed timed standard in the ESB. Your hands need to find the mask, clear it, and seal it without thinking. Do it with your eyes closed.
  • Know your MOPP levels cold. The grader will tell you what level — you need to know exactly what gear goes on at each level without hesitating.
  • CBRN markers point AWAY from the contamination. The text/warning on the marker faces outward so approaching personnel can read it. This is counterintuitive — practice the orientation.
  • In CBRN medical situations, never remove the casualty's mask. Even to treat head/face wounds. Work around the mask. If you remove it, the casualty is exposed — and you get a NO-GO.
  • RSDL (Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion) is used for skin decon. Know where it is on the JSLIST and how to apply it — the grader may ask you to demonstrate.
Patrol Lane Quick Reference