1. Purpose. This chapter provides NBC training and readiness considerations.

2. Overview. Training, readiness reporting, and environmental concerns must be considered when discussing support for NBC defense.

3. Joint NBC Training. Although individual training and exercises to test proficiency remain under the purview of the Services, NBC defense will be integrated into individual and collective programs at all levels and into higher echelon operational and tactical exercises, command post and other C3 system exercises, and joint and multinational training exercises. The objectives of this training are to develop and evaluate the readiness of US and allied military forces and mission-essential civilians to operate in an NBC environment and to ensure proficiency with defensive NBC equipment, materials, and procedures.

a. Service Responsibilities. Each Service will incorporate NBC defense training into its overall training plan for units and individuals. This training should not only acquaint personnel with defensive measures but also stress proficiency in the individual's primary skill area in an NBC environment. Training is the only counter to the degradation of job proficiency because of NBC protective equipment. All personnel should be included in this training. Rear area personnel, air and ship crews, tank crews (with filtered overpressure systems), and particularly those in high-level command or staff positions should not be exempt from NBC training.

b. Joint and Multinational Exercises. All appropriate joint and multinational exercises should incorporate NBC situations with prolonged operations in an NBC environment. This joint training is the responsibility of the JFC.

c. Exchange Programs. Exchange programs provide a mechanism for enhanced joint and multinational NBC training. These exchange programs include reciprocal unit exchanges, personnel exchange programs, individual exchanges, and combination programs.

(1) Reciprocal Unit Exchanges. These programs allow each nation's forces to train with other nations in NBC tactics, techniques, and procedures. This program is a good vehicle to familiarize units in multinational NBC training. To do so would be an extension of the security assistance training programs. The proficiency of the units must be comparable to preclude exchanging fully trained US forces for untrained HN forces.

(2) Personnel Exchange Programs. This is a 1 to 3 year program where a person from the HN is exchanged with a US member. This program, like reciprocal unit exchanges, requires the exchanged personnel to be of comparable proficiency in their area of expertise.

(3) Individual Exchanges. This is similar to the personnel exchange program. However, it is different in that it is a temporary duty (TDY) program conducted in-theater. This program gives commanders greater flexibility because the command will not lose personnel for extended periods, and it allows commanders to expose larger portions of the force to the program.

(4) Combination Programs. Commanders should consider combining security assistance efforts with joint or multinational exercises to obtain maximum benefit for all concerned. For example, exchange of key personnel during exercises will gain more in terms of interoperability than exchanges during normal operational periods.

a. NBC readiness reporting conforms with CJCS and Service requirements. Units designated as reporting units in CJCS MOP 11 will report chemical and biological defense equipment and training status as a part of the Status of Resources and Training System (SORTS) in accordance with Joint Pub 1-03.3 and Service directives. SORTS is the single, automated report that provides the NCA, Joint Staff, CINCs, and Services with authoritative identification, location, and resource information on operational units within the US Armed Forces.

b. SORTS supports, in priority order, the information requirements of users for the following activities: crisis response planning; deliberate or peacetime planning; and management responsibilities to organize, train, and equip forces used by the combatant commands.

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