How to Conduct a CBRN Vulnerability Analysis

Table of Contents

Introduction

The following materials comes from IT-031-504-4086 “Prepare a CBRN Vulnerability Analysis” (2014), prepared by the US Army. It details the steps to assess and score unit vulnerability to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats.

The Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures Manual (ATTP) 3-11.36 provides more information than the summary below to help you develop a more comprehensive analysis.

Assessment

Infrastructure and MOPP

First, assign a value based on the infrastructure and Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP). See this guide for a discussion of MOPP.

2 – Hardened infrastructure or Collective Protective Shelter (COLPRO) and MOPP3/4 is available
4 – Semi-hardened infrastructure or Joint Expeditionary Collective Protection (JECP) and MOPP1/2 is available
6 – Shelter-in-place is the only option and the unit is in a MOPP ready status

CBRN Detection Equipment

2 – The unit has two or more of the following CBRN detection systems available:
- Biological Integrated Detection System (BIDS)
- Instantaneous Bio-Aerosol Detector System (IBADS)
- Joint Warning and Reporting Network (JWARN)
- Joint Biological Point Detection System (JBPDS)
- Portal Shield
4 – The unit has only one of the above CBRN detection systems available
6 – The unit has none of the above CBRN detection systems available

Immunization Status

2 – 90% or more of the unit has been immunized
4 – More than 0% but less than 90% of the unit has been immunized
6 – None of the unit has been immunized

Hygiene Practice

2 – Unit has good hygiene
4 – Average hygiene
6 – Poor hygiene

Time and Weather

2 – Time and weather are unfavorable to use of CBRN offensively against the unit
4 – Time and weather are marginal for CBRN use
6 – Time and weather are favorable for CBRN use

Scoring

Add up the scores from the above categories to determine the subjective rating. They are scored with the following scale:

8-15 is low vulnerability
16-23 is medium vulnerability
24-30 is high vulnerability

References

US Army. (2014) Summary Report for Individual Task 031-504-4086 Prepare a CBRN Vulnerability Analysis. Retrieved on September 3, 2016 from https://rdl.train.army.mil/catalog-ws/view/100.ATSC/4826E822-C91C-4B0E-9EE8-3DD541651557-1335289611475/report.pdf

Cite this article as: MacDonald, D.K., (2017), "How to Conduct a CBRN Vulnerability Analysis," retrieved on November 30, 2023 from https://dustinkmacdonald.com/how-to-conduct-a-cbrn-vulnerability-analysis/.