Is a CBRN worth it in the long run? Or is there other scientific communities that are readily available and hands-on throughout it?

Kelsi Schoepske — Sat, 10 Jul 2021 19:07:08 -0400

I am curious about the day-to-day life is for a CBRN specialist and officer because I have seen different things about a CBRN being stuck in an S shop and not doing much. So, I am wondering if it is worth the career path in the long run. Or is there anything else in the scientific field (chemical, biological, or clinical areas) that involves more hands-on work that keeps people occupied.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 10 at 2021 7:09 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 10 Jul 2021 19:09:06 -0400

MSgt Steve Sweeney ?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 10 at 2021 7:34 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 10 Jul 2021 19:34:12 -0400

I retired 10 years ago from the army. I am assuming what I will say has not changed. The closest thing to being a CBRN officer is being a Chemical Officer. I have viewed Chemical Officers as kind of a lonely affair as there is only one in a maneuver battalion. You will be a staff officer.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jul 10 at 2021 8:11 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Sat, 10 Jul 2021 20:11:22 -0400

I think you don't have a clear perspective on the matter. You will always run the chance of being assigned to an S shop regardless of your MOS. It isn't unheard of.

What scientific field are you trying to get into? In CBRN you won't be walking around in a white coat and looking at slides under a microscope very often. You will be training folks in monthly and annual training, running the decon teams and providing briefs. Outside of that you will be on call for dog and pony shows because a run through the gas chamber is always fun. That and inventorying and issuing chem bio gear. It's a vital job but I don't think you are looking at the whole job.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2021 3:55 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 15:55:15 -0400

As a CBRN Soldier there are a variety of positions available for Officers, NCOs and Soldier’s. Usually what you do day to day depends on the Units Mission. If you are with a Chemical Unit you will be apart of Staff or one of the following Platoons Decon, Reconnaissance & Surveillance, Hazard Response or a Tech Escort Team. The CBRN field also has several Special Operations Teams throughout the Army in which I think a Special Ops Team is more gear to what you are looking for. If not part of a Chemical BN you can be pretty assigned to any Unit that is authorized a 74D or 74A, the majority of Chemical Soldiers are usually assigned to Brigade Combat Teams and Field Artillery Units. So to answer your question if it is worth? Yes it is, as a Chemical Soldier you will have the opportunity to complete Chemical courses, Hazmat and Radiological Certifications and CBRN Classes that you will pay big money for in the civilian sector. Just with some of the certifications alone you are guaranteed to be offered a good job once you retire

Response by CPT Tommy Curtis made Jul 12 at 2021 10:35 PM

CPT Tommy Curtis — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 22:35:32 -0400

As a Chemical Officer, I had many jobs in my ten years, from staff officer to an artillery battalion and an aviation brigade, to platoon leader and XO of a.chemical company. I also served as a smoke and flame instructor at the Chemical School and director of the CANE program. I enjoyed the diversity.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2021 1:37 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 13:37:49 -0400

Not trying to be negative, but don't join as a CBRN, yes you have the opportunity if getting promoted faster, yes you will learn some cool stuffs about chemical and nuclear, but it's not worth it. It probably depends on the unit, but you will probably spend most of your time doing details. I have been on Funeral Details, Gate Guard, Range Detail, ASP Detail... etc . Worse if you are not in RECCEE platoon or a CBRN Company, you'll never do your job. You will be seating in a cage and the company nco's will throw random works your way to keep you busy, you'll probably end up as the armor guy.
If you are in a CBRN Company, you'll hate your life because you will be in that suit all the time, on the good side you actually get to do your job. If you are in a RECCE platoon, pray the gods your Platoon leaders actually do trainings and give you opportunity to go to Army schools like DRC, L3, L6.

As an Officer, you will be in a leader position a couple time of your life, but you will spend most of your time being part of Staff.

A lot of people change MOS when they hit E-5 or at the end of their first contract, just to show you how much people don't like it.

Pro: No one knows what you do.
Con: No one knows what you do.

Everything I said is based on my experience, so take it with a grain of salt.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2021 2:29 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 14:29:39 -0400

Get all the schools you can… and it’s worth it