Y ANNEX STUMP NECK, Md -- In a world where terrorist attacks continue to pose a significant threat to innocent civilians, Marines and sailors of Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, II Marine Expeditionary Force, continue to train for the worst of situations. The fact that CBIRF is one of the nation’s oldest response forces and is the only military unit with all the tools necessary to sustain operations during a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or high-yield explosive incident leads governments from around the globe seek out their guidance.
Several members from the Israeli government came to visit and tour the unit’s training area here March 12.
CBIRF has a long-standing relationship with members of the Israeli government and has hosted them several times in years past. Two years ago, the Israeli government sent members of its military through the CBIRF basic course for training.
“It was no different than training our people,” said Bob Detzel, CBIRF’s technical training officer. “We provided the training, they learned.”
When foreign service members train with Marines and sailors, it’s beneficial for everyone involved. The time together broadens the student’s understanding and creates an opportunity for both sides to learn from each other, said Detzel.
“It’s a transfer of information,” he said. “They tell us how they conduct operations, and we tell them how we run our operations.”
Marines and sailors with CBIRF support a unique mission within the Corps and for the nation. These Marines and sailors constantly train to reduce the aftermath of a CBRNE attack and to save as many lives as possible if an attack ever occurred. For some Israelis visiting CBIRF, these daily exercises were new and exciting.
“The main thing is, we can learn from them,” said Tal Raveh, Explosive Detection, Technology Implementation and Physical Security Branch for Israel. “I really enjoyed the meeting, and I am very impressed with the facility and training.”
This recent visit not only strengthened the relationship between CBIRF and the Israeli government, it also signified the willingness and dedication it takes to protect a country’s freedoms from those dead set on destroying it.