Specialised CBRNchemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defence platoons

In total, the Bundeswehr has only two specialised CBRNchemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defence platoons: one subunit for land operations, and one subunit for Navy operations. If required, the Bundeswehr specialised CBRNchemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defence forces will support the commando forces of the Special Operations Forces Command and Navy Special Operations Forces Command. According to Bundeswehr classification, they are not equivalent to special forces. However, they are capable of providing expert support directly to special operations forces on operations, even behind enemy lines. Furthermore, they may be employed in the scope of administrative assistance to federal and land authorities.

The mission of the two specialised platoons is to offer the commandos and combat swimmers a capability they do not have themselves: on-site scientifically sound advice on CBRNchemical, biological, radiological, nuclear threats, for example, for operations near nuclear power plants and chemical weapons laboratories on enemy territory. Therefore, the members of the specialised CBRNchemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defence platoons stationed in Bruchsal and Husum undergo tactical operational training to enable them to operate along with special operations forces.

This does not only require the highest level of fitness of servicemen and women. Primarily, they have to work well in a team and need certain qualifications, such as laboratory assistant, technician, or in the case of officers, hold a degree in natural sciences. In their area of military expertise, the members of the specialised CBRNchemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defence platoons undergo enhanced basic training up to the highest level of technical expertise the CBRNchemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defence forces have to offer. Moreover, they acquire additional capabilities in a variety of courses at training facilities all over the world. But not every serviceman or woman has the chance to be assigned to a post in these subunits. Applicants must prove themselves in a rigorous selection procedure.

The members of the specialised CBRNchemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defence platoon for land operations are subordinate to CBRNchemical, biological, radiological, nuclear Defence Battalion 750 "BADEN". Among other tasks, they support the troops of the Special Operations Forces Command if they encounter a situation in which agents might pose a threat. For this purpose, the platoon is a highly mobile element. Using all kinds of vehicles including quads and mobile laboratories, the servicemen and women of the specialised CBRNchemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defence platoon must be capable of reacting spontaneously, quickly and reliably to threats. They are accordingly able to create laboratory conditions and conduct scientific analyses of hazardous substances on site.

The specialised CBRNchemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defence forces for the maritime domain are subordinate to CBRNchemical, biological, radiological, nuclear Defence Battalion 7 and mainly support the Navy Special Operations Forces Command. On ship-to-shore operations or boarding operations aimed at seizing enemy ships, they can provide support to combat swimmers in the event of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear hazards. For this purpose, they are equipped similarly to the commando unit and are able to detect, identify and neutralise CBRNchemical, biological, radiological, nuclear safety hazards under the most difficult conditions – behind enemy lines and at sea.