MA HRF / CERFP, Camp Curtis Guild

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History has proven that America is not immune to acts of terrorism. With growing tension in the Middle East, the use of chemical weapons in Syria, and the Boston Bombings still fresh in mind it may seem valid for Massachusetts residents to ask “Are we safe?” We have been fortunate enough to avoid having to endure a chemical attack or a weapon of mass destruction incident, but if such unfathomable conditions were to occur… is Massachusetts prepared?
The Massachusetts Army National Guard (ARNG) and Air National Guard (ANG) confidently reply YES. The ARNG and ANG have teams in place that train tirelessly throughout the year preparing to respond and mitigate such incidents. The Massachusetts CERFP (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive [CBRNE] Enhanced Response Force Package) is made up of Army National Guard and Air National Guard members throughout the state that are trained and assigned into joint Army & Air Force Search and Extraction (S&E), Decontamination, Medical, Command & Control (C2), and Fatality Search and Recovery (FSRT) teams. Together the team’s big picture is to locate and extract victims from a contaminated environment, perform mass patient/casualty decontamination, provide life-saving medical triage and treatment as necessary to stabilize patients for evacuation, and above all minimize the loss of life and suffering.

In August 2012, Massachusetts was also evaluated and validated as a Homeland Response Force (HRF) state. The core of each HRF is CBRNE capability similar to that found in the existing CERFP however, HRFs will also have substantial command and control and security capability. The HRF has the ability to manage a much larger scale incident than a single CERFP. The HRF may also manage multiple CERFPs from multiple states.

There are currently 10 HRF States (Ohio, Washington, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas, Missouri, Utah, and California) and 17 CERFP States (California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia). The CERFP and HRF teams are strategically based with at least one CERFP and HRF in each of the 10 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regions.

Because CERFPs and HRFs are made up of already existing Guard units in reserve status, members are dual tasked with not only their unit’s primary mission, but also the CERFP/HRF mission as an additional duty. Due to additional CBRNE/mass casualty specific training, simulated exercises, and evaluations that ensure the state’s successful response capabilities, Massachusetts Guard members assigned to the CERFP/HRF teams far exceed their traditional one weekend a month/two weeks per year commitment. From June 2012 – June 2013 alone, the Massachusetts ARNG and ANG members gathered, in additional to their regular drill responsibilities, a total of 5 times for 3 to 7 day exercises all in addition to their traditional guard time.
CERFP Training exercises are facilitated by The Joint Interagency Training and Education Center (JITEC). JITEC provides Homeland Security training to Department of Defense (DoD) assets, Government Agencies, and First Responders around the United States. JITEC has a Mobile Training Team, which travels to Massachusetts and provides formal instruction and mentorship in assessing, identifying, and prioritizing Homeland Security measures.
The CERFP/HRF teams specialize in responding to a CBRNE or weapons-of-mass-destruction incident; however, the CERFP can also be called upon to assist with any large scale disaster to include natural disasters such as hurricanes or tornados. These mobile teams are on constant standby and ready to deploy out and respond to an incident within 6 hours of notification. The teams will primarily be equipped to deploy via ground transport, but can be moved by air if necessary.
CERFP/HRFs are also unique because of their modular abilities. If the team as a whole is not necessary, its components may be deployed out separately. For instance, if there is a major structural collapse due to earthquake (an incident that would not require decontamination) the state can utilize the S&E and Medical components independently.
September 11th 2001, The Oklahoma City Bombings, and the Boston Bombings, are painful reminders that there are people that wish to cause harm to our beloved country. The level of dedication and vigilance of these highly trained men and women of the National Guard should assure the residents of Massachusetts and the rest of the Nation that while we always stay positive and hope for the best, we are absolutely prepared for the worst.