SAVING OUR OWN: MAXIMIZING CBRN URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE CAPABILITIES TO SUPPORT CIVIL AUTHORITIES

• Main Author: Wagner, Robert T.
• Other Authors: Supinski, Stanley B., Dahl, Erik J., National Security Affairs (CHDS)
• Format: Thesis
• Language: unknown
• Published: Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School 2021
• Subjects: urban search and rescue; urban search & rescue; USAR; US&R; chemical biological radiological nuclear; CBRN; technical rescue; nuclear detonation; CBRN Response Enterprise; post-nuclear detonation environment; structural collapse; search and rescue; SAR; CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package; CERFP; Defense CBRN Response Force; DCRF; United States Northern Command; USNORTHCOM; NORTHCOM; National Guard Bureau; NGB; National US&R Response System; Defense Support of Civil Authorities; DSCA
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10945/67190

This thesis seeks to determine how the Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) Response Enterprise’s urban search and rescue (US&R) elements can better accomplish the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission following a domestic nuclear attack. To this end, it poses the following research question: How can the DOD maximize the employment of existing CBRN Response Enterprise US&R capabilities to support civil authority–directed lifesaving efforts following a domestic nuclear detonation? Research interviews were conducted with federal and local civil US&R authorities that inquired about their expectations of enterprise US&R elements after a nuclear detonation. Additionally, an analysis was conducted of the enterprise’s ability to overcome the challenges presented by post-nuclear detonation environments when delivering this support. It was discovered that federal civil US&R authorities intend to use the CBRN Response Enterprise’s US&R elements as force multipliers, while local authorities have more ambiguous expectations since they receive far less exposure to the enterprise’s US&R capabilities. Furthermore, to improve the delivery of life-saving aid, the enterprise should enhance its capabilities to address the threat of fire and added challenges to the performance of US&R skills incurred by post-nuclear detonation environments. Approved for public release. distribution is unlimited Civilian, Indianapolis Fire Department / Urban Search and Rescue Training Instructor - U.S. Department of the Army