Third CST Training In Advance Of External Evaluation
The unit began with two major field-training exercises, each tailored to sharpen operational capabilities within specific categories of current and emerging threats. The first exercise centered on biological weapons response. Survey team members conducted scenario-driven downrange operations that required rapid identification, containment and mitigation of simulated biological hazards. Through this lane, the unit refined sampling protocols, reinforced decontamination procedures and strengthened its ability to coordinate with interagency partners. Special emphasis was placed on the accurate characterization of hazards, ultimately reinforcing the unit’s role as a key asset in both local and state-level hazardous response.
The second training exercise focused on pharmaceutical based agents, with precise attention paid to fentanyl and its clandestine production. This scenario tested the unit’s ability to apply specialized detection, identification and mitigation, along with decontamination procedures to pharmaceutical threats. Downrange teams practiced area and target monitoring, patient extraction and downrange analytics, all while adhering to strict aseptic techniques. The event enhanced the unit’s ability to address real-world chemical hazards that pose significant risk to both first responders and the public.
In addition to CBRN mission sets, the Third CST completed an intensive rope rescue course designed to maintain annual certification requirements, as well as advance technical patient rescue competence. Training was structured to reinforce self-rescue methods, ensuring that each team member possesses the capability to extricate themselves from compromised positions during high-angle operations. Personnel executed system rigging, mechanical advantage setups, litter operations and vertical mobility tasks while following globally recognized rescue standards. This effort not only preserved individual certification requirements, but also strengthened the unit’s joint ability to conduct safe, efficient and tactically sound rescue operations in a variety of environments.