Pentagon Adds Forces to US Northern Command

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announces the assignment of an enhanced military capability to U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) to assist civil authorities in the response to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive (CBRNE) incidents in the U.S. homeland.

"The stand-up of the first of three CBRNE Consequence Management Forces (CCMRF) represents a force of 4,000 to 6,000 personnel that can be quickly tailored to support a coordinated national response to a specific CBRNE incident. This is a fundamental change in military culture and capability," said Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' Security Affairs Paul McHale.

CCMRFs are Title 10, U.S. Code, joint forces capable of responding to a wide range of CBRNE attacks against the American people with a wide range of services, including: radiological assessment, decontamination and security of a contaminated site or area; medical triage, treatment, and care; and transportation and logistical support.

This first CCMRF will fall under the operational control of USNORTHCOM's Joint Force Land Component Command, U.S. Army North, located in San Antonio, Texas.

(From a U.S. Defense Department news release.)

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