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Newsletter
2/2014
Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Centre of Excellence
Content
CBRN Defence in the Year 2020 (and Beyond)?
Consecration Ceremony of the Colonel
Janos Zelenák‘s Tombstone
Novichok Agents – Project FOLIANT
Masaryk’s University Summer Camp
at the Joint CBRN Defence COE
International Radiological Assistance
Program Training for Emergency Response
(I-RAPTER) Basic Course 2014
CBRN Courses Availability for 2015
Newsletter
Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Centre of Excellence
2/2014
Newsletter
Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Centre of Excellence
Dear Reader,
It is a pleasure and an honour for me as the Chief of Staff to provide
the introduction to this second COE Newsletter of 2014. As you can
tell by the wide diversity of topics in this newsletter, the Joint CBRN
Defence COE (JCBRN Defence COE) continues to be involved in a
wide variety of subject areas in support of NATO our Sponsoring
Nations and other partners. Requests for our support and
participation across the CBRN spectrum continue to demonstrate
the professionalism and expertise of the JCBRN Defence COE.
We are grateful for the support we have received to date and we are excited about the
challenges that we face in the future.
2014 has been a year of transition for the JCBRN Defence COE. We continue to progress
towards reaching Full Operational Capability (FOC) of the CBRN Reach Back Section
within our Operations Support Department. The progress on our Reach Back Operations
room has been substantial. We have also increased our Operational Planning Support
capabilities and are working to continually expanding our Reach Back Secondary Support
network.
Our Transformation Support Department continues to be heavily involved in all aspects of
NATO transformation, concept and doctrine development, experimentation and especially
activities in support of the NATO Defence Planning Process. 2014 is a transitional period
for NATO as well and the JCBRN Defence COE expects to play a vital role in assisting in
the development and implementation of all aspects of NATO CBRN Defence as we look
towards the future in an ever changing environment.
Our Training, Education, and Exercise Department is also in the process of significant
change. We are excited about the recent approval from Allied Command Transformation
to initiate the Quality Assurance (QA) evaluation process which we expect to complete
by the end of this year. The QA process will ensure the JCBRN Defence COE meets the
rigorous academic standards required to provide the necessary CBRN related training for
NATO and our partners. Our 2015 course schedule complements current CBRN training
as we develop and provide advanced and specialized CBRN training classes.
The vision of the JCBRN Defence COE continues to be focused on becoming a recognized
advisory body for NATO, our Sponsoring Nations and other partners; to be pro-active,
flexible and responsive to requests and needs; and to provide the best military advice on
CBRN Defence.
Author: COL Daniel D. Deadrich (USA)
Newsletter
Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Centre of Excellence
CBRN Defence in the Year 2020 (and Beyond)?
How will a chemical, biological, radiological
and nuclear (CBRN) threat look like in the
year 2020, how will NATO perceive that
threat? How and with which capabilities
will that threat be countered? Which
capabilities does NATO, its member
states, possess currently – quantitative
and qualitative wise? Where are the gaps
and shortfalls? How could NATO close
those gaps and shortfalls? To answer
those questions the Joint CBRN Defence
Capability Development Group (JCBRNDCDG) established a Team of Experts (ToE)
in October 2013. LtCol Bernd Allert acts
as chairperson, Cpt Sebastian Herrmann
as secretary of „NATO‘s Comprehensive
CBRN Defence Concept Capability
Analysis Team of Experts (CBRND 2020
ToE)“. The two of them have been provided
by the Policy & Forces Development
Division of the German Bundeswehr
CBRN Defence Command.
TOE’s work is based on the very recently
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Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Centre of Excellence
3
by the North Atlantic Council (NAC)
endorsed „NATO’s Comprehensive CBRN
Defence Concept“.
The ToE conducted a workshop at 314th
CBRN Monitoring Centre in HOSTIVICE
close to PRAGUE/CZE from 17 to 19 June
2014. Aim of the workshop was also to
co-ordinate present working results, but
mainly to identify capability gaps within
NATO and its member states, and finally to
determine a way ahead. Czech Republic,
Germany, France, United Kingdom, The
Netherlands, Poland, United States;
as well as NATO HQ – IMS/P&P(NUC/
CBRND), SHAPE, SACT, the Joint
CBRN Defence Centre of Excellence
(JCBRN Defence COE), and NATO
Communications & Information Agency
(NCIA) were represented.
How is the JCBRN Defence COE
involved? The JCBRN Defence COE
volunteered to take over the working
package “Identify Operational Challenges
2020”. LtCol Stefano Pensalfini and LtCol
Stelian Radulescu represented the COE
at the workshop and provided valuable
contributions to the gap analysis.
The Czech hosts prepared the workshop in
an excellent manner, and thus contributed
to the success of the workshop.
In addition, many participants were
challenged by the FIFA Soccer World
Cup Competition. Simultaneously to the
icebreaker at the first evening, the match
Germany vs. Portugal took place.
The ToE will produce a report addressing
Joint
CBRN
Defence
Capability
Development Group (JCBRND-CDG), and
to present the report to the JCBRND-CDG
at its meeting in PRAGUE in October 2014.
That report then should provide concrete
recommendations for further actions.
Author: LTC Bernd Allert (DEU)
Consecration Ceremony of the Colonel
Janos Zelenák‘s Tombstone
The Joint CBRN Defence COE (JCBRN
Defence COE) was invited to the
consecration ceremony of the Colonel
Janos Zelenák’s tombstone on 6th of June
2014 in Budapest.
As a response to the invitation of the
deceased’s family and the Hungarian
General Staff the JCBRN Defence
COE delegation participated in the
commemoration.
Held with militar y honors the
commemoration
was
attended
by
representatives of the Ministry of Defence
and the General Staff of Hungarian
Defence Forces, the delegations of CBRN
Defence units and fellow soldiers and
friends. During the ceremony speeches
were given by the representatives Military
Ordinaries of the Roman Catholic Church
and the Defence Administration Office of
the HUN MOD.
The JCBRN Defence COE delegation
was specially greeted by the widow, and
she highlighted the gesture with which
the JCBRN Defence COE cherishes the
memory of Colonel János Zelenák.
The JCBRND COE intends to maintain
the relationship with the deceased’s family
in the future to remember to our deeply
appreciated and respected colleague
who contributed significantly to the
development not only the JCBRN Defence
COE, but also the Alliance in the CBRN
defence domain.
Author: LTC Ferenc MENYHÁRT (HUN)
4
Newsletter
Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Centre of Excellence
Novichok Agents – Project FOLIANT
In the first half of the seventies, the
Soviet Union decided to incorporate
all achievements reached in chemical
weapons research into the FOLIANT
project, effectively side-lining their
existing chemical weapons just before
the expected adoption of the Chemical
Weapons Convention.
The FOLIANT project introduced new
unitary or binary nerve agents with
increased toxicity and volatility. Standard
industrial intermediate chemical products
or compounds used for the production of
older types of chemical warfare agents
were used as precursors in the last stage
of synthesis. It is well known that at least
three unitary chemical substances were
developed as a result of this project, named
as A-230, A-232 and A-234. Several binary
chemical weapons were invented on its
basis with a code name Novichok.
In September 1192, Vil Mirzayanov,
State organic chemistry and technology
institute employee (GNIIOHT, Moscow),
provided the first information about the
secret project FOLIANT in the ‘Moscow
News’ journal. He claimed that the Soviet
Union continued to develop and test
fourth generation chemical weapons
in contravention of the international
treaties. Consequently, Vil Mirzayanov
was imprisoned but on his release he
emigrated to the United States. All our
available information about Novichok is
derived from Vil Mirzayanov`s interview
and publications and also from L.A.
Fedorov, director of the non-governmental
organization ‘Union for chemical security’.
Russian Federation officials have never
confirmed or denied this information.
According to Mirzayanov, the first in the
series of A chemical substances were
synthesized by P. P. Kirpichev (GNIIOHT,
Volskaja branch office) in 1973. The most
toxic substances in this series, A-230 and
A-232, were hypothetically produced in the
mid-1970s. They are similar in structure to
the well-known substance VX (essentially
phosphoryl thiocholine). The substances
developed in S. Kirpichiev laboratory
had a unique structure, dissimilar from
type V substances. They did not have
the C-P linkage characteristic for most
organophosphorus nerve agents. There
was an oxygen atom between carbon and
phosphor (-C-O-P relation) which is the
usual chemical structure in most of the
modern pesticides.
The formula of the toxic substances in
Series A has never been published, but
in the last few years information emerged
that it is a substance derived from
dihaloformaldoxime. These assumptions
are based on the published works of Soviet
chemists who worked on project FOLIANT.
Newsletter
Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Centre of Excellence
5
As suggested by S. L. Hoenig, an expert in
chemical terrorism, the A-series may have
the following chemical formula:
Substance A-232 was made only as a
test dose, but in the opinion of foreign
experts in case of need it would be
possible in Novocheboksarsk quickly to
start production of 2-2500 tons of A-232
annually. A physical-chemical property of
A-232 allows its use in winter conditions.
Later, based on A-232 and its ethyl
analogue of A-234 binary systems of
Novichok were produced.
This material was produced in small
quantities (tens of tons in Shikhany and
Volgograd). When producing the A-230 was
used as a precursor methylphosphonium
chloride, which is also an important
reactant in the synthesis of Sarin and
Soman. Like a second binary component
it is placed alcohol or acetonitrile. At low
temperatures in winter A-230 solidified
to a crystalline mass. In order to prevent
crystallization dimethylformamide was
added to the formula but this significantly
reduced the overall toxicity of the mixture.
After performing field tests in Uzbekistan
in 1988/89 on each of the polygons
substance A-230 was finally included in
the arsenal of the Soviet Army.
Opinions on the structure of Novichoks
are not uniform. Several groups of
organophosphorus agents have been
claimed to be Novichok agents. First are
a group of organophosphorus compounds
with an attached dihaloformaldoxime
group. These compounds are extensively
documented in Soviet literature of the
time, but it is unclear whether they are all
members of the potent Novichok
compounds. Some examples of the first
group of compounds reported in the literature
are shown below, Novichok 5 is 3-chloro2-methylpropyl ((chlorofluoromethylene)
a m i n o) ox y p h o s p h o n o f l u o r i d a t e
and Novichok 7 is 3-chloro-2methylbut yl((c hlorof luoromethylene)
a m i n o) o x y p h o s p h o n o f l u o r i d a t e .
They are binary agents in which the
appropriately substituted 2-methyl-1,
3, 2 - dioxaphospholane is reacted with
dichlorofluoro(nitroso)methane.
Mirzayanov gives somewhat different
structures for Novichok agents in his
autobiography, as shown below. He makes
clear that a large number of compounds
were made, and many of the less potent
derivatives were reported in open literature
as new organophosphate insecticides, so
that the secret chemical weapons program
could be disguised as legitimate pesticide
research.
If the binary agents are reacted in
advance, they are known as A-232 and
A-234 respectively. Since neither of the
2 chemicals making the binary agent are
controlled under the moratorium on nerve
agents, it meant that the Soviet Union was
not in breach of this moratorium. While
neither of the precursors are common,
they do find legitimate use in the chemical
industry and so are commercially available.
It is a known fact that Novichoks are able to
overcome chemical protection. They can
penetrate the rubber seals and activated
carbon filters are unable to prevent the
ingress of contaminated air. They are
also highly corrosive. Special tests of
Novichok properties in extreme conditions
on a polygon Nukus (Uzbekistan) were
identified as successful.
Regarding the effects on the human body,
Novichoks belongs to a group known as
organophosphate
acetylcholinesterase
inhibitors. According to unauthorized
sources the minimal toxicity of chemical
warfare agents based on Novichok is
like VX (A-230) and some of them (A232, A-234) should have a toxicity of 8
to 10 times higher. If this information is
confirmed, then the existing parameters
of the detection means available are no
longer sufficient. The only exceptions
are instruments based on biochemical
cholinesterase reaction, because their
sensitivity is correlated with an inhibitory
effect and thereby the toxicity of nerve
agents.
Other possible structures for Novichoks are derived from 3,5,7 ... 2-fluoro-4,5-dialkyl1,3,2-dioxaphospholane.
novichok - #
novichok - 5
novichok - 7
Author: MAJ Ivana MORAVCOVA (CZE)
6
Newsletter
Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Centre of Excellence
Masaryk’s University Summer Camp at the
Joint CBRN Defence COE
The Centre for International Cooperation
(CIC) at Masaryk University organizes
annually a few short term programmes for
international (and local) students. These
programmes are offered usually outside
standard academic term – often in summer
– which allows for a relaxing atmosphere,
enhancement of the social ties between
the teacher and students, experimenting
with curriculum, multidisciplinary focus,
and above all connection of the formal
tuition with the out-of-class academic
activities. The activities might take a form
of a visit to a historical place connected
with the subject of the course, or an
excursion to an institution that is relevant
for a given course. Such visits are in fact
one of the most critical elements of a
successful short-term programme. After all
the participating students need to gain an
extra academic experience, as otherwise
there is no point for them to leave their
home campuses.
The Joint CBRN Defence Centre of
Excellence (JCBRN Defence COE) in
Vyškov is one of the providers of such an
experience for students in the summer
programme “International Security: a
European perspective: ‚Military and nonmilitary threats in the modern world‘”” that
CIC offers to international students. This
course is designed to give students a
thorough understanding of the fundamental
security issues of the modern world. While
discussing the experiences of European
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Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Centre of Excellence
7
states’ striving for security, students come
to comprehend changing nature of the
notion of security during the recent times.
Taught in the Czech Republic, the program
is ideally located to present a balanced
perspective on both the traditional and
modern aspects of international security.
The visit to the JCBRN Defence COE took
place in the second week of the threeweek-long course, within a module that
looks at military threats in the contemporary
world, especially the proliferation of
chemical, biological, radiological and
nuclear weapons and trends in the global
conventional arms trade. Students are
therefore able to compare the theoretical
background and typology of proliferation
that they are exposed to at the classroom,
with the actual initiatives NATO has
established in the sphere of the joint
defence. In addition, the excursion to the
JCBRN Defence COE neatly helps to
curriculum of the first week, when different
actors of the security architecture in
Europe are presented and a visit to one
of the NATO COEs illustrates importance
of communication and cooperation for the
European security.
Students were welcomed by the JCBRN
Defence COE Deputy Director COL
Schulte and Subject Matter Expert (SME)
from the JCBRN Defence COE Modelling
and Simulation Section (M&S Section)
MAJ Chylik introduced the organization, its
goals and vision afterwards. The session
continued with informational briefing on
M&S capabilities and discussion. The
students then were given chance to try
for themselves a modelling exercise
using CBRN software, with the focus on
prediction of CBRN attack, projecting
possible scope of the event. This was
an interesting way of evaluating different
factors and their impacts on the severity
of such attack. “As always, the visit to
the centre fulfilled the goal. University
wants its students to experience – to see
how concepts and theoretical knowledge
become operational in practice, this
time in the area of providing for security,
specifically the modern military threats of
CBRN,“ said Richard Turcsányi from the
Centre for International Cooperation, who
organized this visit.
A group of 11 students travelled to Vyškov
last July for the third time, and they, as
well as their colleagues in the previous
two editions of the summer programme,
returned enthusiastically. CIC therefore
hopes that the cooperation with the
JCBRN Defence COE will continue in the
future, and it will help to keep the quality of
the students’ experience high for the years
to come.
Authors:
WO Kamil Sestak (CZE)
Martin Glogar (Masaryk University CZE)
International Radiological Assistance Program
Training for Emergency Response (I-RAPTER)
Basic Course 2014
Based on the cooperation between United
States Department of Energy’s National
Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
and Joint CBRN Defence COE (JCBRN
Defence COE) another “International
Radiological Assistance Program Training
for Emergency Response” (I-RAPTER)
Basic Course was successfully conducted
during the period 19 – 22 May 2014.
Course was officially opened by the
main supervisor of I-RAPTER retired
admiral Joseph KROL (USA) and TEED
member LTC Adolf LABAK. During the
four days long course, 5 experienced
NNSA instructors shared experience with
15 students from 7 countries (AFG, BEL,
BGR, DEU, ITA, NLD, and POL) in order
to provide theoretical information and
practical training to effectively respond to
radiological incidents and accidents.
Instructions were provided through
briefings,
equipment
demonstrations
and field exercise employing a wide
variety of radiation detection devices,
radiation sources and personal protective
equipment.
During a few theoretical lessons students
got familiar with not only variety of detection
devices but also with procedures related to
this issue. Third day was dedicated to the
practical training. Students were divided
in three groups and each had to undergo
searching procedure and to locate and
identify a hidden radioactive source in the
luggage.
Final exercise was radiation survey in
the garrison area and in the Air Museum
Area in Vyškov. Students utilized Spectral
Advanced Radiological Computer System
(SPARC) for mobile detection. SPARC is a
versatile multi-platform radiation detection
system designed for use in both ground and
aerial detection and it is mounted in two
vans. Students successfully discovered
two radiation sources inside of Aero L39
Albatros training aircrafts in the area of the
Air Museum. Students read the spectrum
of the radioactive sources and isotope
of Europium 152 was identified. These
radioactive sources are commonly used
for military aircrafts as icing indicators.
This year’s iteration of the I-RAPTER
course was again evaluated as a very
useful course with great benefit for
professional development of the students.
It was stressed by NNSA personnel that
the continuous cooperation between
JCBRN Defence COE and NNSA
is beneficial for both organizations.
International Radiological Consequence
Management Course (6 - 9 October),
I-RAPTER Advanced and International
Medical Management of Radiation Injuries
Course (18 - 22 November) are three more
courses which are going to be organized
this year as a result of this cooperation.
The JCBRN Defence COE as in the
previous year offers in 2015 following
courses:
► I-RAPTER Basic Course
(25 – 28 May);
► International Radiological Consequence
Management Course
(25 – 28 May);
►International Medical Management of
Radiation Injuries Course
(5 – 8 October);
► I-RAPTER Advanced Course
(23 – 26 November).
Authors: CPT Gorazd STERGAR (SVN),
WO Pavel DAVID (CZE)
8
Newsletter
Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Centre of Excellence
CBRN Courses Availability
for 2015
Introduction to the International CBRN Training Curriculum
Course, 20 – 24 APR;
The mission of the course is to familiarize the participants with the International CBRN Training
Curriculum, provide the participants with the knowledge and understanding required for implementation
the CBRN Training Curriculum within their own nations and ultimately enhance interoperability among first
responders in an international response to CBRN events.
CBRN-Analysis Super User Course, 12 - 13 MAY;
This course introduces students being experienced CBRN-Analysis users to the latest CBRNAnalysis program release and provides knowledge about new and improved program functions. It will enable
the students to perform as local or national Super User Contact with sufficient knowledge to assist less
experienced operators, act as advisor for establishing CBRN-Analysis communication and making exercises.
International Radiological Assistance Program Training for
Emergency Response (I-RAPTER) - Basic Course, 25 – 28 MAY;
The aim is to provide radiation protection specialists, first responders and emergency managers
with practical information to effectively respond to radiological incidents and accidents. The course provides
instructions through briefings, equipment demonstrations and filed exercises employing a wide variety of
radiation detection instrumentations, radiation sources and personal protective equipment.
International Medical Management of Radiation Injuries (I-MED)
Course, 25 – 28 MAY;
The course consists of a combination of classroom lectures, demonstrations and exercises that
reinforce the course lessons. The course emphasizes the medical treatment of the patients and methods to
reduce the risk of radiation exposure and contamination of both, the patient and health care provider. The
course is designed to teach attendees how to respond to medical emergencies involving radiation exposure,
contamination and how to improve the treatment and care of the injured.
Newsletter
Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Centre of Excellence
9
Newsletter
Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Centre of Excellence
2/2014
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Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Centre of Excellence
Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Centre of Excellence
Newsletter
This email address is ready for your
comments or questions!
[email protected]
JCBRN Defence COE Newsletter Team
JCBRN Defence COE
Víta Nejedlého
Vyškov
682 03
Czech Republic
Assistant phone: +420 973 452 805
Fax: +420 973 452 800
Mobil: +420 777 702 858
IVSN: 925 4200 452 805
E-mail: [email protected]
Editorial Committee: COL Jaroslav BOREK, MAJ Elemir KUREJ
Photos: COE Archive, 31st CBRN Regiment Liberec Archive,
Web: www.jcbrncoe.cz
© 2014 Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Centre of
Excellence (JCBRN Defence COE); www.jcbrncoe.cz
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of the JCBRN Defence COE.
This restriction does not apply to making digital or hard copies of this publication for internal use within the JCBRN
Defence COE, and for personal or educational use when for non-profit and non-commercial purposes, providing that
copies bear above mentioned notice and a following citation:
The contents of this publication, the views, opinions, findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed herein
are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the JCBRN Defence COE and/or its
Sponsoring Nation(s). Although the JCBRN Defence COE has invested the utmost care in its preparation, the JCBRN
Defence COE does not accept any liability for the accuracy and completeness of any information, instructions and
advice provided, as well as for misprints.
No claims can be made against the JCBRN Defence COE with respect to potential consequences from the reliance
on information or conclusions contained in this publication.
© design/print: www.absreklama.cz
[Author(s), [name of the article]
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