Radiological Incident Investigationand Exploitation (RIE) Course
Course Aim
This course provides CBRN specialists with detailed knowledge and skills to improve their CBRN situation awareness, investigate and exploit scenarios containing radioactive material (including illicit facilities and improvised devices), and assess and record relevant information for further analysis by experts.
This course does NOT cover specialist operations in the context of nuclear devices, sampling techniques, and large scale radiological contamination (e.g. Nuclear Power Plant releases).
Course Description
This 8 day training course provides CBRN specialists with detailed knowledge and skills to improve their CBRN situation awareness, investigate and exploit scenarios containing radioactive material (including illicit facilities and improvised devices), and assess and record relevant information for further analysis by experts.
In addition to background knowledge about radioactive contaminants, participants will get practical information on sampling, sample conditioning, different radiological measurement techniques as well as sample analysis and data interpretation. The whole training is based on theoretical lessons and practical training units.
Target Audience
- NATO/PfP/EU defense forces
- Civil defense
Target audience are CBRN specialists, who could be responsible to exploit suspected radiological facilities or scenarios. The training is focused on CBRN MERT (Multirole Exploitation and Reconnaissance Team) Team Leaders or SIBCRA (Sampling and Identification of Biological, Chemical and Radiological Agents) Team Leaders, but is also open to other functions (Minimum Standard of Proficiency: CBRN specialist according to ATP-3.8.1 Vol. III).
(1) Rank Level: OR-5 to OF-3
(2) Language Proficiency: SLP 3322
Group Size
Minimum: 8
Maximum: 12
Prerequisites
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own PPE and measurement instruments.
Local PPE and instrumentation is available in limited quantities.
NATO prerequisite Depth of Knowledge: 400
Course Contents
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Performance Objective 1: CBRN Situation Awareness
Identify a radiological incident based on presence of radioactive materials and discriminate against other CBRN related incidents/scenarios to increase overall CBRN situation awareness.
Conditions:- Mock-up scenario
- Identification Guide or key equipment or key detection signatures
- Background Information (intelligence, observation, general environment)
Standards:
RMBS need to be determined by identifying key signatures such as visual clues – shielding devices, transport containers, instrument readings, radiation signatures, safety equipment, detection equipment, storage, means of delivery/dispersal.
Training is focused on basic equipment needed in handling radioactive materials and key signatures. Identification without further assessment has to be accomplished within 30 minutes.
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Performance Objective 2: Incident investigation
Incident investigation and assessment of a radiological incident
Conditions: identical to PO 1
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Performance Objective 3: Site Exploitation
Exploit the site of a radiological incident based on the presence of radioactive materials
Conditions:- Mock-up scenario
- Identification Guide or key equipment or key detection signatures
- Template of RMBS Exploitation Report
- Team Equipment (GPS, Digital Camera, Laptop, Measurement Instruments)
- Background Information (intelligence, observation, general environment)
Standards:
The exploitation process is based on Level 1 Technical Exploitation NATO Standard, CBRN Technical Exploitation (AIntP10, Annex K). Participants need to demonstrate following capabilities without external support:- Triage based on prior prioritization
- Detailed documentation of technical equipment and /or radioactive signatures
- Document & Media Exploitation (collection & documentation)
Because of potential subsequent decontamination of the site, focus is on documentation. Only very important evidence should be collected after triage. CBRN sampling is not part of the course. Final product of the exploitation process is a written RMBS Exploitation Report. All topics of the template need to be covered. Additionally, a First Look Report (1 slide/page) has to be compiled not later than 1 hour after returning from the site. In the report, assessments have to be clearly distinguished from facts.
Environment
Task to be performed under realistic field conditions with PPE; site is secured, no IED threat.
Method of Training
The training is based on scenario-based practical exercises with live agents, presentations and teamwork.
Learning Materials
All necessary learning material is provided by the Seibersdorf Academy. A variety of commonly used measurement systems and PPE is avialable for participants, though it is encouraged to bring your own equipment.
Necessary educational background
CBRN specialists,
NATO prerequiste Depth of Knowledge: 400
Based on NATO and international standards
- IAEA Basic Safety Standards, IAEA Safety Series No. 115 (92-0-104295-7)
- NATO ATP 3.8.1
- NATO ATP 45
- NATO AJP 3.14
- NATO AEP 66
Duration
8 working days; 63 training units