Army 74D MOS: CBRN Specialist

In today’s post, I am going to explain all I can about the Army 74D MOS: CBRN Specialist. I will provide a basic job description, and I will also tell you this soldier’s duties and responsibilities. I will also explain the requirements you need to meet to attain the 74D MOS position. You will also learn what training is required for this Army job.

But wait!

Are you wondering what CBRN stands for? C stands for Chemical. B stands for Biological. R stands for Radiological, and N stands for Nuclear. Yes, this person is a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Specialist.

If any of our enemies have plotted to use and of these types of weapons, you can be sure there will be Army 74Ds somewhere nearby.

CBRN Specialist Basic Job Description

Essentially, the CBRN Specialist is the “go to” person when defense is needed from weapons of mass destruction. They perform and operate reconnaissance missions and systems to find WMDs. They operate decontamination systems, along with biological detection systems.

Anything that has to do with chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear weapons being held by enemies of the United States will have a CBRN Specialist involved.

If there are perceived weapons of mass destruction in a believed location, the Army 74D personnel will put on protective gear, and will enter the areas to determine if there truly are any of these weapons and they will then remove them to safe zones.

CBRN Specialist Responsibilities and Duties

Before I delve into the responsibilities and duties of the Army 74D, I will first mention that they often are tasked with other duties. As I researched this Army job, it is evident that the Army does not run into situations all that often in which any of these weapons of mass destruction are being used or made.

Out of all of these choices, chemical agents are probably the first choice of enemies of the United States. They are easy to obtain, as the can be manufactured from basic ingredients found to be used in other formats.

Some of the duties and responsibilities of the CBRN Specialist are:

  • Establish and apply CBRN defense measures.

  • Supervise and train on the use of CBRN equipment.

  • Perform maintenance on CBRN equipment.

  • Train both military and civilians on CBRN operations response.

  • Work on Biological Detection Teams.

  • Work with STRYKER NBC Reconnaissance Teams.

  • and Work with Special Forces Units.

  • Conducts decontamination operations.

These are just a few of the responsibilities and duties. As I stated earlier, the 74D may be given duties that fall completely outside the parameters of the CBRN field, because of a light workload in that area.

Requirements To Become An Army 74D CBRN Specialist

The prerequisites to become an Army 74D consist of:

  • No security clearance requirements

  • U.S. citizenship not required

  • A PULHES of 122221

  • ASVAB score of 91 in Skilled Technical (ST)

  • Normal color vision

These are the primary requirements to become a CBRN Specialist in the Army. It is best that you double check these with a career counselor, or your Army recruiter should be able to answer.

Training For The Army 74D CBRN Specialist

For those who enlist in the Army as a 74D CBRN Specialist, the first training will be Basic Combat Training, where you will learn all you need to be a warrior in the United States Army. You will learn combat skills and you will get into top physical condition.

Once you have completed Basic Combat Training, you will go to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for Advanced Individual Training at the United States Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School.

During training, you will:

  • Learn how to operate CBRN defense, decontamination, detection, and monitoring equipment.

  • Learn how to prepare for CBRN defense actions.

  • and Learn proper usage and wear of CBRN protective gear and equipment.

  • Train and receive Hazardous Material Certification.

  • Be exposed to toxic agents while wearing the CBRN protective gear.

This is just part of what you will learn while training for the Army 74D job at Fort Leonard Wood.

Also due to the constant development of new weapons of mass destruction, you may be required to take follow-up training even after graduating from AIT.

After Army Careers

While there are not actual civilian jobs of the same niche, there are many possibilities. Many companies need people who play a part in hazardous material safety or even clean-up of chemical or hazardous waste spills.

Using the Army’s educational funding, a 74D could also take further studies in scientific areas that could help a lot with future civilian careers.

The biggest benefit is the knowledge that you could possibly save myriads of humans with your training and leadership skills.

Final Thoughts

While it isn’t a “busy job,” the Army 74D is an important position. We must always be prepared for the possibilities of these kinds of attacks.

What are your thoughts? Are you an Army 74D? If you are, please tell us more about the job.

Hopefully, we don’t have to use these soldiers, but it is still wise to have them in place…Just in case!

Please leave your comments or questions below. Thanks

Other posts you may enjoy:

  1. Army 740A Warrant Officer: Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Technician
  2. Army Chemical Corps: 7 Reasons to Serve
  3. U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC): 10 Cool Facts
  4. Army Officer Skill Identification Codes: A Complete List
  5. The Top 10 Army Artillery Shells Of All Time

Sincerely,
chuck holmes







Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com

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