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'CBRN' is an acronym referring to 'Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear'. It is in common use worldwide, generally to refer to protective measures taken against CBRN agents.

Contents

Canada

USMC

United Kingdom

Notes

Canada

The term is in common use in disaster and emergency services organizations across the country.^[1]Since July 2005 the Canadian Military Services also started using the term CBRN Defence instead of NBC Defence. With the threat of dirty bombs being likely, a new term has started to be used in both civilian and military organisations, CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive).

USMC

The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) use it as an initialism for their 5711 military occupational specialty. School trained 5711s are known as Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense Specialists. Prior to the change, 5711s were known as Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) Defense specialists.

United Kingdom

CBRN is also used by the UK Home Office as a civil designation for the military NBC equivalent.^[2]

Notes

1. Calgary Health Region CBRN Training
2. http://www.ukresilience.info/emergencies/cbrn.shtm