The 54th is able to rapidly deploy, assist local first-responders in determining the nature of an attack, provide medical and technical advice, and pave the way for the identification and arrival of follow-on state and federal military response assets. They provide initial advice on what the agent may be, assist first responders in the detection assessment process, and are the first military responders on the ground, so that if additional federal resources are called into the situation, they can serve as an advance party.

The 54th ensures that strategic national interests are protected against any enemy; foreign or domestic, attempting to employ chemical, biological, or radiological weapons - regardless of the level of WMD/NBC threat. They are a key element of the Department of Defense's overall program to provide support to civil authorities in the event of an incident involving weapons of mass destruction in the United States.

Video: On Every Front - Civil Support Teams

View Video

Right Click To Save Video