Civilian Support Teams Information Research Document Little is known about the National Guard's Civilian Support Teams. These are National Guard units that assist civil authorities in responding to events where WMD is suspected, whether it be hostile use of various chemicals, accidental chemical spills, radiological sources or of one of many biological events. Liza Porteus Viana (2012) notes: “The National Guard's Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams are known to be among the most effective first responders when it comes to a potential chemical, biological, radiological event. , nuclear or improved improvised explosive. » The mission of the Civil Support Team according to NGR 500-3 is to "support civil authorities at the site of a domestic CBRNE incident by identifying CBRNE agents/substances, assessing current and projected consequences, advising on response measures and assisting with supplement requests. support." (p. 2) I believe that the Civilian Support Team is a very important asset in homeland defense and as a CBRNE Soldier we should be more aware of their history and capabilities. History of Civil Support Teams The first ten CSTs were created in 1998 because it was believed that the United States needed to improve national defense against terrorism. These were placed in the most populous states to reduce response times. in an emergency Since then, Congress has authorized 57 CSTs Every state has at least one, with some of the largest states also having two. They are also found in some U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the islands. U.S. Virgins. In fiscal year 2011, Civilian Support Teams deployed to support civil authorities on 128 occasions They were deployed... middle of paper ...... known agents. that as a CBRNE Soldier it is very important that we know and understand what the Civil Support Team does and how it operates. This can be done by understanding what their purpose and mission is. You can also understand the Civil Support Team by knowing the personnel and equipment they have and use to accomplish their missions. The Civil Support Team is a valuable asset used in the fight against terrorism and in homeland defense. Further information on the Civil Support Team can be found in AGR 500-3.ReferencesU.S. Department of Defense Inspector General (July 2, 2012) Report No. DODIG-2012-12National Guard Bureau (January 12 2006). Management of the civilian support team for weapons of mass destruction. AGR 500-3Porteus-Viana, Liza (May 14, 2012). WMD CST Guardsmen can respond more quickly than other federal assets. WWW.hstoday.us