Specialized teams to train for possible WMD attacks 'on the homeland'

Specialized teams to train for possible WMD attacks
By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Sunday, September 30, 2007


ARLINGTON, Va. — The Defense Department will train and equip more than 15,000 troops to form special teams to respond to any terrorist attack on the homeland using weapons of mass destruction, the Pentagon’s top homeland security official said.

The exact number is classified, but about 70 percent of the troops are expected to come from the National Guard and the rest are expected to be active-duty troops and activated reservists, said Paul McHale, assistant defense secretary for homeland defense.

“The units would be trained to specific CBRN missions. They would be rapidly deployable and they would be available to assist civilian authorities in responding to a terrorist attack,” McHale said.

The teams are expected to become fully operational over the next two to three years and fall under the purview of U.S. Northern Command, McHale said.

“The forces, as individual units, are trained and equipped today,” McHale said. “Additional training will be required and undoubtedly some new equipment will be necessary. So I want to make clear, we have this capability today, but with additional training and equipment and better organization than we currently have, our ability to respond will be much improved.”


more...

http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=49151

http://www.orovillemr.com/news/ci_6932273

Manila area cops may train in Butte County
Chico Enterprise-Record
Article Launched: 09/18/2007 09:17:59 PM PDT

By GREG WELTER/MediaNews Group
Arrangements are in the works to bring a contingent of Filipino police officers to Butte County early next year for training with local law enforceme

Rosales is working on an agreement with several Butte County law enforcement agencies, including the Chico, Oroville and Gridley-Biggs police departments, as well as the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force.


...snip

Rosales returned to Butte County in July to meet with Ramsey and several high-ranking police officials. Negotiations for the training moved forward, but weren't finalized.

Chosen officers have apparently been told they'll have to pay their own airfare to California, but the Southern Police District plans to cover remaining expenses.

Filipino police officials said they hope Butte County officers can learn from their experience, as well, especially in areas of dealing with insurgents and international organized crime.

"This will be an opportunity to expand our horizons, too," Ramsey stated.

We are the United States!! :bounce: :bounce: :hi:

:hi:

Why do I always think of Hitler's Germany, or Stalin's Russia when I hear it?

will keep this in mind. Thanks for the info, babylonsister!

K & R'd

:tinfoilhat:

broadcast training plans, do they?