FIBWA Course Information: FIBWA Pamphlet FIBWA Analytical Challenge Pamphlet

FIBWA History

Just preceding the onset of the Persian Gulf War in 1991, military planners realized there was a significant need for battlefield detection of biological warfare agents. As detectors were developed and deployed, the ability to confirm what the detectors were “seeing” was crucial to add confidence for battlefield, medical, and National Command Authority decisions. The requirement for a deployable biological warfare agent confirmation laboratory was born.

With development and deployment of BW agent detection assays, the need for transition to field deployment and subsequent training of personnel was necessary. A training course was developed to train individuals in polymerase chain reaction and enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. Currently, the course offers the most advanced fieldable technologies for confirming biological warfare agents.

The Army’s initial deployable laboratory was the 520th Theater Army Medical Laboratory (TAML) which has been deployed in support of several missions. Following Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, the 520th TAML was reorganized into the 1st and 9th Area Medical Laboratories (AML). These units form the foundation for deployable biological warfare agent detection systems in the Army medical system.

Following the completion of this course, students are trained to set-up, maintain, and operate a deployable confirmatory laboratory under field conditions. The deployed laboratory capability serves as Theater and Combatant Commanders’, as well as the Theater Surgeon’s resource for biological warfare testing.

Since the FIBWA course was first offered in 1999 more than 1000 students including members of three services, DoD civilians, and foreign scientists have attended. Due to increased demand for these highly specialized courses, training opportunities were increased in 2003 with the addition of new training facilities. The new facilities provide laboratory space for eight students per class retaining the individualized instruction process.

In 2005, the National Guard Bureau began using the FIBWA training program as the foundation for the advanced biological component of their Civil Support Teams (CST). These teams, assigned to each state and territory, form the foundation of a highly specialized weapons of mass destruction (WMD) response element.

In 2008 the four week FIBWA and three day FIBWA Manager’s courses were added to the Army Training Resources and Requirements System (ATRRS) as course numbers 6H-F40/311-F4 and 6H-F41/311-F5 respectively. This milestone allows FIBWA graduates to earn valuable military education points which can lead to advancement.

The Ebola epidemic in West Africa 2014 killed tens of thousands of people and elicited a world-wide response. FIBWA implemented the FIBWA-EZ Ebola Diagnostic PCR training course to rapidly spin-up more than 100 scientists and technicians deploying to Liberia for laboratory support of the public health efforts.

FIBWA training consists of three main courses and custom training opportunities:

• FIBWA Technician Course – 4 weeks



• FIBWA Managers Course – 3 days



• FIBWA NGB CST Course – 3 weeks
  
  
  • ALS Challenge Exercise – 2-3 days
    
    
• FIBWA Special Interest Training
  
  
  • Team/Unit-specific
• Mobile Biosurveillance Teams
• Deployed Laboratory Forward/Public Health
  
  
• Mission-specific
• BW Biosurveillance and ID
• Field Confirmatory/Theater Validation
• WGS/Pathogen Discovery

• Event/Project-specific
• JUPITR - Korea
• BW Capacity Building Turkey
• West Africa 2014

• Technical - Rapid BW detection/identification techniques
• WGS: MiSeq, MinIon
• PCR:   JBAIDS, RAZOR, Biofire FilmArray, ABI 7500
• ECL:    PR2, MagPix, LFI
• Accessory methods culture/microscopy/biochemical

While these courses are designed for organizations within the DoD, special considerations can be made for other governmental agencies.

The basis for the equipment and technology is integrated with the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense (JPEO-CBD).  Concepts of Operations and reagents are continually evaluated and transitioned to the field and into the training program to insure that FIBWA training is relevant and on the “Cutting Edge.”

The FIBWA Technician Course is 20 working days in duration (4 weeks).  The course outline is listed below.  A field situational training exercise provides an opportunity to integrate training with real-world scenarios that challenge the student’s understanding and skills.

The FIBWA Managers Course is a three-day course designed to introduce leaders to the management of biological warfare agent identification.  Emphasis is on laboratory operations, assay use, and limitations.  Hands-on opportunities are provided for core technologies.

The FIBWA NGB CST is provided exclusively for the National Guard Bureau Civil Support Teams (CST).  It consists of two weeks of CST specific instruction culminating in a situational training exercise.

FIBWA Special Interest Training Courses are adapted to customer requirements.  Courses can range from days to weeks depending on the breadth of information needed and any requirements for certifications.  Examples of this training include training newly fielded systems and technologies.

Typical Course Syllabus:

Overview, Bio-safety, and Intro to Lab Operations (1.5 days):
The Primary objectives and didactic plan will be outlined.  BW history, Lab Concepts, Current Techniques, and Lab operations in a Field environment will be discussed.  Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of bio-safety and basic lab skills.  Bio-safety will be continually evaluated throughout laboratory exercises.

Nucleic Acid Extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (9 days):
Students will be familiarized with the theory and practice of detecting agents in unknown samples using nucleic acid based assays.  The students will be trained on DNA extraction protocols including extraction of DNA from medical samples, soil, boil preps from cultures, and extraction of RNA for RT- PCR.  Configuration of thermal-cycler reaction profiles, operation and maintenance, and data interpretation are also covered. Several options for training exist such as JBAIDS, BioFire FilmArray, RAZOR, ABI 7500 and other DNA/RNA analysis techniques such as Whole Genome Sequencing.

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) (4 days):
Students will be familiarized with the theory and practice of detecting agents (bacteria and toxins) in unknown samples using electrochemiluminescent technology.  Students will be trained on preparation of a variety of sample matrices, ECL procedures using the PR2/MagPix analyzer, and interpretation of results.  Protocols for major threat agents will be reviewed.

Field Operations (1 day):
Discussion will focus on operational issues that the students may be faced with, the decision-making process, and long-range support.  Sample flow and laboratory design will be discussed and students will participate in tabletop exercises.

Field Training Exercise (4 days):
Students will be given several scenarios to respond to during this block of instruction.  The students will be required to set up and operate a lab under field conditions.  The students will be evaluated on how well they respond and problem solve throughout the exercise.  Students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the Concept of Operations that they have been trained to follow.

Course Critique/After Action Review (.5 day):
Students will be given an opportunity to give comments on training and ask questions of key personnel within the department.  Certificates of training will be issued.

Contact Information:

Field Operations and Training
USAMRIID
1425 Porter Street
Fort Detrick, MD  21702
301-619-4738/8656
DSN:  343-4738/8656

Email:  usarmy.detrick.medcom-usamriid.mbx.fibwa@mail.mil

— Biological Agent Identification and Counterterrorism Training (BAIT) —

BAIT Pamphlet

BACKGROUND

Biological Agent Identification and Counterterrorism Training (BAIT) at Fort Detrick provides realistic training scenarios, facilities, and subject matter experts to increase the preparedness of biological threat event responders.  Biological agent training events can be custom designed based on the organizations involved and projected threats.  To date, training has involved National Guard Civil Support Teams; local, state and federal law enforcement and HAZMAT teams; and federal criminal investigation agencies.  Optimal results are obtained when multiple agencies participate as communications, responsibilities, and timelines are realized.  Training at offsite locations can be performed to meet customer needs.

The rapid and decisive response to biological agent incidents and activities by U.S. agencies is vital to public health and national security.  Attacks with biological weapons could: Cause catastrophic numbers of acute casualties, long-term disease and disability, psychological trauma, and mass panic; Disrupt critical sectors of our economy and the day-to-day lives of Americans; and create cascading international effects by disrupting and damaging international trade relationships, potentially globalizing the impacts of an attack on United States soil.

The U.S. Army Medical Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) at Fort Detrick, MD leads the way as a national level laboratory for cutting edge research in the field of biological warfare agent research designed to detect and treat personnel.

The Field Operations and Training (FO&T) Branch of USAMRIID’s Diagnostic Systems Division (DSD) was instituted in 1999 to develop procedures and training that enable the use of these cutting edge technologies in field and austere environments.  FO&T’s expertise has grown over the years and they have performed many field operations in the U.S. and around the world.

In 1999 FO&T began offering the Field Identification of Biological Warfare Agents (FIBWA) course.  This four week course trains military, federal, and state customers to analyze samples in a field environment.  The course provides thought provoking scenarios, realistic samples, and hands on training and testing.

A three day course is also available for lab decision makers to acclimate them to the analysis and reporting decision making process.

Due to the fundamental link and complexity between analysis, communication, and sampling; especially during interagency operations, FO&T developed Biological Agent Identification and Counterterrorism Training (BAIT) in 2009.  The staff subject matter experts customize and stage scenarios for single or multiple organizations then monitor and critique operations.  The outcome is a more proficient organization with increased awareness of internal and external roles and responsibilities during real world activities.

TRAINING OBJECTIVES

Civil Support Team and other DOD Entities – To continue our Gold standard training, by expanding current FIBWA platform to include situation training exercises that not only test the capability of mobile laboratories, but also incorporate survey, communication and medical sections as they would be utilized during a real world event.

Law Enforcement–Federal/State/Local – To provide a realistic training platform for special entry teams that will be required /allowed to breach the units and clear the site while encountering unfamiliar activities such as clandestine BW production labs, BW packaging and staging areas and hostile occupants that will resist and possibly be infectious.

HAZMAT–Federal/State/Local – To test capability to provide initial site survey and proper decontamination of possibly exposed personnel. Decontamination will include that of entry team, detainees and possible neighbors.

Federal Criminal Investigation Agencies – Exposure to the possible Departments encountered during a BW terrorist event and provide scenarios that will include a number of different avenues to approach for information collection; from the neighbor living nearby – to the girlfriend/boyfriend/co-worker of the suspect attacker.  To collaborate/witness the sample and evidence collection.  FBI/DHS/USDA/CID/EPA

POSSIBLE EVENT TIME LINE

BAIT PROVIDES

• Realistic integrated training for responders to bioterrorism events
• True subject matter experts for functional recommendations
• Custom tailored training experience based on your units needs
• Reinforcement of good working relationships between organizations

TRAINING OUTCOMES

• Integrated Team Training
• CST training: sample collection/testing, real world samples, sample handoff
• BW sample collection training for survey, multiple sample types
• Clandestine lab exposure – “what to expect”
• Equipment checks for team in off site location
• FBI/CST communication bridges and expectations
• OGA interaction as scenarios permit: DHS/FERN/USDA/EPA/FDA
• Law enforcement interaction and exposure training
• HAZMAT interaction with on site CST
• Assist in developing standardization for sample collection within all agencies
• SME oversight in relaxed training environment – NOT EVALUATION!
• AAR conducted within 48 hours of exercise completion

Contact Information

Emergency Management
USAMRIID
1425 Porter Street
Fort Detrick, MD 21702
301-619-4673
DSN: 343-4673

2020 - 2021 Schedule Medical Management of Chemical and Biological Casualties (MCBC) #6H-F26 (School codes 877 / 879) Field Management of Chemical and Biological Casualties (FCBC) #6H-F37/300-F31 (School code 879) Hospital Management of Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear and Explosive (HM-CBRNE) Incidents Course "6I-F10/340-F5 (School code 879)

Course Title Date Location Availability (FCBC) 27-31 July 2020 APG, MD Open (MCBC) 16-21 August 2020 APG, MD and Ft. Detrick, MD Open (FCBC) 14-18 September 2020 APG, MD Open (MCBC) 18-23 October 2020 APG, MD and Ft. Detrick, MD Open (FCBC) 16-20 November 2020 APG, MD Open (HM-CBRNE) 25-29 January 2021 APG, MD Open (FCBC) 22-26 February 2021 APG, MD Open (MCBC) 28 March–2 April 2021 APG, MD and Ft. Detrick, MD Open (FCBC) 26-30 April 2021 APG, MD Open (MCBC) 23-28 May 2021 APG, MD and Ft. Detrick, MD Open (FCBC) 21-25 June 2021 APG, MD Open (HM-CBRNE) 26-30 July 2021 APG, MD Open (MCBC) 15-20 August 2021 APG, MD and Ft. Detrick, MD Open (FCBC) 13-17 September 2021 APG, MD Open

Hospital Management of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear & Explosive Incidents Course (HM-CBRNE) US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI)
Do you know what to do if you are faced with mass casualties from a catastrophic event? Does everyone around you? USAMRICD would like to present to you an advanced-level education opportunity from the US Army, the HM-CBRNE course. It offers healthcare professionals state-of-the-art instruction that may save lives in a major WMD incident. Designed for civilian and military healthcare managers and clinicians, it is presented by some of the nation’s leading authorities in biological, chemical, explosive and radiation incident management. This course was developed with hospital level objectives – clinical and non-clinical. The HM-CBRNE course is intended to help mitigate the existing gaps in support of hospital operations during a major WMD event. Topics are presented in a seminar format that encourages participation. At least half of the course is devoted to group activities and hospital teams centered on the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS). These team efforts culminate in a high production value multi-facility mass casualty tabletop exercise. HM-CBRNE includes expert overview of all CBRNE fields to include psychology of CBRNE events. Other highlights include principles of hospital emergency management, regulatory frameworks (NIMS, NRF, HICS), equipment and procedure demonstrations as well as a multi-station practical exercise. Additionally, HM-CBRNE benefits all other routine and crisis hospital operations. HM-CBRNE is typically attended by hospital management, emergency planners, emergency responders, public health officials, physicians, nurses and others. The course is offered 1-2 times per year. Typically, half of the attendees are civilian. HM-CBRNE provides a great opportunity to meet other professionals from across the nation who face the same challenges you do. This course meets the mandatory chemical/biological training requirements under AR 525-27.. I Am Interested.

HM-CBRNE Course Agenda

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Welcome Course Overview Commander's Welcome Human Factors in Dissasters NIMS and NRF PICS and HICS Hosp Emer Mng: Gen Prin Lunch Psych Aspects of CBRNE Detec and Equip Decon Hosp Inc Mgmt Plan Sess   Biological Threat Agents Hosp Emergency of Bio Agent Casualtiy Hosp Res to Large-scale Biological Event Lunch Bio Incident Discussion Scenario Bio Incident Small Group Exercise Hospital Incident Mgmt Planning Session   Conventional Blast Injuries Case Study: Major Terrorist Bomb Attack Chemical Agents Hospital Emergency Mgmt: A CW Persp Lunch Chem Attack Disc Scen Chem Inc Mgmt Panel Discussion Chem Small Group Exercise    Radiation, Nuclear Incidents Hospital Response Radiation Fundamentals Radiological/Explosive Attack Scenario Triage of CBRNE Cas Lunch Multi-station Exer Brief FDA DHS Take Home Assignment   Tabletop Exercise Process Briefing Hospital Incident Mgmt Planning Session Tabletop Exercise Capstone After-action Review CBIRF Informatics in CBRNE Mass-casualty Care Adjournment & Graduation

Please contact The Chemical Casualty Care Division if you have any questions about this course at 410-436-2230