Biological and Chemical Technician

Sergeant Stanley D. Wriston
Air National Guard
Charleston, W.V.

What does a chemical and biological technician do?

We protect personnel and buildings from enemy attack, natural disasters and major accidents. As a technician we train, equip, and organize military personnel to protect themselves from biological and chemical warfare. We also deal with emergency and hazardous materials plans for the base.

What did you get your degree in to prepare for this job?

I have a four year degree in business management but I went to a 14 week technical school to receive a certification for this job.

What interesting experiences have you had while working here?

Last year I was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I was in charge of 23 people. We drove humvees and checked 2000 chemical alarms placed around our base. I was there for three months but it was rewarding. In May 2004 we went to train in Florida, I got to try out a biological agent testing kit on "contaminated" vegetation and soil. We wore huge suits with air packs to protect us from contamination. That was one of the most realistic scenarios I have ever participated in.

What are some things about your work that aren't great?

I always have a lot to do whether it is teaching chemical warfare classes, writing and studying plans, inspecting equipment, or deploying personnel. Also, we conduct our warfare in huge chemical suits and the readiness personnel go right into the "bad stuff'- smallpox, VX nerve gas, malaria, anthrax etc to protect everybody else.

After the 14 week technical school training, what other training would you recommend for this position?

You would also need to complete a HAZMAT course because we deal with hazardous materials accidents. The understanding of chemistry is essential. We work with chemicals such as nerve and blister agents that have complex chemical formulas. In addition, good speaking skills are mandatory.

What kind of equipment do you use in this career field?

We have manual chemical detectors such as M-8 and M-9 paper and M256A1 chemical kits. These three things detect and classify toxic chemical agents in vapor or liquid form. We have an K8A1 chemical detector that gives off an alarm if it detects chemical agents. We also do have about 50 Department of Defense biological detector kits in the refrigerator. They look like giant pregnancy tests. We place samples on a petri dish and then send them to a lab in Washington, D.C. for confirmation of biological contamination.

Do you have to hold any special licenses for operating heavy machinery?

Everyone in the military has to have a military driver's license. However, you must be certified to operate a 1.5 ton truck, a forklift, a dump truck and a van. All these pieces of equipment are essential to perform these duties in war and peace.

What are civilian equivalents to the military occupations?

The Readiness career field encompasses aspects of chemistry, biology, meteorology, engineering, education, public speaking, emergency technology etc. Some civilian equivalents include homeland security, chemists, biochemists, toxicologists, immunologist, and bioevironmental engineers. I came from a law enforcement and intelligence background. It was easy for me to transition into this job.

What would you tell someone wanting to join the Air Force to train for this job?

A person should understand that Readiness is not a simple occupation, it is an ever changing one. A person should be interested in scientific study and research. They should have good communication and teaching skills. Also, you can't be claustrophobic because we have to work in hot chemical suits for hours at a time!

what physical requirements does one need for this career?

One should be physically fit. We carry heavy equipment and walk long distances. A person who is color blind cannot do the job. If you cannot see colors, you cannot perform the duties. We are subjected to numerous vaccinations such as smallpox, yellow fever, anthrax and tuberculosis, so healthy immunity is important.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I have been doing this for twelve years. This career is not the easiest, but I love what I do. A lot of times, I am the first one in the office and the last one out. After most of my classes, I feel a sense of achievement because I am training our base populace to protect themselves in a chemical and biological environment. I look back on my war experiences and appreciate the things I have endured.

Interviewed by Jeanette N. Gooch for a College 101 assignment on 12/04.