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Dr. Brandi C. Vann, Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Defense Programs, and representatives from the Chemical and Biological Defense Program took part in the annual U.S.-UK Bilateral Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Leadership Group (BCLG) plenary on Sept. 10 and 11 in London, UK.
Dr. Vann chaired the BCLG plenary alongside Ms. Nina Wagner, Principal Deputy to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Policy, and their UK counterparts, Mr. Gary Martin, UK Director of Operational Policy, and Rear Admiral Paul Stroude, UK Director of Capability.
The annual BCLG plenary advances National Defense Strategy and Biodefense Posture Review objectives by strengthening bilateral cooperation on CWMD activities. This year’s meeting focused on bolstering U.S.-UK military interoperability, NATO cooperation and exercises, and strengthening research and development cooperation on CWMD capabilities.
The 2024 BCLG Readout is available here.
The Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP), in partnership with National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), inaugurated a new supercomputing system dedicated to biological defense at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). The new CBDP-funded supercomputing system advances a 2023 DoD and NNSA agreement to work together on the nation's toughest biodefense challenges.
The biodefense-focused High-Performance Computer (HPC) will provide unique capabilities for large-scale simulation and AI-based modeling for a variety of defensive activities, including bio surveillance, threat characterization, advanced materials development, and accelerated medical countermeasures. DoD and NNSA intend to allow the U.S. Government interagency, International Allies and partners, and academia and industry to access the supercomputing capability.
The new HPC capability uses the same system architecture as LLNL's upcoming exascale supercomputer, El Capitan, which is projected to be the world's most powerful supercomputer when it becomes operational later this year.
Photo Credit: Garry McLeod/LLNL
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for Chemical and Biological Defense, Mr. Ian Watson, and several staff members recently visited Naval Support Facility (NSF) Indian Head. While there, the team met with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division Chemical Biological Radiological (CBR) Defense Division to discuss the support they provide to the Navy and Joint Force Chemical and Biological Defense mission.
The visitors toured the CBR Defense facilities and saw a demonstration by the Detonation and Combustion Technology Branch. DASD Watson and his team also met with the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force during their trip to NSF Indian Head.
April 15, 2024
Members of the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Chemical and Biological Defense (ODASD(CBD)) and the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Threat Reduction and Arms Control (DASD(TRAC)) were invited to observe National Guard Weapons of Mass Destruction—Civil Support Teams (CSTs) in action at the 2024 Boston Marathon. The CSTs provided detection, mitigation, and medical response along the entirety of the 26-mile route. These teams exist to assesses potential chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) hazards, advise civil authorities, and facilitate military support during emergencies and incidents of suspected weapons of mass destruction or other disasters. In addition, the CST advises civilian responders on appropriate actions through on-site testing and expert consultation, and if necessary, assists and facilitates the arrival of follow-on state and federal military forces.
CST’s have a variety of capabilities to help civil authorities monitor for accidental or intentional release of agents. At the Boston Marathon, representatives from ODASD(CBD) and ODASD(TRAC) were able to watch, in real-time, CBRNE monitoring that allows for quick CST reaction in the event of an actual threat. They also toured the CST mobile lab, which allows for analysis of CBRNE hazards. In addition to the Boston Marathon, CSTs support public safety efforts at other high-profile, large-scale, mass-crowd events including Super Bowls, the State of the Union Address, the United Nations General Assembly, and even visits from foreign dignitaries.
September 11-15, 2023
Members of the Office of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Chemical and Biological Defense (ODASD(CBD)) along with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, co-chaired Tabletop Exercise ABLE RESOLVE 2023 (AR23) this September in Hawaii. AR23 prominently featured operational biosurveillance (BSV) - a critical national security priority as outlined by both the National Biodefense Strategy and the Biodefense Posture Review (BPR).
The BPR identifies BSV as critically important to future warfighting efforts. BSV will enable our warfighters to win future conflicts in chemically and biologically contested areas. Enhanced capabilities to integrate BSV relevant information from a variety of data sources, including from various sensors across areas of operations, were investigated towards increasing situational awareness and providing actionable information to all echelons of the Joint Force. This forms a common operating picture for all warfighters from the soldier to the theater commander. BSV empowers decisions to reduce risk to our soldiers, allowing early awareness of biological incidents and contaminated areas to avoid, helping us better understand if exposure to a harmful substance has occurred, and warning military and civilians to don personal protective equipment. All of which inform decision-makers of events as they unfold so they can achieve mission objectives.
AR23 produced many outcomes, including a commitment to future development of coordinated BSV within the Indo-Pacific region. This includes identifying gaps among critical personnel, processes, and capabilities, which are necessary to anticipate, recognize, monitor, and mitigate the effects of chemical and biological incidents on military operations. Thanks to conversations about enhanced BSV, the DoD will be better prepared to respond to incidents in the Indo-Pacific.
July 24, 2023
ASD(NCB) Deborah Rosenblum and DASD(CBD) Ian Watson recently provided keynote addresses at this year’s National Defense Industrial Association CBRN Defense Conference in Baltimore, MD. Ms. Rosenblum described implications of the National Defense Strategy (NDS) on chemical and biological defense, provided an update on the CBDP Pivot (first announced at last year’s conference), and highlighted operational challenges the CBDP is asking industry partners to help solve.
Mr. Watson discussed the Joint Force’s future operating environment, how CB defense capabilities must fit into the Joint Force’s operational concepts, and the impact this has on industry’s CBRN defense proposals. DASD Watson highlighted the need to unencumber the warfighter by providing CBRN defensive equipment that not only protects the Joint Force but allows it to perform its mission. DASD Watson explained that the Total Force must be equipped for CB defense and challenged industry to provide capabilities that can be scaled to meet this requirement.
July 18, 2023
Members of the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Chemical and Biological Defense and the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense recently traveled to Capitol Hill to brief Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Senate Armed Service Committee staffers on the Generative Unconstrainted Intelligent Drug Engineering (GUIDE) program.
In concert with interagency partners, GUIDE uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to accelerate the discovery and manufacturing of critical Medical Countermeasures for the Joint Force. GUIDE is a significant part of the Chemical and Biological Defense Program’s efforts to stay ahead of the threat.
June 29, 2023
On June 29th, at the culminating event of the U.S. Army CBRN School (USACBRNS) Regimental Week at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, DASD(CBD), Mr. Ian Watson, delivered the Guest Speaker Address at the Green Dragon Ball celebrating the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Chemical Corps. At the ceremony, Mr. Watson was awarded the Order of the Dragon (Legionnaire) to recognize his contributions to the U. S. Army Chemical Corps Regiment by proving critical defense capabilities and building partnerships with multiple stakeholders in support of the Chief of Chemical’s CBRN/WMD priorities around the world.
June 16, 2023
Assistant Secretary of Defense Deborah Rosenblum and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Ian Watson recently visited Naval Station Norfolk, VA, to witness the fielding of a new, advanced biological detection system. This helps the warfighter stay ahead of the threat. Through using chemical and biological detection capabilities, the Joint Force is better postured to care for our servicemembers and defend our nation and allies.
June 5, 2023
DASD Watson was the keynote speaker for DoD/HHS Engagement Day at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization International Convention in Boston, MA. This annual convention is one of the largest of its kind and draws industry partners, academics, and government leaders from across the country. During his remarks, DASD Watson outlined the National and DoD Strategy for addressing the current threat landscape; the CBDP’s oversight responsibilities; and the need for CB Defense solutions that overcome manufacturability, scale, and logistical challenges. As DASD Watson stated, “Solutions to our problems should be a win-win for the American people and for industry, and I will do my part to ensure our mid- to long-term requirements and needs are stable, defined, and communicated in a way that benefits industries interests.”
October 2022
Mr. Ian Watson, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for (DASD) Chemical and Biological Defense, recently toured Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. During the visit, Mr. Watson and Ms. Cassandra Simmons-Brown, the Principal Deputy in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Chemical and Biological Defense, received hands on experience with the U.S. Army’s chemical and biological defense capabilities.
Fort Leonard Wood is home to the U.S. Army’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) School. The CBRN school helps ensure the Army is postured to fight and win in a CBRN environment.
Nov. 17, 2021
Congratulations to the exceptional Chemical and Biological Defense Program people recognized at our first annual Excellence Awards ceremony, held virtually this week. Dr. Brandi Vann, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Chemical and Biological Defense, tapped COL Ryan R. Eckmeier, @JPEO's Joint Project Manager for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Medical as the individual excellence award winner and the JPEO CBRN Medical team as the team excellence award winners. In addition to extraordinary efforts in support of the COVID-19 pandemic response, they ensured continued full support to the Chemical and Biological Defense mission.
Nov. 5, 2021
Ms. Deborah Rosenblum, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs, recently had the opportunity to observe some of the inspiring work of the Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP) up close when she took an introductory tour of Aberdeen Proving Ground. The CBDP leverages DOD and industry subject matter experts to develop novel capabilities against the evolving threat landscape. Warfighters rely on the CBDP to understand, protect them against, and mitigate the effects of current, emerging, and future threats.
Aberdeen Proving Ground is home to the U.S. Army Development Command Chemical and Biological Center, the U.S. Army Research Institute for Chemical Defense, the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense, and the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Command, all critical components or partners of the Chemical and Biological Defense Program.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Chemical and Biological Defense, Dr. Vann, recent appearance to the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense Conference and Exhibition as a keynote Speaker addressed the importance of working closely with industry.
“As we continue to look at COVID, and continue to work through the future pandemic preparedness activities, we have to remain competitive long term, which also means being proactive, with trends long term, we need to ultimately be proactively agile.”