AUGUST 28, 2024 – The Air National Guard, the U.S. Marine Corps and international partners enhanced chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense capabilities during the two-week Toxic Swell exercise.
In the face of evolving global threats, the Air National Guard’s Deployment for Training exercise in July and August fortified the interoperability and readiness of U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Exercises like Toxic Swell are critical because they ensure that our forces are prepared for worst-case scenarios — scenarios that could have catastrophic consequences if not handled properly,” said Col. Regina Komine, deputy commander of the 154th Wing.
Toxic Swell emphasized joint and total force integration. Over 50 military personnel participated, including Air National Guard units, Marine Wing Support Squadron 174 CBRN Defense Section, active-duty Air Force personnel from PACAF, and 4th Air Force Reserve components.
“One of the most significant takeaways from this exercise has been the collaboration between different branches and international partners like the Australians,” Komine said. “It’s not just about individual training; it’s about how we can operate effectively as a cohesive unit in real-world scenarios.”
Participants engaged in field rehearsals, including CBRN reconnaissance and surveillance training, while mounted and dismounted. The rugged terrain of Marine Corps Training Area Bellows simulated the challenging conditions personnel might face in actual deployments.
Dugway Proving Ground scientists educated the participants on the latest developments in CBRNE defense and the science behind detecting and mitigating these threats. Participants donned and cleared their masks in a controlled environment filled with CS gas, reinforcing the importance of proper CBRN procedures.
The training also incorporated the decentralized mission command elements, emphasizing the importance of flexible command and control structures.
“This is the first time I’ve seen CBRN training incorporate such a heavy focus on combat tactics,” Komine said. “It’s clear that the Air Force is moving towards developing more combat-ready Airmen, which is essential as we adapt to the demands of modern warfare.”
Master Sgt. Kenneth Church, the lead project coordinator for Toxic Swel, agreed.
“Including combat training in our CBRN training event is a game-changer,“ he said. “It prepares our Airmen and Marines to handle a wider range of scenarios, ensuring they are ready for anything coming their way.”
A key theme of the exercise was implementing the Agile Combat Employment concept, which focuses on increasing the flexibility and responsiveness of forces, enabling them to operate from multiple locations with smaller, more agile teams. This approach is particularly relevant in the Indo-Pacific, where vast distances and potential adversary actions demand a more dynamic and distributed force posture.
Toxic Swell provided an ideal platform for testing and refining ACE-related tactics, techniques, and procedures. By combining small team tactics, flexible command and control structures, and field decontamination procedures, participants enhanced their ability to operate in contested environments.
Beyond technical training, Toxic Swell was an opportunity to build and strengthen relationships in the Indo-Pacific region. The exercise included international partners such as the Australian Defense Force, underscoring the importance of coalition-building in addressing global security challenges.
As the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region grows, the need for exercises like Toxic Swell will only increase.
“I believe that Toxic Swell has the potential to become one of the premier training events in the Pacific,” Church said.
By Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Perez
151st Wing