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Solutions
U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command
Chemical Biological Center
NEWSLETTER
Q4 FY2020
PANDEMIC RESPONSE
f Center’s Mobile Lab Expertise Enables
Readiness Page 8
f Center Helps Develop Capability to
Transport Infected Warfighters Page 10
f Man’s Best Friend Joins COVID-19
Fight Page 12
f Army Applies Lung-on-a-Chip Technology
to COVID-19 Research Page 14
f Social Distancing Inspires New Ways to
Conduct Training Page 16
Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited Solutions Newsletter | Q4 FY2020 1
Solutions decontamination techniques that members
of our armed forces and first responders can
DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
Q4 FY2020 - Volume 4 Issue 4 use in the field to decontaminate personal
Features protective equipment, vehicles, military
equipment, buildings and other surfaces.
Diligence Pays Dividends in Battle vs COVID-19
8 Center’s Mobile Lab Expertise Enables
Readiness
MANAGING EDITOR
We’ve been designated as the first stop
for the assessment of candidate Defense
Department-made N95 respirators. We
10 Center Helps Develop Capability to Transport Richard Arndt test them before they go to the National
Cum Scientia Defendimus – With Science We Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Infected Warfighters Public Affairs Officer Defend. These words have long embodied the (NIOSH) for certification, and before they are
spirit of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities distributed to warfighters and first responders.
12
EDITOR Development Command Chemical Biological Our subject matter experts were sought out
Man’s Best Friend Joins COVID-19 Fight Center (DEVCOM CBC).
Robin Schumacher by Army, DoD, and commercial organizations
to consult on NIOSH regulations for personal
Never have they been more relevant than
14 Army Applies Lung-on-a-Chip Technology to protective equipment. Within the Center, our
NEWSLETTER TEAM today.
filtration and additive manufacturing experts
COVID-19 Research Jack Bunja have joined forces to support projects to
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the
Brian Feeney fabricate filters and create novel designs such
16 Social Distancing Inspires New Ways to world’s attention to science and to the
as clear masks to enable facial recognition
Jerilyn Coleman seemingly miraculous results it can generate.
Conduct Training While science can achieve miracles, those and better communication.
miracles are made possible by years,
We also continue to work on new ideas and
sometimes decades, of research and data
technologies in the Nation’s continuing fight
collection quietly performed by some of the
against the pandemic. We’ve partnered with
Every Issue world’s best minds.
the University of Pennsylvania to train dogs
Although nobody knew specifically that to safely detect biomarkers produced by the
3 Director's Message
COVID-19 would occur, we at DEVCOM CBC COVID-19 virus in humans. So far, the dogs
were already researching and preparing for the have demonstrated a success rate of more
4 DEVCOM CBC In the Field
possibility of a biological incident, human- than 98 percent, and this work could lead to
caused or naturally occurring. Our experts a cadre of trained dogs that could be used
6 Capability Spotlight to screen Soldiers at military processing
Contents
have been tracking and researching the
implications of biological pandemic events, centers or at the military academies. We’ve
17 Employee Spotlight and they are the science and technology also received Coronavirus Aid, Relief and
experts on personal protective equipment, Economic Security (CARES) Act funding for
24 Collaboration Corner decontamination and additive manufacturing. lung-on-a-chip research using our Biosafety
So the moment the pandemic started, we were Level 3 containment facilities. This research
27 Working for the Warfighter U.S. Army Combat Capabilities
Development Command Chemical
Eric L. Moore, Ph.D., is the director of ready to help the Nation respond. will help us better understand how the novel
coronavirus attacks human lung cells, which
the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities
will aid in identifying protective measures and
28 In the Community Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC)
Solutions Newsletter is an authorized
Development Command Chemical The first step in helping our partners and
preventative medicines.
Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC), the ensuring the readiness of our armed forces
publication for members of the
30 Publications and Patents
DoD. The contents of Solutions
only chemical and biological defense
was to ensure the safety of our workforce.
We recognized early on that sharing
Our staff and directorates came together very
Newsletter are not necessarily technology center of its kind. He is a early in the crisis to make sure we had the our expertise and technology with other
the official views of, or endorsed member of the Senior Executive Service capabilities and protective measures in place. organizations and leveraging the expertise
by, the U.S. Government or the and is an expert in chemical and biological We more than tripled our telework capability to of others would be critical to our success,
This Issue Department of the Army. defense and medical countermeasures. allow the majority of our workforce to perform so we set up key partnerships to support the
COVID-19 response effort across government,
their duties remotely, and we rapidly adopted
Capability Spotlight: CBARR Supports APG industry and academia. We continue to work
6 Garrison in Mystery Storage Tank Mission
Editorial content of this publication Prior to his selection as Center director in protective measures for those employees who
with hundreds of partners to explore how our
is the responsibility of the DEVCOM October 2017, Moore served in various continued to work on site at Aberdeen Proving
CBC Office of Public Affairs. Ground, Rock Island Arsenal, Pine Bluff technologies can be adapted to support this
CBC Liaison Officers Bridge Gap Between
18 Researchers and Soldiers
roles at the Defense Threat Reduction
Arsenal and Dugway Proving Ground. all-of-Nation effort.
References to commercial Agency including chief of the Advanced
We can do all this because of the expertise
20 Synthetic Biology Grand Challenge Concludes products or entities in this and Emerging Threat Division, chief With that protection in place, our workforce
of our workforce, and because of the
publication, including inserts and of the Basic and Supporting Sciences was able to support the readiness of U.S.
DEVCOM CBC Successfully Hosts Summer forces in the face of the pandemic. We investments we’ve made in our technology
22 Interns Despite COVID-19 Challenges
hyper-links, do not constitute
endorsement by the U.S. Army of
Division and senior science and
supported the Joint Program Executive infrastructure over decades. That is how we
technology manager for chemical medical are able to defend our warfighters, our first
the products or services offered. Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological
Army Scientist Plays Key Role in International countermeasures. responders and our nation. Cum Scientia
26 Ban on Nerve Agent
and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) in the
Defendimus – With Science We Defend, is
deployment of mobile laboratories to Camp
more than just a motto.
McDaniel Selected as Center’s Senior Ripley, Minnesota to provide COVID-19 testing
29 Technologist for Chemistry for Soldiers deploying to the National Training
It’s why DEVCOM CBC exists.
Center. We also worked with JPEO-CBRND
to support the Air Force with the Negatively People first — winning matters — Army strong!
Digital Version Pressurized CONEX – a transportation
system that can accommodate up to 30 Eric L. Moore, Ph.D.
For the digital version of COVID-19 patients aboard a C-17 transport Director, DEVCOM CBC
this newsletter, please visit: jet. In addition, we developed surface
https://www.cbc.ccdc.army.mil/solutions/
2 U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center Solutions Newsletter | Q4 FY2020 3
Software Tools and Educating the Workforce
4 to use Artificial Intelligence for Research and
Development, known as STEWARD, is an internal
investment to develop key applications of artificial
intelligence and machine learning in CBRNE.
1
3
Center Invests in AI/ML
Research and Development
2 Core Team Gears Up for 2020 Grand Challenge
By Jerilyn Coleman Photo by Getty Images
FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS, scientists In addition to Riley, the core team includes
DEVCOM CBC In the Field and engineers at the U.S. Army’s Combat
Capabilities Development Command Chemical
Mark Colgan, executive officer to the
Center director; Janet Betters, program
Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC) will explore manager in the Center’s Test Resource and
ways in which artificial intelligence and Integration Group; Samir Deshpande, a senior
machine learning (AI/ML) can help solve bioinformatics scientist in the Detection
chemical and biological defense issues to Spectrometry Branch; and Matthew Lux, ML allows systems to analyze data, learn and
better protect the warfighter on the battlefield. research biologist in the Center’s BioChemistry identify patterns and inform decision making.
DEVCOM CBC is made of many parts and each part has an important role to play in the protection against and
and BioSciences Division. From leaders who
destruction of chemical and biological threats. In the past several months, personnel have traveled not only around The 2020 Grand Challenge is a three-year supported past grand challenges to experts in
the country, but around the world in support of our common mission. Here’s a look at just a few of the many places initiative to educate the Center, provide In 2014, the Center’s first grand challenge
AI/ML, this team is committed to researching
our workforce has touched down. project was the Chemical, Biological,
practical opportunities and promote a better AI/ML tools and methods that will provide
understanding of applications for AI/ML. better solutions and equipment for the Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive,
In August, DEVCOM CBC personnel completed the installation of biosafety cabinets at the Kimbrough Ambulatory Care In the last decade AI/ML has become an warfighter, faster. Assessment, Science and Technology
1 Center at Fort Meade, Maryland and the Barquist Army Health Clinic at Fort Detrick, Maryland as part of establishing a integral tool for the warfighter, using data to Laboratory at Edgewood. It allowed scientists
clinical testing capability for COVID-19. teach computers to predict outcomes without STEWARD’s goal is to equip the workforce to test chemical and biological detectors
explicitly being programmed. For example, if with resources to take advantage of AI/ against substances up to 24 meters away
DEVCOM CBC personnel haven’t let the COVID-19 pandemic prevent them from training Soldiers in the field. Center a warfighter was pinned down by fire and was ML methods and the core team will achieve and provided customers with a better way to
2 experts provided virtual chemical-biological threat training in August to the 83rd Chemical Battalion using Microsoft unable to search for an escape route, AI/ML this through education, small projects, assess detection equipment before it gets into
Teams. Unclassified CB agent related classroom training material was delivered virtually by Center scientists to more could analyze all available data and provide infrastructure/tools and communication. As the hands of warfighters. In 2017, the second
than 50 Soldiers, followed by a day of hands-on work by participants to construct mock clandestine chemical biological the recommended safest retreat path without the program ramps up, the team will begin challenge, Biological Engineering of Advanced
laboratory processes from training supplies. Soldiers then briefed their procedures to classmates, their leadership, and him or her having to divert attention from the their efforts by offering learning opportunities. Material Solutions was executed to unite
Center training staff to affirm lessons learned. fight. “What AI/ML can do is consume the “We invite the Center to join us for the a variety of scientists and engineers from
data related to those decisions to provide educational series, including short videos and across the Center to form interdisciplinary
In August, Center personnel performed acceptance testing for Negative Pressure Container Lite (NPCL) production suggestions and confidence to help guide a in-person invited lectures,” Riley said. teams to develop novel materials using
3 unit number 2 at the contractor facility in Howell, Michigan. The NPCL fits into the cargo compartment of an Air Force warfighter on the battlefield,” said Patrick Riley, synthetic biology.
C-130 Hercules, and is designed to transport individuals with the COVID-19 virus and other highly infectious diseases a research chemist in the Center’s Detection Historically, grand challenges were designed
while preventing the aircrew and medical professionals onboard from being exposed. CBC engineers subject each Spectrometry Branch and a member of this to identify investments that would enable new Going forward, the 2020 Grand Challenge
NPCL unit to a series of operational tests as well as a full inspection of components and features. year’s core team. business areas for the Center. The challenges core team will help programs throughout the
are a part of a larger Center-wide innovation Center address specific challenges with AI/
This year’s challenge will be called Software goal. Teams comprised of investigators from ML solutions. Ultimately, the team hopes that
The CCDC Chemical Biological Center led a Dismounted Reconnaissance Sets, Kits, and Outfits (DR SKO) software
4 upgrade mission in August for a U.S. Army Reserve unit Morgantown, West Virginia. The Center conducted system Tools and Educating the Workforce to use AI around the Center research various subject STEWARD will be established as a voluntary
inspection, property accountability, and performed software upgrades on several components of the DR SKO system. for Research and Development (STEWARD). areas and are responsible for proposing research council that will continue to support
The DR SKO software upgrade provided the unit with the latest information that significantly improves the warfighter’s “When I read the DoD’s five principles of new programs or ideas as potential grand the workforce and the DoD in the overarching
capability for detection, identification, protection and decontamination of chemical and biological threats. AI technology to be responsible, equitable, challenge investments, and the Center’s senior CBRN defense space as well as developing
traceable, reliable and governable it reminded leaders select the proposals that are the alternative customer sources and enhancing
me of traits you would want in someone who most feasible and have the greatest potential the Center’s standing in the science and
is a good steward,” Riley said. to produce tangible results in the next three technology community.
years.
4 U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center Solutions Newsletter | Q4 FY2020 5
Due to the unknown nature of this particular Continued from page 6 waste fuel/water mixture for compliant off-site
UST and its proximity to former World War disposal,” added Murphy. Photo by U.S. Army
typically contact CBARR and request their
Capability Spotlight: CBARR I/World War II chemical agent production
facilities, the Garrison DPW-ED contacted the
assistance in screening these materials
Another capability that makes CBARR unique
to rule out hazards for which our contract
Supports APG Garrison in Mystery U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development
Command Chemical Biological Center’s
environmental laboratories are not qualified or
is the ability to tailor sampling techniques
and apparatus to the operation. In this case,
prepared to handle,” said Murphy.
Storage Tank Mission (DEVCOM CBC) Chemical Biological
Application and Risk Reduction (CBARR) Once any CWA was ruled out, the Garrison
because they did not know how far down
the liquid was in the tank or if there was any
By Robin Schumacher unit. CBARR’s mission is to perform global was able to safely send out samples to agent present, it had to be contained in a
chemical and biological operations in a safe, commercial labs to conduct additional closed system so that it was not released in
secure and environmentally sound manner, analysis required to identify the contents for the air. It also had to be rigid enough to reach
and response and remediation are a big part disposal. Bruey stressed, “If EML didn’t do the bottom of the tank, but flexible enough
of that. When something out of the ordinary their step first, we could potentially be sending so that if there were two layers of liquid (i.e.,
is discovered, such as a strange material, a highly dangerous material to a lab that is not oil and water) both would be collected. Using
“
bomb, tank, or other anomaly, CBARR is equipped to safely handle it.” materials they had on hand, the CBARR team
one of the first groups involved because of created a custom sampling apparatus using a
Edgewood’s history with chemical warfare vacuum pump, glassware and tubing to collect A bi-phasic liquid sample collected by
nearly four liters of a bi-phasic liquid sample the CBARR team from an unidentified
agents (CWA). In fact, CBARR has 200 field-
underground storage tank.
deployable scientists, engineers, technicians The team was responsive from over 10 feet below ground level.
“
and operators who provide chemical biological
support worldwide. This is what makes
in both executing field sampling CBARR also conducts chemical agent
them unique from typical lab work -- they are and analyses. In addition, the monitoring, an important piece in a mission
that could involve potential CWA. For this
actually putting on hazmat suits and going analytical information supplied operation, the team deployed a Real Time
into the field.
by the CBARR lab provided ample Analytical Platform (RTAP), a mobile air-
In true CBARR fashion,
When it came to this operation, CBARR information that pointed to #2 monitoring laboratory that allowed them several branches came together
brought not only its expertise on how to
heating oil and water mixture.
to conduct near-real-time monitoring using
Miniature Continuous Air Monitoring Systems
to answer the call despite the
conduct the mission, but how to accomplish
it safely. They know what personal protective Subsequent analysis done by our (MINICAMS), as well as to collect historical added challenges presented by
equipment (PPE) to use, how to gather the
environmental laboratory further
Depot Area Air Monitoring System (DAAMS) COVID-19.”
sample and how to keep the surrounding samples around the tank’s perimeter during
Brandon Bruey, supervisory chemist
areas safe. The first step for CBARR in reinforced this information, the sampling operation. This ensured the
protection of onsite workers as well as results
operations like this is to develop a job safety and provided data needed to that document no fugitive CWA emissions
analysis (JSA). “The JSA is the gateway to
everything. It lists the steps to do the job, characterize the waste fuel/water were released into the environment. added another layer of effort. Because of
identifies potential hazards for each and mixture for compliant off-site The mission was not without challenges,
social distancing, the team also had to look
addresses how to mitigate these hazards. It is for alternative ways to do things, such as
driven by safety from beginning to end,” said
disposal.” namely working in an environment highly removing PPE when leaving the hot zone
Chemical biological operations personnel from the contaminated with mercury and during a
Center’s Chemical Biological Application and Risk Brandon Bruey, a supervisory chemist in the Andy Murphy, an environmental protection specialist at which is normally done with the help of other
Reduction unit conduct a Level-B sampling mission at the DPW-ED Waste Management Branch global pandemic. “To facilitate CBARR’s people.
Chemical Biological Operations Branch. The
the site of a discovered underground storage tank on UST sampling effort and mitigate potential
Aberdeen Proving Ground South. team begins gathering supplies and, once the
Photo by U.S. Army
exposures to the mercury contamination, the All said and done, the UST sampling operation
plan is approved, they begin the operation.
Garrison covered the mercury contaminated was conducted in a rapid and safe manner
This process is usually accomplished within Sample analysis from the EML did indicate
soil with plastic. CBARR personnel also wore to provide the Garrison with the confidence
a week. the presence of both water and numerous
PPE as an additional precaution,” said Murphy. needed to proceed with remediation. It is
hydrocarbons, however. This suggested the
Initial analysis on the UST sample was As for COVID-19 challenges, Bruey said that important to note that this was a team effort
IMAGINE YOU ARE DOING YOUR JOB According to Andy Murphy, an environmental long-abandoned UST was likely for storage
performed by CBARR’s Environmental working remotely added an extra layer to as there were multiple facets involved in
EXCAVATING A TRENCH, a normal day’s work, protection specialist at the DPW-ED Waste of heating or generator fuel and has since
Monitoring Lab (EML). Lab samples typically getting the job done. For example, there were the execution – environmental, safety, lab
until you hit something. What is it? It appears Management Branch, there is historical been exposed to rain or ground water. “The
have a turn-around time of 72 hours; however, teleconferences and phone calls instead of analysis, air monitoring and mask issue, each
to be an underground storage tank (UST). information on the placement of most legacy team was responsive in both executing field
because of the nature of this project, the face-to-face meetings and documents had to with their respective role. “In true CBARR
Then you see what looks like mercury in the USTs and other subsurface systems used to sampling and analyses. In addition, the
results came back within 24 hours despite be emailed back and forth. Nevertheless, the fashion, several branches came together to
soil. What do you do? This is exactly what convey and/or store petroleum and hazardous analytical information supplied by the CBARR
the work restrictions imposed due to the team’s persistence demonstrated how the answer the call despite the added challenges
happened this summer when an electrical substances. Most of the older underground lab provided ample information that pointed to
COVID-19 outbreak. The testing conducted by workforce could still accomplish the mission, presented by COVID-19,” said Bruey. He added
utility contractor was working near a building fuel oil tanks were removed by the APG Oil #2 heating oil and water mixture. Subsequent
the EML was critical as it was able to confirm despite the vast majority of personnel being that the successful effort was the latest in a
on Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) Edgewood Control Program in the early 1990s and were analysis done by our environmental laboratory
that no chemical agent was present in the on remote work status. The many restrictions long list of examples of how CBARR is helping
Area/APG South. Luckily, the Garrison replaced with aboveground, double-walled further reinforced this information, and
UST. The EML can tentatively identify what is and approvals needed to access APG just to make the world a safer place.
Directorate of Public Works Environmental tank systems. “That being said, surprises such provided data needed to characterize the
Division (DPW-ED) knew exactly who to call. as this are not uncommon,” said Murphy. in a sample, but, more specifically, its mission
is to determine what is not in a sample. “We
Continued on page 7
6 U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center Solutions Newsletter | Q4 FY2020 7
WITH SCIENCE WE DEFEND
“
Continued from page 8
Photo by U.S. Army
Center’s Mobile Lab Expertise Enables Readiness
Operation tests Soldiers for COVID-19 prior to NTC deployment It started with the Center’s
set-up and tear-down team being
By Brian Feeney, Ph.D.
trained on the equipment in the
labs, which was complicated by
A DEVCOM CBC team of specialists customized, the fact that we had to maintain
transported, and operated two mobile
laboratories to test nearly 4,000 Soldiers for social distancing in a very
COVID-19 at Camp Ripley, Minnesota prior to a
rotation at the National Training Center at Fort confined space. That meant
Irwin, California.
training only two people at a time.”
Miriam Meller, DEVCOM CBC engineer
team. “It started with the Center’s set-up
and tear-down team being trained on the
equipment in the labs, which was complicated
Photo by U.S. Army by the fact that we had to maintain social
distancing in a very confined space. That A Center technician straps down everything
“
meant training only two people at a time.” that might move inside a mobile laboratory
before it is trucked to Camp Ripley, Minnesota.
WHEN THE U.S, ARMY NEEDED TO TEST to perform the testing,” said Eric Miller, a There was a lot to secure in these laboratories:
NEARLY 4,000 SOLDIERS for COVID-19 prior DEVCOM CBC employee on loan to JPEO- the analytical equipment, chairs, tables,
to a training rotation at the National Training CBRND. Nothing like this had ever shelving, toolboxes, and more. “It seemed like
Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin, California, a team there was no end to what might move around “We operated with no specific requirements,
of biological and logistics experts based at The Center was responsible for shipping two been tried before so we had to inside these laboratories during transit, so we A Thousand Tests per Day
just a mission goal, so everyone had to be
Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) provided a JPEO-CBRND mobile laboratories to Camp
Ripley, setting them up and overseeing the
create a conduct of operations ratchet-strapped down everything that could Once the laboratories were fully set up and flexible,” Miller said. “There were changes by
deployable solution. move, always thinking, ‘What might have I ready to start operating, Tim Karpich, a Center the hour, and for a long time we didn’t even
screening of nearly 4,000 members of the plan from scratch.” missed?’” said Meller. “So we strapped and logistics management specialist, and Marcus know where the laboratories were going to be
The Joint Program Executive Office for brigade in a month’s time. Miller reached Eric Miller, DEVCOM CBC strapped, and tightened and tightened, usually Thermos, a Center biologist, began their set up and what travel restrictions we would
Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear out to Chika Nzelibe, chief of the Center’s bending around in very awkward positions to job managing the day-to-day operations of have to follow. The team really stepped up,
Defense (JPEO-CBRND) was tasked with the Advanced Design and Manufacturing do it.” the laboratories. That included making sure they regularly worked overtime, and they
mission of testing the entire 1st Armored Division’s Product Realization Branch, to that provides results in less than an hour. that all standard operating procedures were accommodated every change and uncertainty
Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division assist with getting the two mobile laboratories Those testing positive could be placed in The trailers were driven by members of the followed by the laboratory technicians, that thrown at them.”
(1/34th ABCT), Minnesota National Guard, outfitted with the analytical equipment needed quarantine for 14 days and retested; the rest Center’s Chemical Biological Application the work flowed smoothly, and that they were
at their embarkation site at Camp Ripley for screening on this scale. Nzelibe pulled could be cleared for transit to Fort Irwin. and Risk Reduction (CBARR) business unit well stocked with all the necessary supplies. John McFassel, Joint Product Manager,
Training Center in Minnesota. To rapidly field together a team of Center specialists who without incident. Once they arrived, Meller Finally, it meant answering all manner of Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear
a solution, the JPEO-CBRN turned to the could get every phase of the mission done. However, the first step was to simply get and her teammate, Troy Thompson, a Center questions about the equipment, and making and Explosives Analytical and Response
Combat Capabilities Development Command the mobile laboratories from the Center’s chemist, had to unstrap and put back in place sure the work was performed correctly and Systems, said the support provided by the
Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC) for Inventing the Playbook Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., warehouse to everything they had strapped in Maryland. efficiently. Center was critical to JPEO-CBRND’s ability
assistance. Camp Ripley, 1,230 miles away. They also had to attach water and sewer
“Nothing like this had ever been tried before to successfully complete the mission. “We
systems, electricity, and HVAC. “Attaching all Operations started on June 27 with 117 could not have performed this assignment
so we had to create a conduct of operations “Before the laboratories could be mounted
The challenge faced by the team was to those utility systems involved many hours Soldiers tested. There was a pause and then without their skill and dedication,” McFassel
plan from scratch,” said Miller. Operations onto tractor trailers and driven away,
provide rapid testing onsite so the unit could of climbing up and down the outside of the they ramped up to test 3,000 over the course said. “They demonstrated initiative and
consisted of screening every Soldier for everything in the laboratories had to be
successfully deploy to perform their mission laboratories in very hot and humid weather,” of July 5, 6, and 7 – a thousand a day. Those perseverance to overcome the issues that
COVID-19 using a laboratory testing procedure strapped down and fully secured,” said Miriam
at NTC. “Camp Ripley had no medical facilities said Thompson. who tested positive were tested again 14 days inevitably arise when executing an effort this
Meller, a Center biomedical engineer on the
later, so testing ended on July 27. complex under such time constraints.”
Continued on page 9
8 U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center Solutions Newsletter | Q4 FY2020 9
More NPC-Lites to Come
Center Helps Develop Capability to
With all that work accomplished, his role in
this project is far from over. “The plan is to
have 25 to 30 NPCs and NPC-Lites made
Transport Infected Warfighters and in operation around the world. I will be
performing acceptance inspections, leak and
filter testing, and site activation as they arrive
By Brian Feeney, Ph.D. at their destinations,” said Adamek.
“ I love doing rapid
development and field engineering
in general, but in this case, what
we’re doing is truly vital. Each one
of these NPC-Lites is going to be
used immediately upon fielding
because when COVID-19 pops up
at small Forward Operating Bases
(FOBs) it can be catastrophic.”
Jason Adamek, DEVCOM CBC mechanical engineer
While the work is grueling at times, Adamek
is very proud to be able to serve the nation’s
The Negatively Pressurized CONEX Lite system is placed
inside an Air Force C-130 Hercules. The system is designed for
pandemic response effort this way. “It feels
transporting COVID-19 diagnosed and symptomatic warfighters great, I love doing rapid development and field
out of forward installations and on to medical facilities. engineering in general, but in this case, what
we’re doing is truly vital. Each one of these
Photo by U.S. Air Force
NPC-Lites is going to be used immediately
upon fielding because when COVID-19 pops
up at small Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) it
Continued from page 10 can be catastrophic. They are not equipped to
ANYTIME A DEPLOYED WARFIGHTER TESTS design, manufacturing and testing of what only 30 feet long and has 16 seats instead of
Repurposing an Old Reliable exit through the anteroom. Large enough
handle infectious outbreaks. It’s vital that they
POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 he or she needs to turned out to be the answer to the problem, the 30 seats.” are able to get infected people out immediately
be transported to a medical facility quickly to Negatively Pressurized CONEX (NPC) system. The approach for the NPC was practical; use to serve as a medical suite, it is also small and take them to a proper medical facility that
avoid affecting more warfighters in the unit. an existing, readily available, and entirely enough to fit in an Air Force C-17 Globemaster. The project kept Adamek very busy from
is able to isolate and treat them. The NPC-Lite
Up until now, commanders have relied on The Air Force jumped into gear in March, dependable container, the CONEX. It was However, the other workhorse of the Air Force its start in May 2020. As the lead engineer
on a C-130 can reach smaller, more austere
small isolation modules on airplanes or flying establishing a cross-functional team developed during the Korean War to transport is the smaller C-130 Hercules, and the NPC for NPC-Lite, he managed the contractor’s
bases and FOBs that the NPC on a C-17 can’t,”
infected warfighters in open helicopters with dedicated to rapidly prototyping, testing and and store supplies, and it is now used as could not fit in it. The Air Force team decided design and fabrication effort over a period
said Adamek.
the pilot and medical personnel in personal fielding a high capacity transport system that a shipping, rail and trucking container for that a second version was needed for the of 14 days in Michigan. He then spent three
protective (PPE) ensembles. The U.S. Air could meet the U.S. Transportation Command commercial goods around the world. It was C-130 in order to reach remote bases and weeks at Charleston Air Force Base in South Adamek’s participation on the part of the
Force CBRN Defense Systems Branch decided goal of transporting up to 4,000 diagnosed even used by the Center as part of the Field replace open-air patient transport. They called Carolina supporting operational testing to get Center did not go unnoticed. Lt. Col. Paul
that there had to be a better way. and symptomatic COVID-19 cases a month Deployable Hydrolysis System (FDHS) it it the NPC-Lite and Adamek would play a an Air Force flight release for the prototype. Hendrickson, who is in overall project
at a reasonable cost. The team included the designed and used in 2014 to destroy the central role in its development. To get that release, the NPC-Lite had to be command for the CBRN Defense Systems
In Need of Something New Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Syrian declared chemical weapons stockpile airworthy, and be able to withstand a crash Branch, said, “Developing, testing, and fielding
“The Air Force did not have any good
Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense inside a ship at sea. One of the key designers Unique Expertise at nine Gs without breaking apart. Following two different isolation container systems for
(JPEO-CBRND) and the Joint Project Manager of that system was Adamek. successful testing, he then traveled overseas two different aircraft in less than 100 days
choices at that point. The Transport Isolation It was at that point that the NPC lead engineer,
for Protection (JPM-P). The Air Force rapidly for a whirlwind five weeks of site activation doesn’t come easily. Without the amazing
System (TIS) already in service has limited At 40 feet by eight feet by eight-and-a-half feet, Chip Warder of JPM-P, called Adamek for
established a contract with a vendor to provide and training future users. He started at support of the entire JPEO CBRND and
capacity and is at the end of its service life, the CONEX is big enough to hold an anteroom assistance. “The Air Force had to develop the
the equipment the team was designing. From Ramstein Air Base in Germany where a small DEVCOM CBC team, especially Jason Adamek,
and the State Department’s Portable Bio and patient area, each separated by an airtight NPC-Lite in parallel with NPC, but with the
requirements generation to the request for team fielded the first NPC. Within a week the this system would not have been possible. His
Containment Module (PBCM) is expensive door. The entire container is negatively proper dimensions to fit inside the C-130. I
proposal and contract award to fabricating the NPC was flying its first mission evacuating presence on site for all stages of development
and would take six months to produce pressurized using exhaust blowers and high had worked with Chip on other projects, and
first prototype NPC, the entire effort took less COVID positive patients out of the U.S. Central for the NPC-Lite, his close interaction with the
additional units,” said Jason Adamek, a efficiency particulate air filters to keep the with my experience in collective protection
than 30 days. Command area of responsibility. He then contractors, aircraft and air worthiness teams
Combat Capabilities Development Command virus under engineering controls. Directional and rapid design and fabrication projects,
moved to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan and the test organizations brought the NPC-
Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC) flow enables medical personnel to enter and including the FDHS, he knew I could help,”
to field the first NPC-Lite and train teams of Lite across the finish line.”
mechanical engineer who helped manage the said Adamek. “NPC-Lite is the same as the
airmen how to use it inside of the C-130.
Continued on page 11 full-sized NPC in every respect except that it’s
10 U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center Solutions Newsletter | Q4 FY2020 11
Continued from page 12
Graphic by DEVCOM CBC
Man’s Best Friend Joins COVID-19 Fight
training dogs to detect the virus in humans
was a natural.”
Just like Buckley, Otto liked the idea
Army, University of Pennsylvania team up to train virus-detecting dogs immediately. In fact, the Penn Vet Working Dog
Center had a one to two-year canine COVID-19
By Brian Feeney, Ph.D. project in mind already. What Maughan and
Gadberry brought to this effort is what the U.S.
Army does best – up the tempo and get a hard
job done fast. Maughan and Gadberry were
perfect for this. In addition to their relationship
with Otto and the Working Dog Center, through
the Center they had developed relationships
with military users, the virus research
community, and a host of other government
agencies.
COVID-19 detection canine Poncho indicates a positive Given the green light, Buckley, Maughan,
sample from multiple items presented on a canine and Gadberry put the project on a fast track.
training wheel. The Training Aid Delivery Devices The Training Aid Delivery Device, or TADD, is a canine
Maughan called Otto on March 27. Within ten training device developed by DEVCOM CBC researchers;
attached to each arm of the wheel allow the dog to
detect the substance inside, some of which are the days the Center team and the Penn Vet team it can safely contain a substance hazardous to dogs by
proteins that a person produces in response to the virus. were holding project planning discussions. only letting out the volatile organic compounds emitted.
On April 28, the teams were notified that
Photo by DEVCOM CBC
the University of Pennsylvania had found
a philanthropic gift to fund the project. On patient, some contain an asymptomatic However, getting to that next step, creating a
May 14, the Center established a cooperative person’s sample, and some are from a cadre of trained dogs ready to be deployed,
research and development agreement person who does not have the virus. But the is not part of the scope of this study. “The
(CRADA) with the University of Pennsylvania choices do not end there. Some contain an Army and larger Department of Defense,
MEDICAL RESEARCHERS at the University of it could be used in field settings without fear Another feature of the TADD is that all of its inert substance as a control, some have a envisions utilizing COVID-19 detection dogs
to perform cooperative research. By May 21
Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine of breaking it if it was dropped or roughly components, from the tight-sealing lid to the distraction element inside such as an open as an added layer to the nation’s biosecurity
all of the COVID-19 human samples had been
(Penn Vet) Working Dog Center have trained handled. It is a container that comes in sizes protective grid emit very little odor. “Plastic magic marker or food item or a tennis ball, and posture, in coordination with fever checks,
collected, and the dogs began training on May
dogs to detect ovarian cancer and diabetes. ranging from one ounce to eight ounces. and rubber materials can be very stinky to some are empty. screening questionnaires, and PCR testing,”
26.
Could using dogs to detect COVID-19 in A membrane covering the mouth of the dogs and interfere with their detection of the Buckley said. “The dogs represent a non-
humans be far behind? container lets the volatile organic compounds substances we’re looking for,” said Maughan. To perform this highly specialized training, The dog is, in effect, paid to become invasive, autonomous, rapid, and continuous
(VOCs) that a hazardous substance emits flow “We knew the TADD would be perfect for Maughan and Gadberry reached out to increasingly selective, honing its attention screening technology that can help identify
That was the question that motivated out of the TADD. The hazardous substance containing COVID-19 patient samples of saliva down to just the COVID-19 immune response
another dog trainer they had stayed in contact presymptomatic and asymptomatic COVID
researchers from the Combat Capabilities itself remains inside. A grid placed over the or urine because we knew this odor profile odor. For these Labrador retrievers, payment
with over the years, Patrick Nolan, owner of a positive patients. In the Army, it is not
Development Command Chemical Biological membrane prevents punctures. would be quite nuanced and require the dogs is a food treat or a favorite toy. As the training
working dog business in Hagerstown, Md. He always possible to socially distance in our
Center (DEVCOM CBC). to key in on some really low VOC molecules. progresses, Nolan stacks the wheels making
started his business after 12 years of working close quarters facilities and operational
The Training Aid Delivery Device, or TADD, is It’s important that the containment system, the for even more sources of stimulation for the
with U.S. Army Special Forces training environments, so we could deploy these
“We had just begun teleworking at the Center,” a canine training device developed by CCDC TADD, doesn’t compete with the target odor.” military working dogs and 30 years of training dogs and demanding that they become more dogs at entry control points, secure buildings,
said Michele Maughan, Ph.D., a Center Chemical Biological Center researchers; it
retrievers to hunt. and more selective. aircraft, military colleges, etc.
researcher. “And I called up the research can safely contain a substance hazardous to The TADD development project was a part
partner in my branch who I work most closely dogs by only letting out the volatile organic of the support Center researchers had been This is a six to nine week process and not
“Pat provided ten working dogs and, using Buckley added that any such deployment
with on dogs, Jenna Gadberry, and said to compounds emitted. providing the military explosives community’s every dog makes it through. “Not every dog
human saliva and urine samples provided by will be dependent on the next phase of the
her, ‘We keep saying we need to find a way for canine detection programs since 2012. can stick with the length and degree of
the University of Pennsylvania, got the dogs study, which involves testing the sensitivity
dogs to detect COVID-19, let’s do this! Do you “The TADD made it safe for dogs to be Over the course of that work Maughan and intensity of the training to get all the way to
working with the TADDs right away,” said and specificity of the dogs’ abilities. “We will
have the will to try?’” With a collaborative yes, trained using live substances because Gadberry had developed strong connections being able to detect in the part per trillion
Maughan. “Training dogs to do this kind of not deploy COVID-19 detection dogs without
they approached their branch chief. explosive powders and narcotics stay under with the military working dog community, both range,” said Gadberry. “And not every dog
work, detecting a substance down to the parts a thorough independent verification and
the membrane and do not go up into a dog’s within government agencies and with some of has the drive to stay with the game for hours
per trillion level is an art, and I could think of validation test to ensure our dogs are reliable
The Biochemistry Branch Chief, Patricia nose,” said Maughan. the nation’s most gifted dog trainers who work no one better than him to do it.” at a time, which is essential if the dogs within their area of operations and on the
Buckley, Ph.D., gave them the green light to as independent contractors. are to provide COVID-19 screening at the population of people that come through that
get started. “I liked the idea immediately,” said “In the case of detecting COVID-19, the dogs
What the dogs are actually identifying is not entrances to crowded public places such as at real-world environment,” she said.
Buckley. “And since my branch had already never actually have any exposure to the live Maughan had another important connection, the virus itself, but the proteins that the human airports, sports stadiums, or at border control
developed the Training Aid Delivery Device we virus. Rather, they are trained to detect the too. As an undergraduate pre-veterinarian immune system generates to fight the virus. checkpoints.” Everyone involved in the project fervently
call TADD, I knew the training could be done biomarkers associated with COVID-19 disease student at the University of Delaware she The art that a trainer like Nolan applies is to hopes for further funding. They see the
in a way that would be safe for the dogs and in humans. These biomarkers are the proteins had gotten to know the director of Penn Vet’s Those dogs that make it all the way through
get the dog to pay attention only to that smell, potential benefits of virus-detecting dogs as
handlers.” that the human immune system produces Working Dog Center Cynthia Otto, DVM, Ph.D. the training to eventually be operationalized
and to stay engaged in the hunt for it for hours a routine presence at public gatherings as
in response to the presence of the virus and “The working dog community is small and I are far better at getting the job done than
at a time. simply too promising to not pursue further.
The TADD was first developed by a Center not the actual virus. The goal is to train dogs had stayed in touch with Cindy over the years swabs used for later analysis, or thermal “This is even bigger than the pandemic we
research team in 2013 as a laboratory device to detect the disease state before a person because we are both very interested in how The training wheel is central to that training cameras currently being used to detect a are dealing with now,” said Buckley. “We will
for containing hazardous substances needed starts showing signs of disease such as fever, to use dogs to improve people’s lives,” said process. It has multiple arms, each one has a fever. Their method of detection is immediate face future pandemics from other viruses
for testing and evaluation of new detection coughing, and shortness of breath,” Maughan Maughan. “So when the COVID-19 pandemic TADD attached at the end of it. Some contain and can detect COVID-19 in people who have and having a capability like this will keep the
equipment. In 2018 it was ruggedized so that added. first began, the idea of approaching her on saliva or urine from a symptomatic COVID-19 not become feverish yet. nation ready for whatever happens next.”
Continued on page 13
12 U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center Solutions Newsletter | Q4 FY2020 13
Photo by Brian Feeney
Dan Angelini, Ph.D., a DEVCOM CBC
research biologist, loads the Emulate lung
chip into its medium supply system known
as a “Pod.”
FORGE YOUR
FUTURE WITH US
A cross-section of the Emulate Alveolus Lung-Chip,
which can recreate airflow and blood flow in the
lungs, and even mimic the motion of breathing.
Continued from page 14 the first step toward creating therapeutic
and watch exactly what it does to these lung and protective measures that can be taken,
tissues in real time. and ultimately help in the development
of preventative medications. As the team
“In the past, the closest researchers could get compiles this information it will share the data
to something like this was by introducing a with the entire global medical community,
virus into animals and then dissect them. With which is now fighting the pandemic.
this, there is no need for animals in performing
toxicological research,” said Dan Angelini, Unique Assets
CAREERS AT U.S. ARMY
Ph.D., a Center research biologist on the team. The Center is able to perform this research COMBAT CAPABILITIES
Army Applies Lung-on-a-Chip Technology “For example, we can observe which specific
lung cells engaged the virus and allowed it to
not only because it possesses the brain power
of this particular research team, it also has
DEVELOPMENT COMMAND
to COVID-19 Research
cross the cell membrane. We can then track state-of-the-art research facilities that can
CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER
the actions of the virus inside the infected safely house an infectious virus. “We have
cell both recording the virus’ mechanisms of The DEVCOM CBC offers
a biosafety level 3 laboratory, or BSL3, to
By Brian Feeney, Ph.D. pathogenesis and the timing of the damage it exciting science and
“
work with,” said Goralski. “It has engineering
causes.” controls that allow us to work with microbes engineering career
which can cause serious and potentially lethal opportunities and is accepting
disease through inhalation – which clearly applications from candidates
MILITARY UNITS CONDUCT interactions as directly as possible, and they at the Center, with 195more physiologically includes the SARS-CoV-2 virus. So it has a
RECONNAISSANCE MISSIONS to obtain have come up with a way that is much like relevant human lung models,” said Kyle Glover, Only by having it inside negative-pressure air handling system and
who are working toward or have
information – by visual observation or other how ants can be observed in a glass-sided ant chief of the Center’s Molecular Toxicology the BSL3 can we take our research double sets of self-closing doors to make sure earned a bachelor’s, master’s
detection methods – about the activities and farm. It is the transparent Alveolus Lung-Chip, Branch. no airborne particles can escape. or doctorate degree in the
resources of an enemy. That is exactly what a a new technology developed by Emulate, Inc., to the next step, looking at the following fields:
Only by having it inside the BSL3 can we
team of researchers at the U.S. Army Combat a Boston company that recreates true-to-life The result is a dynamic lung tissue virus in its aerosolized state, take our research to the next step, looking
Capabilities Development Command Chemical human biology systems in microenvironments microenvironment inside a clear plastic • Biochemistry • Biology •
Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC) is doing in for researchers. container about the size of a computer droplets suspended in air, which is at the virus in its aerosolized state, droplets
• Biotechnology • Chemistry •
suspended in air, which is how the virus is
the laboratory to better understand how a new
Emulate has been working on
thumb drive. It has a top layer of lung
tissue that recreates air moving along it,
how the virus is most commonly most commonly transmitted.” • Chemical Engineering •
kind of enemy, the novel coronavirus, attacks
human lung cells. microphysiological systems for research for and a bottom layer that mimics blood flow transmitted.” • Electrical Engineering •
“We are fortunate to be able to bring
almost a decade. This effort ran in parallel delivering micronutrients inside the tissue. Kyle Glover, chief of the Center’s • Electronic Engineering •
everything together here at the Chemical
Seeing What You Are Fighting with CBC efforts over the same time period. The cassette’s flexible plastic walls mimic the Molecular Toxicology Branch Biological Center,” said Glover. “The Center • Mechanical Engineering •
Now, with U.S. Defense Threat Reduction breathing process in lung cells to make the
“The best way to fight the virus is to
Agency (DTRA) funding made available to it microenvironment as realistic as possible. has some of the best microbiologists and • Microbiology • Physics •
understand as much as possible about how The team hopes that in this way it will be able toxicologists in the world, willing to collaborate • Physical Science •
through the FY20 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
it interacts with actual lungs cells,” said Tyler to identify which specific proteins in lung cells and find solutions to support the warfighter.
Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Center is Knowledge is Power act as receptors for the virus and its routes
Goralski, Ph.D., a Chemical Biological Center In this instance, we are diving into the global
taking the technical leap of using the Alveolus
research biologist. That requires Goralski With the microenvironment set up, the stage of entry. The team can also determine the battle against the COVID19 pandemic, while
and his team of researchers to observe those
Lung Chip in its own research. “This project
was set to introduce the SARS-CoV-2 virus exact infectious dose and time the cascade also significantly bolstering our capabilities
Find out more and submit
provides another expansion of capabilities
of effects inside the lung tissue when that to meet future chemical and biological your resume today!
Continued on page 15 threshold is met. That knowledge will be challenges.” https://www.cbc.ccdc.army.mil/careers/
14 U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center Solutions Newsletter | Q4 FY2020 15
Photo by U.S. Army
The Chemical Biological Application and Risk
Reduction (CBARR) Mask Issue and Mobility
team provides personal protective equipment
for research that supports warfighter safety.
Employee Spotlight: Col. Scott W. McIntosh
Col. Scott W. McIntosh is the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical
Biological Center’s (DEVCOM CBC) newest Military Deputy (MILDEP). Solutions sat down with
McIntosh recently to get acquainted, learn about his prior experience and give readers an
inside perspective on his role as MILDEP for the Center.
Solutions: What inspired you to serve at the Defense Contract Management Agency, it was that should be your goal. That’s my goal with
DEVCOM CBC? all about delivering safe aircraft. Here, at the the Chemical Biological Center.
Center, I think I help by having a positive impact
Social Distancing Inspires New Ways to Conduct Training McIntosh: This is the third opportunity I’ve
had to serve on Edgewood. My first two
on the organization, making a difference, and
by being an advocate for the capability our
Solutions: What is your leadership style?
Respiratory Protection Program continues critical mission assignments were as a major and lieutenant
colonel with the Joint Program Executive Office
Center can provide. McIntosh: I try to adapt my leadership style to
the situation. If you are familiar with Myers-
for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Solutions: What prior experiences, education or Briggs, I’m a solid ISTJ. If you are familiar with
By Jerilyn Coleman Emergenetics, my scores are: Analytical 10,
Nuclear Defense (JPEO CBRND). Most recently, background prepared you most for your role?
from 2013-2016, I served as the Joint Product Structural 53, Social 16 and Conceptual 20.
Manager for Biological Detection Systems McIntosh: I believe a combination of things
which was part of Joint Project Manager prepared me for my role at the Center. As Solutions: In light of COVID-19 and remote
AS THE U.S. ARMY’S COMBAT CAPABILITIES known as masks. The training includes how the Center’s IT staff had other complex Center- (JPM) Contamination Avoidance, now known mentioned, I have two prior assignments with working, how have you stayed productive and
DEVELOPMENT COMMAND CHEMICAL to sanitize, inspect, don, and doff the mask, wide challenges that took precedence, so he as JPM CBRN Sensors. Getting to do what JPEO CBRND. I’ve commanded at the colonel influential? Tell us about your experiences in a
BIOLOGICAL CENTER (DEVCOM CBC) as well as what mask is needed for specific used his computer skills to find innovative you want to do doesn’t always happen in the (O6) and lieutenant colonel (05) level so I can virtual work environment.
continues to redefine workspaces and situations and environments. For instance, if solutions to continue the mission. Army. Fortunately, this time around, the Army provide a certain amount of perspective on
leadership. I’m level III certified in program McIntosh: I started working remote while
processes during the COVID-19 pandemic, a warfighter or laboratory technician is in an gave me my first choice of assignments – the
Through the team’s investigation and management and level II in logistics, and I’ve in Orlando, both with my past organization
its employees are executing the Center’s environment that is immediately dangerous Chemical Biological Center.
collaborative thinking, they discovered that completed PMT 401 and PMT 402 courses at and the Center. I’ve been fortunate to have a
mission in the face of adversity. Among to life and health (IDLH), then an air purifying
Microsoft Teams had the capability to upload Solutions: Tell us a little about your new role at the Defense Acquisition University. My master’s dedicated workspace in Florida and Maryland. I
those professionals are the protective mask respirator is authorized for escape purposes
files and record video calls, which led to the Center. degree is in program management and I have believe that is key to making the at-home work
experts in the Chemical Biological Application only. In cases where cleanup operations need
Parshley experimenting with the video share 34 years of experience in the military. experience productive. I’ve been impressed
and Risk Reduction (CBARR) unit, who have to be performed in an IDLH environment,
feature. “I just played the video, turned my McIntosh: My official title is Military Deputy, with the tools we have available at the Center to
created new ways to conduct training for the a supplied air breathing apparatus with an
microphone off, recorded the entire session, or MILDEP. A couple examples of what I think Solutions: Do you/did you have any role models make us productive while working from home.
Respiratory Protection Program (RPP). airline or a self-contained breathing apparatus
then uploaded the file to the MS Teams file a MILDEP should do includes: acting as the or mentors and how did they influence your Going forward, I believe we need to develop a
may be used.
CBARR issues personal protective equipment folder so that it allowed people to view the military representative to the joint warfighter; career? long-term remote work plan that balances the
(PPE) for research that directly supports the Typically, trainees complete the RPP in-person videos in the order they chose, and the time executing all aspects of daily operations to goals and objectives of the Center with the
warfighter. In addition to issuing PPE, CBARR’s and get fit-tested in order to receive a new they chose to take it,” Parshley explained. include planning, organizing and leading Center McIntosh: I’ve had several role models over the goals and objectives of the workforce. I really
Mask Issue and Mobility Team also trains mask to maximize the amount of time they interactions with the Army Modernization years. On a personal level, I have always looked think positives will outweigh the negatives
personnel on how to use the equipment. can keep it. Since the pandemic, a limited The next thing they had to figure out was how Enterprise and providing military operational to my father. I feel like he set the bar for how regarding long-term remote work opportunities.
number of people were allowed in the training to get people to join the MS Teams meetings and acquisition experience to assist in aligning he balanced working a full-time job while still
During the pandemic, mandated social and verify attendance. They sent invitations science and technology efforts to joint being present for his children – he did it right. Solutions: Is there anything additional you’d like
room. First, it was limited to 10 people, then
distancing and telework made conducting the to the workforce required to take respiratory modernization priorities. Simply put, I think it’s On a professional level, I’ve looked to a couple people to know about the work you do?
it decreased to six in a room that typically
RPP difficult. “As the shutdown progressed holds 16 people. To combat this, the Mask training and verified that a trainee actually my job to lead and to solve problems. Don’t former battalion commanders for examples
of what right looks like. From one person in McIntosh: I take what I do very seriously, but I
it was identified that essential personnel on Issue and Mobility Team started to schedule watched the video by embedding a code in the hesitate to reach out if you think I can be of
particular I learned valuable lessons about don’t take myself seriously. My son is now in
post needed their annual training as well as personnel for training sessions. “Before we set last video at the end of the training. That final assistance.
the importance of leading from the front and the armed forces, so what I do is personal. We
fit tests in order to continue the activities they specific hours, personnel would show up and video then took trainees to a new MS Teams
Solutions: How would you describe how you how technical expertise can lead to credibility. need to make sure we bring our “A-Game” every
were tasked,” said Ed Parshley, supervisor of you had a seat to take the training. But in the session that included an uploaded test.
help the warfighter? Based on these examples, I pushed to be both single day.
Mask Issue and Mobility for the Operational new environment we had to start scheduling
Applications Directorate. people to do the training,” Parshley said. MS Teams hasn’t become a certified platform a tactical and technical expert as an Army
McIntosh: As an acquisition officer serving in Solutions: Do you have a favorite quote or
for RPP training yet, and CBARR’s Mask Issue aviator; ultimately leading to my attendance at
program management positions, I would say motto that keeps you motivated?
Recognizing these concerns, Parshley and Once access to the installation was restricted and Mobility Team will revert to the traditional the AH-64 maintenance test pilot course.
his team began identifying ways to provide due to the pandemic, personnel weren’t RPP training once the installation’s Health delivering capability that meets requirements,
McIntosh: My favorite motto is from my last
the training while also adhering to social available to train on-site. At the time, there Protection Condition status allows them to at the right time and for the right price. When Solutions: What are you most looking forward
organization – Program Executive Office
distancing guidelines. wasn’t an online capability for the training. do so; however, this new process could still I worked at the Combined Arms Support to in your new role?
Simulation, Training and Instrumentation in
Ultimately, the team made the decision be an option for employees who cannot train Command, I tried to make sure requirements
McIntosh: Getting involved and making a Orlando, Florida. Their motto is, “We work for
The RPP is designed for individuals whose to move forward and maintain the RPP in person. “MS Teams is a good alternative met warfighter needs. When I worked for the
difference. You always want to leave an our Soldiers. It’s the best job we ever had.” I
duties may bring them in contact with requirement as best as they could with the to provide this training. It is a very good tool Army Test and Evaluation Command, I helped
organization better than you found it, or at least believe this says it all.
chemical agents. At some point, they may resources they had. Parshley recognized that and should be considered as a usable source,” by assuring requirements were met. At the
have to wear respiratory protection, otherwise Parshley said.
16 U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center Solutions Newsletter | Q4 FY2020 17
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