Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Reconnaissance Sampling Kit

Military doctrine identifies a current and persistent need for initial and ongoing surveillance of tactical environments to detect, identify, and catalogue the prevalence and distribution of CBRNE hazards. The US Army depends on a collection of tools known as the Dismounted Reconnaissance Sets, Kits, and Outfits (DR SKO) for assess current threats. This collection kit has shortcomings, identified by users (Gaps in Biological Sampling Recommendations to the JPEO-CBD on Technical Refresh of Biological Surface Sampling kits). The JPEO-CBD has specifically called for a Technical Refresh of Sampling Kits. The refreshing can be best accomplished with standardized, validated equipment and protocols. Improvements to sample collection, sample preparation, and sample preservation will have a significant impact on kit performance. Molecular and dry phase colorimetric assays for the detection of CBE threat agents will expand our knowledge of tactical environments and be instrumental in reducing Warfighter loss and disease. The knowledge gained and evaluated, within the context of mission requirements, will lead to and support enhanced sample collection, sample analysis and data integration with TacDOGS. The capstone of the Phase II project will be the assembly of a prototype recon sampling kit for evaluation and validation using laboratory and mission personnel.