TF Panther attack to seize OBJ Irwin, underground facility (ugf) iot exploit eny key terrain ntl h+18// A simple mission statement with a very difficult execution. SuB-T seizure is very complex operation and as LSCO & dense urban condense, it is not going away. /1s

@SpencerGuard is probably the best resource for this fight at the MWI. Great podcasts! But I’ll be tweeting about this from the perspective of a critical enabler in two aspects. The first aspect is how do mvr forces establish that ugf is safe atmospherically safe to enter?/2

The second aspect is that Weapons of Mass destruction weapon systems are very often stored in underground bunkers. This is especially true of Intercontinental ballistic missions, but also of artillery or tube delivered specialized munitions. Thus req special enablers to explt. /3

First, commanders must identify the way they will defeat the ugf. Can it be structurally defeated or disabled using air or artillery delivered munitions such as the MOAB airstrike against ISIS tunnel complexes in Nangarhar in 2017? /4

If structural defeat is impossible (too hard a target, ada assets, structure damage impacts exploitation effort etc), then can it be functionally defeated? Can the ugf be isolated and support systems (power/water) seized to allow for functional control of facility? /5

If both options are infeasible, then enter and clearing the UGF to seize becomes the last option. An attack to seize a UGF facility has these phases. Recon of surface. Isolate. Consolidate/reorg. Isolate breach point, breach, establish foothold, clear, exploit, reorg./6

Enabler support at both the BCT and Echelons Above Brigade is required for the complexity of an UGF. This includes engineer assets for breach. The first aspect from a CBRN perspective is the Staffing to identify and mitigate one of the primary hazards of a UGF. The environment/7

Atmospheric detection capability must be aligned to the end user to allow for real time monitoring of oxygen levels prior to breach operations and establishing a foothold. Conditions for safe breach operations must be met even for a non wmd associated obj. Atmospheric detect /8

Can be accomplished either organically if equipment is requested/fielded to breach/assault force, or through enablers like eng breach elements or Hazard Asssessment Platoons in the CBRN force structure. This is critical even for a conventional military objective like a /9

Hardened artillery site (HART). Friendly/Enemy action or structural damage can rapidly change the atmosphere underground to unsafe levels. A smoke grenade or even small arms pressure can displace oxygen and impact breathing or even create a explosive environment/10

The second aspect for UGF seizure is if the site is WMD facility. This adds additional complexity as now CBRNE enablers will be required to safely execute operations underground. MOPP, specialized equipment such as self contained breathing apparatus (scba) become pacers /11

Additionally, depending on the site, the overall goal of the mission set for exploitation will require these specialized enablers for completion. The Tf must integrate enablers and conduct fpols/rpols underground to get them into the fight. Unmanned robots are essential/12

Rather than just nice to have. Everything is more complex underground and I’ve only scratched the surface so to speak with this thread from a limited CBRN perspective. CBRN Officers, we need to get smart and dig into the hard work of @ArmyAWG. There are UGF objs here at NTC. /13

Is your unit prepared for even a platoon sized UGF? A company one? Do you know the doctrine reference, ATP 3-21.21? As a force we need to continue to study and train this problem set as it will only grow in scope. The CBRN fight is just one small aspect of it. 14/14