CHS Level V

HS-1050: CBRNE Preparedness (CHS-V)

CHS Level V (CHS-V) is the premier level of certification in Homeland Security. It is restricted to those who have already been certified at CHS Level IV and who have successfully completed an in-depth review course and exam on CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosives) Preparedness taught by prominent CHS-approved instructors.

CHS-V COURSE GENERAL ABSTRACT
(San Diego, CA 2008)

Title: CERTIFICATION IN CHS-V COURSE AND EXAMINATION

Time: Eight (8) hours

Instructional Method:
Lecture and Conference, with Power Point Slides, to include several
appropriate twenty (20) minute Video Presentations

Audience:
All qualified CHS Members in good standing with The American Board for
Certification in Homeland Security, holding the CHS-IV Designation, and who wish
to test for the “CHS V” Title and Designation

Learning Objectives:
As a result of this instruction the student will be able to, via the successful completion of
a written examination consisting of fifty (100) questions …
1. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of “The National Response Framework” (NRF),
2. Show an understanding of the need of the NRF as an adjunct to preparedness,
3. Compare and contrast “The National Response Plan” (NRP) to the NRF,
4. Identify the methodology of Employment of the NRF to a catastrophic event, and
5. Address the implications and usage of the NRF at Government and Nongovernment
entities during time of crisis.

Prerequisites:
A member in “Good Standing” of ACFEI/American College of Forensic Examiners, and the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security (CHS), who has shown appropriate competence by successfully having completed and passed the CHS-IV Qualification Examination, and has been awarded the title and designation of “CHS-IV” and understands and is aware of WMD and CBRNE Considerations, Doctrine, and Philosophies of their Employment and Deployment (i.e. Domestic and International Terrorist Activities and Tactics)

ABSTRACT PROPER

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created as a direct result of the horrific events of September 11, 2001, an event that changed our Nation as a whole.

The mission of The Department of Homeland Security is to respond to Natural Disasters as well as respond to and prevent Terrorist Attacks, affected against the Homeland. However, and with all due respect to DHS … the Local First Responder and his or her agency and jurisdiction, is the primary response entity and mechanism for responding to, and mitigating, Natural Disasters and Terrorist Attacks against the United States. Therefore, it is up to each State as well as Local and Tribal Government to prepare, and initially respond to such Attacks and Disasters.

To that end we, as members of The American Board for Certification in Homeland Security, must insure that we are prepared as Professional Homeland Security Specialists, to enhance the ability of our individual Local Responders in these areas, as well as promote Homeland Security in our day to day activities, both at and away from the workplace.

This presentation is a one (1) day in-depth course for CHS-IV Qualified Individuals, followed by an examination for CHS-V Certification. The course, therefore, reviews and describes the key elements of our National Preparedness and Response as they relate to that “Threat,” and specifically Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-yield Explosive (CBENE) Events, when used as Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). As a result, the Course Participants will be exposed to the recently published “National Response Framework” (NRF) that has replaced the “National Response Plan” (NRP). Additionally, response to Natural Disasters will be examined and explored as they relate specifically to the NRF.

To this end, attendees will be exposed to “The National Response Framework” … a most complete and comprehensive “National, All-hazards Approach” to Domestic Incident Response.

WHAT IS THE NATIONAL RESPONSE FRAMEWORK?

“The Framework” Presents an overview of key response principles, roles and structures that guide The National Response. It describes how Communities, States, The Federal Government and Private-sector and Nongovernmental Partners apply these principles for a “Coordinated, Effective National Response.” It also describes Special Circumstances wherein The Federal Government exercises a larger role, including incidents where Federal Interests are involved, and catastrophic incidents where a State would require significant support. Its real value, however, is in how these elements come together and are implemented by First Responders, Decisionmakers, and Supporting Entities to provide a “Unified National Response.”

HOW DID THE FRAMEWORK EVOLVE?

In recent years, our Nation has faced an unprecedented series of disasters and emergencies, and as a result our “National Response Structures” have evolved and improved to meet these threats. “The National Response Framework” (NRF) replaces the former “National Response Plan” (NRP).

This “Framework” represents a natural evolution of the “National Response Architecture.” Although the NRP was called a “plan,” it was actually a “framework” written to guide the “Integration of Communities, State, Tribal and Federal Response Efforts.” Adopting the term “framework” within the title now aligns the document with its purpose.

WHO NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS FRAMEWORK?

The “Framework” is written for Senior Elected and Appointed Leaders, such as Federal Agency Heads, State Governors, Tribal Leaders, Mayors or City Managers – those who have a responsibility to provide for effective Incident Management.

At the same time, it is also most essential that Members of The American Board for Certification in Homeland Security (i.e. Specifically CHS-V Qualified Personnel), the majority of whom are Emergency Management Practitioners, and who in their day-to-day duties are responsible for the Operating Structures and tools used routinely by First Responders and Emergency Manages at all levels of Government and Nongovernmental entities; have an in-depth understanding of the NRP.

The National Response Framework assists responsible individuals at the highest levels of government to effectively respond to a Crisis and/or Terrorist Event down to the local level; thereby creating an effective, unified National Response which is layered, with mutually sporting capabilities. … or to paraphrase a quote made by Former Speaker of The House of Representatives Tipp O’Neal … “All Terrorism is Local.”

CHS-V is approved for G.I. Bill Benefits

General information on the G.I. Bill and the links to the reimbursement forms can be found at www.gibill.va.gov.

Course Instructor: Andrew Jurchenko, CHS-V, Col. (Ret.)