From 26 to 29 of May 2015 military personnel of Nuclear Biological and Chemical Defense Company (NBC Coy) of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Joint Operations Command took part in the multinational civilian-military exercise “Balkan Response 2015” in Krushevac, Republic of Serbia.
The aims of the exercise was to demonstrate, the regional capability in dealing with incidents of chemical and nuclear contamination, quick response of organizations, protection of civilians and neutralization of the danger. It requires building regional capacity which can deal with this kind of incidents with joint forces and provide ultimate protection to citizens.
The exercise was attended by representatives of NBC units from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of Macedonia, Republic of Slovenia, Republic of Montenegro, and Republic of Austria. Furthermore, it was attended also by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Civilian Defense Department of Serbia, Red Cross of Serbia, the Fire Brigade – Krushevac, Military Medical Academy and Emergency Situations Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia.
Republic of Macedonia took part in the exercise with an NBC Platoon which was part of the multinational NBC Company and successfully accomplished the following assignments: Reconnaissance patrol level 4 (protective suits, compressed breathing air system), detection of real contaminants, (sulfur mustard gas , nerve paralytic VX toxic chemicals) taking samples, decontamination of injured and decontamination of materials and assets.
The platoon developed a system for collective security where the company tactical-operations center was set as well as the NBC center.
This exercise contributed to building of mutual trust and capabilities about dealing with NBC incidents which exist as a real threat nowadays and it has also proved that it is possible to provide citizens’ security on a high level.
