Warren hosts CASNAR training Published Sept. 8, 2011 By Staff Reports 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- More than 30 Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen attended a two-day Commander and Staff Nuclear Accident Response workshop here Aug. 23-24. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency conducts periodic CASNAR training for commanders and their support staff who have the responsibility to respond to nuclear incidents. CASNAR training is a supervisory level course that addresses complex radiological response issues. Each of the course attendees was provided a summery knowledge of the planning, preparation, on-sight management and operational control of various assets to respond to a nuclear weapons accident. The workshop covered lessons learned from past accidents as well as responsibilities for federal, state and local agencies. The Airmen were instructed on the approach to legal, media, medical and hazard management, but the main focus of the workshop guided the attendees through the "how to" and "what if" of a nuclear weapons accident. DTRA instructors and field experts gave classes covering the history of nuclear weapons accidents and the lessons learned from those incidents; doctrine that governs response to an accident of this nature; the operation phases of a nuclear weapons accident; medical aspect associated with the response to radiation emergencies; the various levels of response capability that could be expected from different agencies; legal issues associated with nuclear weapons accidents and the challenges that arise from the media exposure and the public's need to know following an accident. Airmen were schooled on the capabilities of Department of Defense, Department of Energy and local incident response organizations. Procedures identified in the DoD manual for Nuclear Weapon Accident Response Procedures were explained and rehearsed through both table-top and practical application exercises. In addition to the lectures and exercises on the various responsibilities and the different agency capabilities, the course also delineated several physical hazards associated with incidents of a nuclear nature. The workshop leaves the attendees with an understanding of DoD directives, policies and guidance that affect each agency's role in a nuclear weapons accident response. They walk away with the knowledge of the command structure throughout the phases of an accident and will be able to determine the roles and responsibilities of government agencies in such an event.