By Roman Yuriev, Serhii Burbela, & Natalia Kalyniuk
Faced with a multitude of threats from different directions, Ukraine is drawing on academic knowledge exchange to improve CBRN personnel training, write Roman Yuriev, Serhii Burbela, and Natalia Kalyniuk of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.
The training of specialists in the field of chemical, biological, and radiological protection is extremely important given current chemical weapons attacks against Ukraine by the armed forces of the russian federation*, terrorist attacks, accidents at industrial facilities, and threats to use weapons of mass destruction.
Chemical, biological, and radiological protection as combat support is an integral part of national security, and its effectiveness depends on how well trained personnel capable of responding to such threats are.
Cooperation between and exchange of academic experience between higher military educational institutions, CBRN protection units, and Ukrainian and foreign CBRN training centers improves professional training of specialists capable of responding effectively to modern threats.
Key tasks in this area include assessing existing CBRN protection training methodologies and programs used by educational institutions and specialized centers. This helps improve training programs, identify the most effective training methods, and improve existing ones.
To improve the level of specialists’ professional training in this field, scientific publications and studies emphasize the need to improve CBRN training methodologies through innovative technologies, international cooperation, and exchanging academic experience. Based on the analysis of this research, the following components can be distinguished.
Traditional Methods of Training: Theory and Practice
Studies often emphasize the importance of combining theoretical learning with practical concepts. For example, Finnli T. (2020) notes that fundamental knowledge of chemistry, biology, and radiation is the basis for developing professionals who can effectively respond to CBRN threats. His work shows that special attention should be paid to studying legal frameworks and international security standards.
Miller A. et al. (2019) analyze the results of practical simulations using special equipment for emergency training. These incident simulations allow for practicing responses to chemical and radiological accidents and increase the level of preparedness for real threats.
Innovative Teaching Methods and Technologies
Innovative technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality are being actively used to improve training. Rohan K. and Bleik S. (2021) showed that virtual simulations can model complex scenarios related to radiation and chemical threats, and provide a safe environment for practising emergency response skills. The possibility of online CBRN training, with resources provided by the likes of the International Atomic Energy Agency, should be additionally highlighted.
Interdisciplinary Approach to Training Specialists
Significant attention should be paid to interdisciplinary approaches in training CBRN protection specialists. Wang L. (2020) highlights the need to integrate knowledge from different fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine. His research shows that such knowledge is critical for effective responses to chemical and biological threats.
Johnson P. (2021) notes that medical personnel need specialized training to work in a CBRN threat environment. His article describes methods of training medical personnel to respond quickly in extreme conditions, as well as how to ensure their own safety while providing medical care after they withdraw from the hot zone.
International Cooperation and Exchange of Academic Experience
International cooperation is a key component of training CBRN protection professionals. Brown D. (2019) points to the effectiveness of international phases, which allow students and teachers to share experiences and technologies. The article describes the positive effects of cooperation with international organizations such as the IAEA and NATO, which improve coordination of national security efforts.
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine’s Bohdan Khmelnytskyi National Academy, the Major General Ihor Momot Main Training Centre, and Training Centre of the Maritime Guard, along with the 143rd Joint Training Centre ‘Podillia’, the National Academy of the Security Service of Ukraine, the Military Institute of Tank Troops, and the Institute for Nuclear Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, have jointly conducted an analysis of scientific research and practical experience of academic mobility between them.
Together, they consider the exchange of academic experience between educational institutions to be a key mechanism for the development of educational programs and improving professional training. For educational institutions, teachers, and students of higher and special education, participating in the exchange of experience provides significant opportunities for development, introducing new teaching methods, and improving research activities.
International exchanges of experience are very important as they allow educational institutions not only to improve the quality of their educational programs, but also to adopt advanced teaching methods and the latest technologies from partner institutions.
International cooperation opens access to new knowledge, materials, and approaches, allowing for innovations in existing curricula. For example, through cooperation with institutions specializing in CBRN protection training, educational institutions can adapt and integrate the latest approaches to simulation exercises and practical training based on NATO doctrines.
Joint educational and methodological meetings, trainings and courses between educational institutions studied the impact of academic exchange on the quality of training for CBRN protection specialists and higher military education students.
Improving the Quality of Professional Training
One of the most significant findings of this study was that academic exchange significantly improves the quality of specialist CBRN protection training programs. The exchange of experience, teaching methods, and practical skills forms deeper and more versatile approaches to the training of higher and special education students. Participating in exchange programs allows educational institutions to introduce new teaching materials, modelling technologies, and practical training, which makes the learning process more effective and realistic.
As an example, we can cite a joint training and methodological meeting held by the Bohdan Khmelnytskyi National Academy and the Major General Ihor Momot Main Training Centre, both a part of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. The meeting focused on “improving the qualifications of front-line officers on the organization of measures to counter the smuggling of nuclear and radioactive materials”.
Improving Practical Skills and Preparedness
Another important conclusion is that the participation of higher and specialized education students in international exchange programs can significantly improve their practical skills and readiness to work in real emergencies. Cooperation with domestic and foreign educational institutions that have access to modern training facilities, such as accident simulators or training laboratories, help students gain real-world experience and learn best international practises in the field of CBRN protection.
As an example, we can cite the participation of scientific and pedagogical staff of military educational institutions in courses and trainings conducted by the Institute for Nuclear Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. These courses trained specialists in preventing CBRN threats and strengthening the national nuclear security regime.
Harmonization of Learning Standards and Competences
Academic exchange of experience helps to harmonize curricula and training standards. This is especially important for CBRN protection specialists, as unification of standards helps to ensure compatibility of national and international efforts in responding to CBRN threats. Through exchange, educational institutions can adapt their programs to international requirements and standards.
A striking example is the Basic C Training on responding to chemical, radiological, and nuclear threats as part of the joint international technical assistance project with the German government on strengthening civil protection capacities in Ukraine.
Enrichment of Interdisciplinary Knowledge
Academic exchange also contributes to the enrichment of interdisciplinary knowledge of higher and specialized education students and teachers. Exchange programs allow them to study approaches to CBRN protection in the context of the responsibilities of different law enforcement agencies. This broadens the scope of their training, providing a more comprehensive understanding of CBRN protection issues and possible solutions.
An example is the participation of representatives of the State Border Guard Service, the National Police, the Security Service, the State Emergency Service, the National Guard, and the Armed Forces, in joint exercises and trainings.
Improving Personal and Intercultural Competences
Academic exchange significantly improves the development of personal qualities such as flexibility, adaptability, intercultural communication, and teamwork. For CBRN protection professionals working in an international environment, this competence is essential for effective communication and cooperation with colleagues from other countries during joint operations or training activities.
Therefore, a brief analysis of the exchange of academic experience with other educational institutions in the field of CBRN protection shows the need for further development of this area to ensure Ukraine’s national security.
Roman Yuriev is the Chief of the CBRN & Metrology Support Unit of the Administration of Administration of the State Border Guards Service of Ukraine. Serhii Burbela is an associate professor of the Department of Combined Military Disciplines of the Faculty of State Border Security at the National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. Natalia Kalyniuk is a candidate of Pedagogical Sciences and senior teacher at the Department of English Language Study at the National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.
* Editor’s note: words referring to the Russian Federation or people associated with it have been written in lower case at the authors’ request.
