82nd Chemical Battalion Bravo Co.

• Legacy of the 82nd Chemical Battalion: The 82nd Chemical Battalion, including Bravo Company, was a key training unit for the U.S. Army Chemical Corps, responsible for preparing soldiers in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense. • Stationed at Fort McClellan: The battalion was originally located at Fort McClellan, Alabama, a major hub for CBRN training until the base's closure in 1999. • Relocation to Fort Leonard Wood: After Fort McClellan’s closure, the 82nd Chemical Battalion relocated to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, continuing its legacy as part of the U.S. Army CBRN School. • Bravo Company’s Role: Bravo Company was one of several companies within the battalion tasked with conducting the Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for 54B (Chemical Operations Specialist) soldiers, providing hands-on skills in CBRN defense. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion's insignia featured a dragon, symbolizing the unit's power to defend against chemical threats, and was worn proudly by Bravo Company members. • Decontamination Training: Soldiers in Bravo Company regularly trained in decontamination procedures, learning to operate decontamination apparatus and chemical detection equipment under realistic conditions. • Operation Desert Storm Support: Alumni of the 82nd Chemical Battalion, including Bravo Company, played vital roles in Operation Desert Storm, helping to protect coalition forces from potential chemical and biological attacks. • Unit Motto: The battalion’s motto, “We Serve to Survive,” reflected the critical mission of ensuring survivability against CBRN threats, a creed instilled in every Bravo Company graduate. • Women in the Ranks: The 82nd Chemical Battalion was among the early Army units to integrate women into its training and operational roles, with Bravo Company serving as a model for diversity in the Chemical Corps. • Deactivation and Legacy: The 82nd Chemical Battalion was deactivated in the early 2000s as part of an Army reorganization, but its traditions and training methods live on in successor units at Fort Leonard Wood.