Tec Escort Unit

• Origins in World War II: The Tec Escort Unit (TEU) traces its roots back to World War II, when specialized teams were needed to safely transport and dispose of captured enemy chemical munitions. • Original Mission: The primary mission of the TEU was the safe escort, handling, and destruction of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials during and after conflicts. • Highly Specialized Training: TEU members undergo rigorous training in handling hazardous materials, bomb disposal, and decontamination procedures, making them among the most specialized soldiers in the U.S. Army. • Participation in Operation CHASE: The Unit was involved in Operation CHASE (Cut Holes And Sink ‘Em), where obsolete chemical munitions were loaded onto ships and sunk at sea to safely dispose of them in the 1960s and 1970s. • First Responders for CBRN Incidents: The TEU has been on standby to respond to domestic and international incidents involving CBRN threats, providing expertise and immediate action capability. • Support to Presidential Security: The unit has supported high-profile events, including presidential inaugurations and United Nations assemblies, to ensure no CBRN threats are present. • Secretive Operations: Due to the sensitive nature of their work, many of the unit’s missions remain classified, and members often operate under strict confidentiality agreements. • Involvement in the Gulf War: TEU teams played a critical role in the Gulf War by identifying and neutralizing Iraqi chemical and biological weapons stockpiles. • Integration into the 20th CBRNE Command: The TEU later became part of the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command, further expanding their operational scope and capabilities. • Unique Uniform Distinction: TEU personnel have historically worn distinctive patches and insignia to signify their expertise in CBRN operations, symbolizing their elite status within the armed forces.