Reserve CST Leads Multi-National CBRN Demonstration
U.S. Army Reserve Spc. John De Jesus – Torres, a survey team member with the 773rd Civil Support Team, 7th Mission Support Command, prepares to enter the ‘hot zone’ during a CBRN demonstration, Jun. 9, 2023, at the Port of Agadir, Morocco, part of African Lion 23. De Jesus – Torres lead the joint reconnaissance team for the duration of the exercise. “Familiarizing myself with the procedures our partner CBRN forces use and getting to understand them on an individual and friendly level was my favorite part,” said De Jesus–Torres. “I learned a lot from how they worked and from how they integrated with us.” The 773rd is a technical HAZMAT reaction team, the only one of its kind in the U.S. Army Europe - Africa area of operations. Exercises such as African Lion provide opportunities for this specialized Army Reserve asset to assess, develop, and train alongside Allies and partners, getting the repetitions needed to fight and win together, on the modern-day battlefield, and illustrates the vital role America’s Army Reserve fills in unilateral military operations around the globe. 18 nations and approximately 8,000 personnel will participate in African Lion 2023, U.S. Africa Command's largest annual combined, joint exercise that will take place in multiple countries to include Morocco, from May 13 - June 18, 2023.