☣️ CBRN defense
Protecting the force from chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats — detection, decontamination, and hazard response.
What they do
CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) specialists train and equip units to survive and operate in contaminated environments — operating detection and monitoring equipment, running decontamination, advising commanders on hazards, and maintaining protective gear.
It blends science, safety, and field operations.
Jobs & codes by branch
Representative jobs in this field and their military occupation codes — not a complete list; each branch has many more and codes change. Use the official job finders below for the full, current list.
Army
74D Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist
Marine Corps
5711 CBRN Defense Specialist
Air Force
3E9X1 Emergency Management (includes CBRN response)
ASVAB areas that matter
General Science (GS) and Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), with Math Knowledge (MK) and the verbal subtests (WK, PC). Your AFQT score decides whether you can enlist; individual subtests combine into “line scores” that set which jobs you qualify for. Prepare with our free ASVAB practice tests.
How it transfers to civilian work
Transfers to hazardous-materials (hazmat) technician, environmental health and safety (EHS), emergency management, and industrial safety roles. Credentials: OSHA HAZWOPER, Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), emergency-management certifications.
See every job & the exact requirements
Codes, availability, and ASVAB minimums vary by branch and change often — confirm on each branch's official job finder: Army ↗ · Navy ↗ · Air Force ↗ · Marine Corps ↗ · Space Force ↗ · Coast Guard ↗.