Description
Duration and Format
- Duration: Two full days (12 hours of instruction)
- 1 Hour Online Briefing prior to course commencementÂ
- Format: In-person residential training with live-fire exercises
- One Hou Online Introduction (“Briefing”)
- Location: PrepYou.EU Training Centre, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Google Meet for Online
- Maximum Participants: 12 students per course
- Language: English (British terminology and spelling standards)
Target Audience
Civilian populations in Europe are seeking advanced preparedness for CBRN threats in asymmetric warfare environments, particularly those interested in practical defence skills beyond basic awareness training.
Please Note: Delegates should already have basic weapon competency before attending this course.
Introduction
The price of this course includes 1 x PG-1 Respirator (Gas Mask) + 1 Spare Filter
This intensive two-day CBRN & Firearms Training For Civilians programme transforms theoretical Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear awareness into practical survival skills essential for navigating the complex threat environment facing Eastern Europe in 2025. By combining PrepYou.EU’s expertise in asymmetric warfare training with comprehensive CBRN defence capabilities, participants gain the confidence and competence necessary to protect themselves and their communities in an increasingly unpredictable security landscape.
The integration of live-fire training with protective equipment represents a unique offering in civilian preparedness training, acknowledging that effective defence requires the ability to respond decisively whilst maintaining protection against CBRN threats. This practical approach ensures that training translates directly into enhanced survival capabilities when conventional deterrence fails and unconventional responses become necessary.
Through this programme, PrepYou.EU continues its mission of preparing European civilians for the challenges of modern conflict, providing the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to “ensure losing isn’t an option” in an era where traditional security assumptions no longer apply.
Module 1: Current CBRN Threat Landscape in Eastern Europe
The Evolving Security Environment
The Eastern European region faces unprecedented CBRN challenges in 2025, fundamentally shaped by ongoing conflicts and hybrid warfare strategies. Russia’s military operations have demonstrated systematic integration of chemical weapons into conventional warfare, with documented use of K-51 and RG-VO munitions, alongside riot control agents prohibited under international law. These incidents represent a significant escalation from historical patterns, as chemical weapons usage has “become systemic” since February 2023, affecting over 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers requiring hospitalisation for chemical poisoning.
Regional response has intensified correspondingly, with Southeast and Eastern European nations convening strategic coordination meetings to enhance CBRN preparedness. North Macedonia’s development of a comprehensive CBRN National Coordination Body and National Action Plan serves as a model for regional cooperation, demonstrating effective interagency frameworks for emergency response planning.
Technological Amplification of Threats
The convergence of traditional CBRN agents with emerging technologies creates new vulnerability vectors for civilian populations. Uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) have fundamentally redefined delivery mechanisms for CBRN agents, providing low-cost, easily controllable platforms that can bypass conventional defences. Manufacturing capabilities have evolved with 3D printing technology, enabling the production of weapon components and delivery systems at individual level.
Module 2: Asymmetric Warfare and Hybrid CBRN Threats
Understanding Hybrid Warfare Dynamics
Hybrid threats represent a fundamental shift in conflict dynamics, blending military and non-military means to destabilise opponents whilst maintaining plausible deniability. These tactics specifically target societal vulnerabilities to create confusion, disrupt decision-making processes, and influence public opinion through coordinated campaigns that may include CBRN elements.
NATO and EU strategic documents have recognised the “nexus” between hybrid and CBRN threats, acknowledging that these challenges extend beyond traditional military responses to encompass civilian resilience and societal preparedness.
Non-State Actor CBRN Capabilities
Analysis of violent non-state actor (VNSA) CBRN events from 1990–2020 reveals concerning patterns relevant to contemporary Eastern European security challenges. Chemical agents dominated VNSA weapon selection, accounting for 434 of 565 documented events, with an average of 2.22 fatalities and 17.37 injuries per attack.
Educational and technological barriers to CBRN weapon development have significantly decreased, with college or master’s-level chemistry knowledge sufficient for basic chemical weapon production. Contemporary threats extend beyond traditional manufacturing, as powerful pharmaceuticals like fentanyl and carfentanyl are readily available through dark web marketplaces, whilst industrial chemicals such as chlorine gas can be repurposed for malicious use.
Module 3: Recognition and Early Warning Systems
Identifying Potential CBRN Incidents
Civilian populations serve as crucial early detection assets for potential CBRN incidents, as their widespread presence and routine activities can reveal unusual patterns that may indicate intentional or accidental releases.Â
Communication and Reporting Protocols
Effective communication systems form the backbone of civilian CBRN response capabilities, requiring a clear understanding of appropriate authorities and reporting channels.Â
Module 4: Personal Protective Equipment and Gas Mask FundamentalsÂ
Field Protective Mask Components and Operation – PG-1
Participants receive comprehensive instruction on the PG-1 Field Protective Mask, the standard NATO protective mask designed to provide 24 hours of continuous head-eye-respiratory protection against chemical agents, biological agents, radiological particles, and select toxic industrial materials.
Key Components Training:
- Face-piece assembly and dual 40mm NATO filter canisters
- Head harness system and proper fitting procedures
- Voice-mitter assembly for communication
- Drinking system operation
- Maintenance and storage protocols
Donning and Clearing Procedures
Students learn the critical 9-second donning procedure following NATO standards, including:
- Proper “GAS! GAS! GAS!” response protocols
- Mask placement and sealing techniques
- Clearing procedures to remove contaminated air
- Negative pressure testing for proper seal verification
- Integration with protective clothing systems
Cheek Weld Modifications:
- Adjustment of natural shooting stance to accommodate mask bulk
- Alternative head positioning to maintain sight alignment
- Proper rifle canting techniques to avoid mask interference
- Use of recessed eyelet gas masks designed for shooting applications
Sight Systems and Optics:
- Red dot sight advantages with gas masks
- Scope eye relief considerations
- Iron sight modifications and backup systems
- Integration with night vision and magnified optics
Breathing and Stability Techniques:
- Controlled breathing through mask filtration systems
- Managing increased exertion whilst maintaining accuracy
- Stability drills adapted for protective equipment weight
- Heat and moisture management during extended shooting sessions
Module 6: Live-Fire Exercises with CBRN EquipmentÂ
Progressive Skill Development
Students progress through structured live-fire exercises designed to build competency whilst wearing full CBRN protective equipment:
Phase 1: Static Shooting
- 25-metre precision shooting with various weapon systems
- AK-47/74 platform familiarisation with gas masks
- M4/AR-15 platform shooting techniques
- Pistol shooting fundamentals in protective equipment
Phase 2: Dynamic Movement
- Fire and movement drills with gas masks
- Transition between weapon systems
- Emergency reload procedures in protective equipment
- Combat effective shooting under time constraints
Module 7: CBRN Self-Administration and Medical Countermeasures
Nerve Agent Countermeasures
- Auto-Injector Training
Decontamination Procedures
- Skin Decontamination Kit operation
- Emergency decontamination techniques
- Equipment decontamination protocols
Field Medical Procedures
- Casualty assessment in contaminated environments
- Protective equipment removal for medical treatment
- Airway management with protective masks
- Integration with civilian emergency medical services
What’s Included:
- ZEBRA PG-1 Gas Mask + Spare Filter
- All Instruction and training material
- All training material including additional Aide Memoires and other references will be shared with Students after training is complete
- Water
What’s Not Included:
- Other food & beverage
- Transport to and from Training Centre
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.