Chief of Chemical and Commandant

U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School

By Colonel Alexander C. Lovasz

Article published on: March 1, 2025 in the Annual Issue of the Army Chemical Review

Read Time: < 4 mins

Colonel Alexander C. Lovasz in U.S. Army dress uniform with American flag and military insignia in background.

Colonel Alexander C. Lovasz

As the 34th Chief of Chemical and Commandant of the U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School (USACBRNS), Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, I remain committed to advancing the Regiment and supporting the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence (MSCoE), Fort Leonard Wood, along four distinct lines of effort:

  • Drive the change that shapes the force of the future Army.

  • Promote leader development and stewardship of the profession.

  • Care for, retain, and inspire current and future Soldiers, civilians, and Families.

  • Train warriors of character.

Drive the Change that Shapes the Future Army

As the face of warfare evolves, so must we—to assess, protect, and mitigate emerging CBRN threats. In collaboration with the Joint Requirements Office, Washington, D.C.; the Joint Program Executive Office, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland; and industry partners, USACBRNS is redefining chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense in support of the protection warfighting function to prepare for large-scale combat operations.

Transformation in Contact 2.0 serves as the Army innovation laboratory for rapid modernization. Units from the 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Cavazos, Texas, will field and rigorously test new equipment spanning across warfighting functions. Their feedback will directly inform broader CBRN force integration and modernization efforts.

Units across the Army will receive the upgraded CBRN reconnaissance assets. The trusted nuclear, biological, chemical reconnaissance vehicle (NBCRV) will be enhanced with a Sensor Suite Upgrade and a modular mission payload, dramatically expanding capability while increasing standoff distance and the protection of warfighters. In addition, human-machine integration is being accelerated through the use of unmanned aerial systems equipped with sensors, autonomous decontamination systems, and CBRN systems integrated into robotic platforms, improving survivability across formations.

Also, smoke has returned to the Chemical Corps! While obscuration is a historic capability, modern threats demand modern solutions. Modern obscuration is not only visual—but needs to encompass the the electromagnetic space. The screening obscuration module will provide traditional visual concealment (smoke) as well as bispectral and multispectral (electromagnetic) obscuration.

Promote Leader Development and Stewardship of the Profession

The primary mission of USACBRNS is to train and develop Soldiers and leaders of the Chemical Corps. CBRN courses are constantly refined to align with changes in doctrine, structure, and technology. Leader development extends beyond professional military education provided at USACBRNS. Through tools such as the USACBRNS Newsletter; the Army Chemical Review; the Chemical Corps mentorship program; and the CBRN Knowledge, Information, and Tools (KIT) website, USACBRNS empowers leaders across the force to invest in the future of the CBRN Regiment.

Care for, Retain, and Inspire Current and Future Soldiers, Civilians, and Families

During the past year, the Regimental leadership team visited Dragon Soldiers in 34 locations across three continents. These visits allowed the team to observe world-class training, engage directly with Soldiers and civilians, and—my personal favorite—recognize excellence through awards, the Order of the Dragon inductions, and Regimental coins.

Transparent, consistent communication is essential for organizational health. Based on the town hall meetings hosted by the Regiment, I can say with certainty: our Dragon Soldiers are ready. As the 83d Chemical Battalion proudly says—“Confront Any Mission!”

In closing, I would like to say congratulations to those who recently assumed their new positions as brigade and battalion command sergeants major:

  • Command Sergeant Major Jessica Cho, Dugway Proving Ground, Dugway, Utah.

  • Command Sergeant Major Ronis J. Gutierrez, 3d Chemical Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

  • Command Sergeant Major Peter R. Dallas, 22d Chemical Battalion, Fort Bliss, Texas.

  • Command Sergeant Major Jawayne A. Gibbons, 110th Chemical Battalion, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

    Congratulations to these sergeants major who were selected on the most recent command select list for brigade and battalion command sergeant major positions:

  • Command Sergeant Major Vincent D. Green, U.S. Army Environmental Command, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.

  • Sergeant Major Jody L. Mease, 2d Chemical Battalion, Fort Cavazos, Texas.

Additionally, congratulations to the 17 Regular Army and U.S. Army Reserve CBRN master sergeants who were selected to attend Class 76 of the resident Sergeants Major Course and the associate nonresidence course at Fort Bliss.

Endnotes:

1 AR 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia, 26 January 2021.

2 AR 600-20, Army Command Policy, 6 February 2025.

3 DA PAM 600-25, U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Guide, 11 September 2023.

Military unit insignia featuring a shield with gold lion, tree stump, and blue diagonal stripe with motto "Elementis Regamus Proelium"

Train Warriors of Character

Fort Leonard Wood is the home of USACBRNS; basic combat training; and advanced individual training for Army CBRN, military police, and engineer forces. The 3d Chemical Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood, leads three basic combat training battalions and one CBRN advanced individual training battalion—developing more than 2,800 new Dragon Soldiers annually. In addition to initial entry training, the Regiment conducts seven specialized functional courses—each delivering skilled, mission-ready CBRN professionals to the operational force.

Conclusion

It is an honor and a privilege to lead the organization I have proudly served for 27 years. Any success the Regiment has achieved is due to the relentless dedication of CBRN instructors, drill sergeants, and professional staffs. These incredible men and women are not only shaping what the CBRN Regiment will become in 10, 20, or 30 years—but they are also laying the very foundation for that future.

Dragon Soldiers! CBRN Warriors! Elementis Regamus Proelium!