Chem-Bio command center tested successfully.

• Author: Book, Elizabeth G.
• Position: Security Beat - Brief Article

A new high-tech command post that monitors every chemical and biological detector in the Pentagon works as planned, based on a recent test, officials said.

A chemical defense exercise held in May in the Pentagon courtyard was the first time the Biological Chemical Joint Operations Center--a computerized command post stood up in November--participated in a full-up live drill. That exercise, called "Misty Court," had been planned before 9/11, in partnership with Virginia's Arlington County Fire Department, which is responsible for responding to any attacks on the Pentagon. The BCJOC, however, is a new capability, conceived after the 9/11 attacks.

The exercise showed that the BCJOC works as planned, said Roger C. Smith, who was the head evaluator of the BCJOC during "Misty Court."

The BCJOC is located a few miles from the Pentagon, at the Navy Annex. About a half-dozen operators monitor the computer screens, some of which remotely monitor every chemical biological and radiological detector located in the Pentagon complex.

The center operates around the clock. The staff currently consists entirely of reservists, in addition to two or three representatives from Camber Corp., the contractor that manages the BCJOC. Eventually, the goal is for the BCJOC to be staffed by both active-duty military and civil servants.

The Pentagon is protected by layers of detectors, located in the perimeter and other secret areas of the building, as well as in the HVAC system. If a sensor shows the presence of any agents...