New National Association Unites CBRN and HAZMAT Professionals to Strengthen America’s All-Hazards Response Capability
INDIAN HEAD, MD – The United States CBRN & HAZMAT Technician Association (USCHTA) officially launched today, establishing the first national organization dedicated to uniting military CBRN technicians and public safety hazardous materials professionals under a single collaborative framework.
Operating as a division of the United States Bomb Technician Association (USBTA) and headquartered at the Bomb Disposal Technology & Training Center in Indian Head, Maryland, USCHTA addresses a critical gap in national preparedness by fostering coordination, innovation, and operational excellence across the CBRN and HAZMAT response community.
“The threat landscape facing our nation continues to evolve in complexity and sophistication,” said Travis Rebello, USCHTA Director. “USCHTA provides the platform our technicians need to collaborate across jurisdictions, access cutting-edge technology and training, and ensure America maintains world-class capability to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and hazardous material incidents.”
Advancing National Capability
USCHTA delivers comprehensive support to active CBRN and HAZMAT technicians through:
- No-cost advanced training featuring real-world scenarios and integrated joint operations
- Technology exposure programs providing hands-on access to the latest detection, protection, and mitigation equipment
- Research and data sharing through Indian Head R&D laboratories
- National advocacy for funding, legislation, and response standards
- Wellness and resilience programs supporting technician mental health and family support
Joint Hazard Response Team Program
A cornerstone of USCHTA’s mission is serving as the national Center of Excellence for the Joint Hazard Response Team (JHRT) program. This initiative establishes standardized training, certification, and operational protocols that integrate EOD, CBRN, HAZMAT, K9, tactical, and emergency management capabilities into unified all-hazards response teams.
“The JHRT program represents the future of how America responds to complex, multi-dimensional threats,” said Jeff Winn, USCHTA Assistant Director “By breaking down silos and fostering true interoperability, we’re building response capability that’s greater than the sum of its parts.”
Building a National Network
USCHTA brings together tribal, state, local, federal, and military agencies while partnering with leading organizations including the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, FEMA, FBI Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate, EPA, and ATF, along with industry technology providers and academic research institutions.
Initial membership is open to active CBRN and HAZMAT technicians in military and public safety roles, with plans to expand to include academic, research, international, and industry partner membership tiers.
Operating under USBTA’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, USCHTA leverages shared infrastructure, resources, and partnerships to maximize impact for its members and the communities they protect.
About USCHTA
The United States CBRN & HAZMAT Technician Association advances the capabilities of CBRN and HAZMAT responders through knowledge sharing, operational integration, collaborative training, research, technology acceleration, advocacy, and responder wellness. Headquartered in Indian Head, Maryland, USCHTA operates as a division of the United States Bomb Technician Association.
For more information about USCHTA, membership, or partnership opportunities, contact info@uschta.us.
One Purpose. One Mission.