In context of CBRN defense, it should be noted that commanders have the responsibility to ensure that the forces are capable of surviving and continuing operations, when faced with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) hazards. But the successful CBRN defense depends on a strong, up-to-date training with a well-design programme for CBRN specialists, commanders, and other relevant personnel. The programme should be certified and the course participants should have their knowledge and skills verified. In such a training, learning on uniform standards adaptation and gaining interoperability skills are crucial. Therefore, while designing a curricula it is important to use a reference point, which is a doctrinal document: the CBRN Defence Standards for Education, Training and Evaluation. The NATO guidelines on CBRN defence education, training and evaluation will allow for achieving the capability to survive and operate in a CBRN environment.
CBRN defence training includes all levels of command: multinational Corps, Combined Joint Task Forces (CJTFs), NATO Response Force (NRF) and the NATO integrated military command structure. In the training, non-NATO member states should take part whenever possible, e.g.: Partnership for Peace (PfP), Mediterranean Dialogue (MD), European Union (UE), etc.. Complementary activities in CBRN defence, such as logistic support, environmental protection impacts, and engineering requirements have to be also considered.