The 6th Civil Support Team: Unveiling The Texas National Guard’s Elite CBRNE Defenders And Their 2025 Operations

Contents

The 6th Civil Support Team (CST), officially designated as the 6th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (6th WMD-CST), represents the Texas National Guard's premier and full-time force dedicated to countering the most severe domestic threats. As of late 2025, this elite unit remains in a constant state of readiness, providing the critical link between local first responders and the vast resources of the U.S. Department of Defense during a catastrophic incident.

Their primary mission is to rapidly deploy, assess, and advise civil authorities on the presence of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosives (CBRNE) hazards. The team is not just a reactive force; its members are actively engaged in complex joint training exercises and real-world support, including a highly anticipated joint hazmat exercise in Tyler, Texas, scheduled for August 2025, demonstrating their enduring commitment to homeland defense and public safety.

The 6th Civil Support Team: Unit Biography and Profile

The 6th WMD-CST is one of 57 such teams strategically located across every U.S. state and territory, ensuring a rapid response capability nationwide. Each team is composed of approximately 22 full-time, highly trained military personnel, drawn from both the Army and Air National Guard components.

  • Official Designation: 6th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (6th WMD-CST)
  • Component: Texas Army National Guard (TX ARNG) / Texas Military Department (TMD)
  • Permanent Station/Headquarters: Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas
  • Primary Mission: To support civil authorities at a domestic CBRNE incident site by identifying agents/substances, assessing the consequences, and advising on response measures.
  • Readiness Status: Maintained at a constant state of heightened alert and readiness, capable of deploying rapidly within Texas and providing mutual aid support to neighboring states.

The team’s structure is designed for maximum efficiency and specialization in a hazardous environment. It is divided into six critical sections, each with a distinct and vital role in the overall response:

  1. Command Section: Provides overall mission command and liaison with the Incident Commander (IC).
  2. Operations Section: Manages the tactical deployment and on-site activities.
  3. Communications Section: Establishes and maintains secure lines of communication with local, state, and federal partners.
  4. Administration/Logistics Section: Ensures the team is self-sufficient with all necessary supplies, equipment, and personnel support.
  5. Medical/Analytical Section: Includes medical personnel for health monitoring and scientists who operate the sophisticated mobile analytical laboratory.
  6. Survey Section: The "tip of the spear" that enters the hot zone for reconnaissance, sampling, and identification of hazardous materials.

Core Mission and Specialized CBRNE Capabilities

The 6th CST’s mission goes far beyond basic Hazmat response. They are trained to operate in the most complex and dangerous environments involving Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). Their unique value lies in their ability to provide high-level scientific and technical expertise directly to the civilian Incident Commander, enabling informed decision-making in a crisis.

Advanced Detection and Analysis

The core of the 6th WMD-CST’s capability rests on its state-of-the-art detection and analytical equipment. The team utilizes highly specialized gear to quickly identify unknown substances, whether they are chemical warfare agents, biological toxins, or radiological materials. This includes advanced portable mass spectrometers, gas chromatographs, and radiation detection devices. The ability to perform on-site analysis significantly reduces the time required to confirm a threat, which is critical in saving lives during a high-consequence event.

While the M1135 Stryker NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle is a standard asset for many military CBRN units, the 6th CST utilizes a fleet of specialized vehicles to transport their Mobile Analytical Laboratory (MAL) and equipment. These vehicles are equipped with over-pressure systems to protect the Survey Team members inside while they conduct reconnaissance and sampling in contaminated areas.

Inter-Agency Partnerships and Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA)

A major focus of the 6th CST is building and maintaining robust inter-agency partnerships. They routinely train with local fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and federal entities like the FBI and FEMA. This collaboration ensures seamless integration during a real-world incident. The team operates under the umbrella of Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA), meaning they are a military asset providing technical support to civilian lead agencies. Their expertise augments, but does not replace, the capabilities of local first responders.

The 6th CST in Action: Recent and Future Operations for 2025

The operational tempo for the 6th Civil Support Team remains high, reflecting the continued need for specialized CBRNE preparedness. Their recent activities and upcoming schedule highlight their role as a multi-mission, rapid-response asset for the Texas Military Department and the nation.

Upcoming Joint Hazmat Exercise in Tyler, TX (August 2025)

One of the most notable activities on the 6th CST’s calendar is a joint hazmat and law enforcement exercise scheduled for August 5, 2025, in Tyler, Texas. This exercise will involve the 6th CST working directly with the Tyler Fire Department and local law enforcement. The goal is to simulate a complex hazardous material scenario, allowing all agencies to practice their coordinated response, from initial site assessment and entry by the Survey Team to decontamination and evidence collection. This type of realistic, full-scale training is essential for maintaining the team's readiness and validating their operational procedures.

Support to Major National Incidents (2025 LA Wildfires)

Although the 6th CST is based in Texas, its capabilities are a national asset. In early 2025, the broader Civil Support mission was highlighted during the response to the devastating 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires. Joint Task Force - Civil Support (JTF-CS) was activated to take command and control of the hazardous waste cleanup in the aftermath of the fires. While the direct involvement of the 6th CST in this specific operation is not detailed, the event underscores the critical role of CSTs and their parent organizations in responding to large-scale natural disasters that evolve into complex hazardous material situations, requiring the specialized skills of WMD-CST units.

The 6th WMD-CST’s continuous training, including readiness drills for military airlift and rapid deployment, ensures they can support such national-level efforts anywhere in the country. They are prepared to mobilize quickly, demonstrating the agility needed to respond to both man-made and natural disasters.

The 6th Civil Support Team serves as a vital protective layer for the state of Texas and the surrounding region. Their specialized training in CBRNE defense, their sophisticated equipment, and their seamless integration with civilian agencies make them an indispensable asset for homeland security. As demonstrated by their 2025 operational schedule, the 6th WMD-CST remains at the forefront of domestic preparedness, ensuring that Texas is ready for any high-consequence threat.

The 6th Civil Support Team: Unveiling the Texas National Guard’s Elite CBRNE Defenders and Their 2025 Operations
6th civil support team
6th civil support team

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