About this Unit
The 275th Chemical Detachment is a specialized unit within the United States Army, primarily tasked with providing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance and support. Activated during the Cold War era, the detachment played a crucial role in ensuring force protection and readiness against potential CBRN threats. Throughout its history, the 275th has participated in numerous training exercises and deployments, supporting both homeland defense and overseas contingency operations. The unit's expertise and rapid response capabilities remain vital to the Army’s mission of safeguarding personnel and maintaining operational effectiveness in hazardous environments.
Historical Facts
• Specialized Unit: The 275th Chemical Detachment was a specialized U.S. Army unit focused on chemical warfare detection, decontamination, and defense during the Vietnam War.
• Vietnam Service: The detachment served in South Vietnam, providing critical chemical reconnaissance and support to U.S. and allied forces from the late 1960s into the early 1970s.
• Mission Scope: Their primary tasks included detecting chemical agents, training troops in chemical defense, and assisting in decontamination operations following suspected or actual chemical attacks.
• Agent Orange Operations: The 275th Chemical Detachment was indirectly involved in operations concerning herbicides, such as Agent Orange, advising on safe handling and reporting on exposure risks.
• Protective Equipment: The unit played a role in field-testing new protective gear such as masks, suits, and detection kits under combat conditions, directly contributing to the improvement of this equipment for future use.
• Noteworthy Deployments: Members of the 275th often worked alongside infantry, artillery, and aviation units, deploying to hotspots where chemical threats were suspected.
• Training Impact: The detachment was responsible for training thousands of soldiers from various units in chemical defense procedures, significantly improving overall readiness against chemical warfare threats.
• Legacy: After Vietnam, the 275th’s operational experiences influenced U.S. Army Chemical Corps doctrine and training materials for decades.
• Recognition: Members of the 275th Chemical Detachment received various commendations for their service, including unit and individual awards for meritorious service under hazardous conditions.
• Historical Documentation: Declassified after-action reports and memoirs from veterans of the 275th have provided unique insights into the challenges of chemical warfare defense in the Vietnam War, making the unit a subject of interest for military historians.
