Army Moving Chemical Weapons Defense Units From Maryland

EDGEWOOD, Md. (AP) — The Army says it's moving 266 soldiers in a chemical-warfare defense battalion from Aberdeen Proving Ground to three other installations around the country to support military readiness.

The Army says in a statement that the 22nd Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Battalion will begin the process with a ceremony Friday.

The battalion is part of the Aberdeen-based 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives Command. Command spokesman Maj. Ryan Donald said in an email Wednesday that the battalion headquarters company and one subordinate company will move to Fort Bliss, Texas.

He says two other subordinate companies will move to Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Stewart, Georgia.

A fourth company will remain at Fort Drum, New York.

The soldiers are trained in sampling, detection and escort of chemical and biological hazards.