The 20th CBRNE Command, or Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives, participated in Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia this month.

Maj. Amy J. Eastburg, a U.S. Army nuclear and counter proliferation officer from 20th CBRNE Command's CBRNE Coordination Element 2, or CCE 2, participated in the exercise in Enoggera, Australia, near Brisbane.

Eastburg supported the Combined Forces Land Component Command.

"Exercises such as Talisman Sabre help to foster positive relationships with other nations and agencies," said Eastburg, a native of Saratoga, New York, who served in Iraq. "They also allow us to conduct CBRNE assessments and coordinate CBRNE operations in a variety of situations and environments."

The exercise included more than 33,000 U.S. and Australian troops.

During the 20-day exercise, Eastburg coordinated with multiple military services and government agencies, including the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Australian Army, Australian Navy, Australian Federal Police and Australian Red Cross.

Based on 19 posts in 16 states, Soldiers and civilians from 20th CBRNE Command routinely train with allied, interagency and joint partners around the globe.

The Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland-headquartered 20th CBRNE Command is the Defense Department's only formation that combats chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats around the globe.

Eastburg said Talisman Sabre increased interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces.

"The highlight of the exercise has been involvement with the Australian military and government personnel and learning some of the differences in how they operate," said Eastburg, who has also been to South Korea and Japan with CCE 2.