The 20TH CBRNE Command (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives), was activated 16 October 2004, by U.S. Army Forces Command to provide specialized CBRNE response in support of military operations and civil authorities.

The U.S. Army analyzed threats facing the US in both domestic and international contexts, and argued for the need to re-align and expand the Army's CBRNE assets and capabilities. The CBRNE Command is a one of a kind special purpose formation, consolidating its unique assets under a single operational headquarters located in the Edgewood Area of Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. CBRNE operations detect, identify, assess, render-safe, dismantle, transfer, and dispose of CBRNE hazards ranging from Weapons of Mass Destruction, to unexploded ordnance, improvised explosive devices, naturally occurring and manmade chemical and biological hazards, and other CBRNE hazards. These operations also include decontaminating personnel and essential property exposed to CBRNE materials during response.