The centre is responsible for all training issues relating to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defence and warfare for the UK's armed forces.

A full refurbishment of the site was completed in 2005, with the World War I accommodation replaced by a modernised training facility, used by all three services.

[5] This is a course for military personnel who manage and carry out the functions of CBRN Warning & Reporting and Collection Centres in line with Allied / NATO standards.

This task includes dealing with CBRN data, interpreting that information and issuing subsequent reports on the threat.

[5] This course is intended for civilian and military stores staff who are responsible for storage, maintenance and management of CBRN defence equipment.

[5] This course trains military band personnel (who in war are stretcher bearers) to perform casualty decontamination in a CBRN environment.

As well as military training, Defence CBRN Centre also supports civilian response in partnership with the Health Protection Agency.

It is a cross-government group under the remit under the Surgeon-General to develop CBRN clinical guidance, medical training and research.

This course supports includes advanced first aid in the hot zone, emergency medical treatment and casualty decontamination.

[5] The Defence CBRN Centre assists with the military's annual chemical warfare exercise, Exercise TOXIC DAGGER, which in 2018 took place on Salisbury Plain and involved over 300 military personnel, including 40 Commando Royal Marine, the RAF Regiment and the Royal Marines Band Service for casualty treatment.