The CNR is a unique, one-of-a-kind training facility that provides realistic and challenging exercises for military first responders. There is no other place in the country that offers this kind of environment for First Responders. This setting allows response teams to practice their techniques and experiment with new procedures and equipment without alarming the public or disrupting any commercial or public activities.

Why the Center for National Response?
The U.S. Congress, stressing the need for additional WMD training, required the Department of Defense to "Establish a cost-effective CM/CT facility for military first responders and concurrent testing of response apparatus and equipment at the Memorial Tunnel facility".