Civil Support Team demonstrates readiness during exercise, evaluation

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Brett Miller | North Dakota's 81st Civil Support Team assists civilian first responders with identifying a simulated hazardous material threat May 6 during an interagency response exercise at the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D. Later in the week, the unit gained certification from U.S. Army North's (USARNORTH) Civil Support Training Activity by completing a Training Proficiency Evaluation. CSTs are required to gain certification from USARNORTH every 18 months. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, 116th Public Affairs Detachment)  

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA, UNITED STATES

05.09.2014

Courtesy Story

North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

BISMARCK, N.D. - This week two-dozen full-time North Dakota National Guard Soldiers and Airmen assigned to the state's 81st Civil Support Team (CST) responded to a simulated radiological threat during a no-notice exercise and Training Proficiency Evaluation (TPE) administered by U.S. Army North’s (USARNORTH) Charlie Division, Civil Support Training Activity. The training scenarios were conducted on the campus of the University of Mary south of Bismarck.

On standby around the clock and capable of responding within 90 minutes, CSTs are highly-specialized units that are trained and equipped to assist civilian first responders when reacting to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive agents.

This week, North Dakota’s 81st CST had the opportunity to test its response capabilities and interagency cooperation during exercises on Tuesday and Thursday, which completed the unit’s TPE. CSTs nationwide are required to gain certification from USARNORTH every 18 months.

“North Dakota’s Civil Support Team is second to none proving their readiness, professionalism and competence each time they are evaluated,” said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general. “Continuing to maintain this certification is a great responsibility, and each team member plays a vital role in ensuring the CST continues to meet its mission objectives and goals. They hold a wealth of experience and knowledge and are an indispensable asset in helping protect our communities, state and nation, a key mission for our National Guard.”

The 81st CST worked with multiple local agencies during the training scenarios. The exercise participants included the Bismarck Fire Department, the Bismarck Rural Fire Department, Mandan Fire Department and Dickinson Fire Department.

Civil Support Teams use a broad range of specialized equipment to perform their mission, from a secure communications vehicle to a mobile analytical laboratory system with a full suite of chemical, biological and toxin analysis equipment.

During the TPE, USARNORTH tested the 81st CST’s various capabilities and assessed the unit on a number of tasks, including establishing secure communications, maintaining an operations center, conducting technical decontamination, establishing medical support, identifying agents and conducting interagency coordination.

“The TPE is an important evaluation tool that demonstrates our team’s ability to complete its assigned mission. Our success this week gives us reassurance that we are trained and ready to support our civilian first response partners and assist in the Guard’s homeland security mission,” said Maj. Patrick Flanagan, acting 81st CST commander.

In addition to interagency coordination during exercises, CST members receive more than 650 hours of training in identifying and handling hazardous materials (hazmat) threats, and other high-tech training from a number of agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Energy, the Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Federally resourced and state controlled, CSTs can respond to all types of disaster scenarios to include supporting civil authorities at domestic chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear high-yield explosives (CBRNE) incident sites by identifying CBRNE agents/substances, assessing current or projected consequences, advising on response measures and assisting with appropriate requests for additional follow-on state and federal military forces.

Nationally, there are 57 CSTs — one in each state, U.S. territory and Washington, D.C., with two each in California, Florida and New York.

• Date Taken: 05.09.2014
• Date Posted: 05.09.2014 22:10
• Story ID: 129415
• Location: BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA, US