Guardian Response 17 is a multi-component training exercise used to validate the military’s ability to support civil authorities in the event of a catastrophe, which in this training scenario is a 10 kiloton nuclear attack. This exercise brings together federal agencies and all three components of the U.S. Army as the incident escalates. When an incident like this occurs in real life, first responders and local authorities are going to need support; this three week exercise is designed to train the military in how to respond to a nuclear disaster.
Roughly 5,000 Soldiers and Airmen representing 75 units from across the country deploy to train and work together with first responders in an area unlike any other; the training area replicates a disaster zone complete with crumbling buildings, crashed vehicles, and debris thrown askew across the landscape. Add in special effects such as smoke and fire along with civilian role players that are screaming for help and things become even more immersive for the training audience.
“This is about as good as it gets without actually being in a disaster area. Muscatatuck brings a tremendous amount of realism to the exercise,” said Maj. Gen. Scottie D. Carpenter, 84th Training Command.
This training scenario prepares units in a unique way since it's unlike the typical roles that the military plays in combat. Instead, this exercise focuses on working closely under the direction of local, state, and federal government authorities and first responders. The military personnel learn to assess the situation, understand its complexity, and provide support based on their capabilities.
“I have 27 years in the Army and I’ve not seen a facility such as this where so much effort has been put into it, to simulate these events such as the nuclear attack,” said Lt. Col. Allen Back, 84th Training Command Public Affairs.
Nearly 100 civilians from the local community were role players in the exercise so the responders actually had to dig through debris and rubble in search of survivors, rescue people trapped inside of vehicles, and crossed flooded out streets to lead them to safety. For the elements of training that were too dangerous for a real person to act out, there were mannequins with faux injuries courtesy of the 266th Ordnance Company and 311th Mortuary Affairs Company from Puerto Rico.
To be able to provide a spectrum of support, the military must train a variety of units. Displaced citizens in this type of situation not only need necessities such as food, clean drinking water, and shelter, but they will also need medical attention; in the event of a nuclear blast, citizens must be decontaminated before they can be treated for wounds and illness related to radiation. In order to provide that level of support, various types of units participated in the training including chemical, military police, medical and support personnel.
While the main scenario of this exercise was a nuclear attack, this type of training is beneficial in any type of homeland disaster where military and civilian agencies have to work together. Training exercises such as Guardian Response 17 allows hose agencies to work through issues in a controlled environment so in the event of an actual disaster, they are prepared to respond effectively.
“We are here as a division to set the environment and the conditions for the commander on the ground. We set those conditions to ensure that commander can effectively train their units and get the complete full spectrum training that they need to effectively accomplish their mission," said 78th Training Division Commander, Brig. Gen. Michael Dillard. "We spent 12 months planning and preparing for this mission. It’s been wonderful. No challenges, just opportunities."
Guardian Response 17 was an opportunity for U.S. Army units to train together and be prepared to support civilian agencies, just in case disaster strikes.
| Date Taken: | 05.11.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 05.11.2017 17:47 |
| Story ID: | 233563 |
| Location: | MUSCATATUCK URBAN TRAINING CENTER, INDIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 69 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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