1st Mission Support Command prepares for continuity in case of a disaster

Photo By Spc. Anthony Martinez | U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers and Civilians assigned to the 1st Mission Support Command and U.S. Army Reserve Command, pose for a photo after successfully completing the Continuity of Operations training held at the Major General Felix A. Santoni building on Fort Buchanan, May 11.  

GUAYNABO, PUERTO RICO

05.11.2017

Story by Spc. Anthony Martinez 

1st Mission Support Command

FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico – U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers and Civilians assigned to the 1st Mission Support Command (MSC) and United Stated Army Reserve Command (USARC), attended Continuity of Operations (COOP) training at the Major General Felix A. Santoni Building on Fort Buchanan, May 9-11. The training provided the participants with the tools needed to respond to unusual events, such as hurricanes or earthquakes that destroy an area of operations. This course also provided the skills and knowledge to improve the overall quality and workability of COOP Plans.

“It is good that we take a proactive look at what we would do in a crisis if our facilities became compromised,” said Cpt. Marcelo Cedeno, Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) Planner for the 1st Mission Support Command. “If you look back at U.S. Army Reserve level, the 1st MSC is taking the lead in emergency preparedness posture like we’ve been doing with DSCA operations.”

After completion of the course, participants will be able to correctly recognize the background and policy regarding continuity that affects the development of continuity plans.

Being a COOP Plan Manager is very demanding in responsibility and knowledge. With Mr. Carlos Alvarado and Mr. Marcelo Rolon as instructors, the 25 individuals in attendance received an extensive three-day course resulting in qualified COOP plan managers for their respective work areas.

“In my opinion, this COOP training is required so the Soldiers can help the command in developing their COOP Plan,” said Mr. Rolon. “This is only the initial training, and there is additional training required for the planners and the people that work in other groups, but this is critical for the 1st MSC not only to meet but exceed USARC expectations.”

The COOP training course is recommended for all Federal, state, territorial, local, and tribal government employees responsible for managing a COOP Program.

COOP-planning can prevent and mitigate the loss of essential functions; helps prepare the 1st Mission Support Command to adapt to unusual operational requirements; provides the ability to respond to a wide range of functional impacts; and defines a process to recover and return to normal operations.

• Date Taken: 05.11.2017
• Date Posted: 05.15.2017 12:11
• Story ID: 233877
• Location: GUAYNABO, PR