FORT DRUM, NY – From September 7 – 13, Applied Training Solutions, LLC, (ATS) provided support for the New York Homeland Response Force (HRF) External Evaluation (EXEVAL). The training audience was located at New York, while the Simulation Cell worked out of Saint Albans, West Virginia. ATS helped develop the exercise, including the MESL, injects, and overall scenario to train staff level officers and NCOs on potential response to chemical, biological, and nuclear attacks within FEMA Region II. ATS also provided technical assistance to observer/controllers and to Role-players for HICON and LOCON capabilities as well as down-trace units and elements controlled by the HRF.
The purpose of the EXEVAL was to provide participants with an opportunity to review response and recovery protocols, plans and capabilities, and to realistically assess their overall preparedness in the event of Chemical, Biological and or nuclear attack, consistent with real world situations in 2022; to review orders and requirements from civil authorities to plan a rapid and focused NG response to mitigate human suffering and the loss of life. Participants included NY HRF and their organic Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Task Force, and their Casualty Assistance Support Element (CASE). Their higher HQ Joint Task Force Connecticut and Maryland and 10 CBRN Units were simulated.
The scenarios were based around multiple attacks with multiple hazards (radiation and blister agents) based in Region II’s FEMA region, which covers a portion of the northeastern part of United States over multiple days. The NY HRF conducted staff analysis, planning, and execution all while refining operational drills and SOPs during the exercise to improve overall effectiveness of the organization. The client was to respond to the 2 contaminants with detection, decontamination, and casualty and fatality assistance.
The outcome of the event overall was a success, and unit was able to be validated by the National Guard evaluation team. The NY HRF and their organic elements are better prepared to respond to natural and/or man-made disasters in the future.
As a leader in emergency preparedness training and readiness, ATS continues to actively work to deliver innovative, experience-based disaster-preparedness exercises solutions for local, state and federal agencies to protect communities.
For additional information on ATS and ATS Solutions, please visit www. appliedtrg.com