Last month, members of Applied Training Solutions, LLC provided exercise control during the Region X Washington Homeland Response Force Sustainment Year Collective Training Event, April 22-26.
In support of the Risk Mitigation Modeling and Simulation contract, ATS provides exercise support to various FEMA regions to conduct and train on emergency management exercises, such as this HRF EXEVAL.
This exercise simulated two hazard events. The first was a chemical GB Sarin hazard and the second was a 10 kiloton (kT) detonation in FEMA Region X, which includes Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Alaska.
The simulated events took place over several days, giving participants an opportunity to demonstrate response and recovery protocols, plans, and capabilities.
Using ATSsim as the primary exercise tool the WA HRF was able to conduct staff analysis, planning, and execution while refining their operational procedures and improve their overall effectiveness.
Exercises and training events like this allow the HRF to realistically assess their overall preparedness in the event of a real-world Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear attack. The response force would receive, review, and react to orders from civil authorities to plan a rapid and focused National Guard response to ensure the mitigation of human suffering and loss of life.
Overall, the WA HRF, their CBRN Task Force, Casualty Assistance Support Element, Joint Task Forces Idaho and Oregon, and 30 additional CBRN units were involved within the simulated and coordinated responses to these events and their aftermath.
ATS members played a key role during this exercise ensuring they planned and coordinated the simulated exercise injects, as well as assisting with the training of the staff level officers and non-commissioned officers. ATS assisted all levels of staff during the exercise in varying capacities, providing subject matter expertise while creating a successful training exercise event.
During days two and three of the exercise, ATS team members were able to build and insert the CBRN-related hazard into the exercise in less than 12 hours of notification of the additional simulation request. Overall, the exercise was considered a success, allowing for simulated decontamination as well as simulated casualty and fatality assistance.
As a leader in emergency preparedness training and readiness, ATS continues to actively work to deliver innovative, experience-based disaster-preparedness exercise solutions for local, state, and federal agencies to protect communities. Preparation for disasters helps reduce panic and possible loss of life. Utilizing simulation helps these units prepare for managing multiple units during a real-life event.
