Red Dragon Army exercise: Weapons of mass destruction
The Fort McCoy Red Dragon training exercise will simulate reacting to weapons of mass destruction over the next two weeks. Local firefighters and volunteer groups will participate in the training on and off base.
http://www.tomahjournal.com/articles/2007/08/10/news/01news.txt
“Every year the exercise has helped determine what the capabilities of the units are, and how to continue to integrate the military into the response,” said Lt. Col. Terry Farrell of the Army Reserve Command’s Homeland Defense Division. “The exercise helps us see where the strengths and weaknesses are, and how to train to improve the process.”
Red Dragon has two main training objectives: immediate reaction to a large-scale disaster and coordinated response with other emergency reaction forces, such as the Tomah Fire Department. Participants don’t know the specific disaster to which they will respond until the day of the exercise.
The disasters are set up for personnel to respond to events as they occur. It includes working step-by-step through events, reviewing evacuation routes, coordination among local, state and federal personnel, and working through any problems that occur.
“Communications is a big deal,” said Farrell. “The first time we exchange business cards shouldn’t be during the disaster (training).”
The 2006 exercise featured a joint civilian-military reaction to an “explosion,” said antiterrorism officer Dan Skowronski. Participants turned Fort McCoy into a staging area for reception and evacuation centers of up to 3,000 people. The participants then evaluated their responses in providing services such as decontamination.
Red Dragon began as a small exercise in 2004 with just 400 soldiers, who were mostly from chemical organizations. The exercise grew to 800 soldiers in 2005, and 1,100 medical, police, chaplain and chemical soldiers in 2006.
The scenario also requires active participation from surrounding communities. Many Tomah and Sparta fire departments, first responders and volunteers attend the training after their normal work day.
“Fort McCoy and the surrounding communities put their heart and soul into helping us conduct this exercise,” said Farrell. “We have heartfelt gratitude for their efforts.”
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