SCARNG CST trains on radiation detection during Ardent Sentry

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Erica Jaros | A U.S. Soldier with the 46th Civil Support Team, Alabama Army National Guard, gets tested for radiation by Wanda Patterson, a radiological protection inspector for Savannah River Site, after leaving a live radiological training exercise at in support of Ardent Sentry May 20, 2013, near Allen, S.C. Ardent Sentry is a North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM)-directed exercise focusing on defense support of civil authorities in response to simulated weather, security and disaster contingencies. While Ardent Sentry is primarily a command post exercise, several field training events were conducted at various locations within the USNORTHCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Erica Knight/Released)  

SAVANNAH RIVER SITE, SOUTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

05.20.2013

Story by Sgt. Erica Jaros 

108th Public Affairs Detachment

SAVANNAH RIVER SITE, S.C.— The Department of Energy's Savannah River Site in South Carolina hosted National Guard Civil Support Teams from four states including the S.C. Army National Guard's 43rd CST and Weapons of Mass Destruction unit out of West Columbia, S.C., on May 20 and 21 during the Ardent Sentry exercise taking place across the southeastern part of S.C. May 17 - 21.

"Our mission is to advise, assist, identify and assess any situation our first responders may come across that may have ties to terrorism or an unknown or manmade situation," said Maj. James Bowling, deputy commander of the 43rd CST.

There were two scenarios the teams were evaluated on. The first took place at a rail yard building where the scenario involved a radiological pager going off during a walk through of a Department of Transportation building that was going to be used for shelter after a hurricane. The other scenario involved live radiation sampling of an exposed vehicle.

"We go in to identify hazards and find out what we are dealing with," said Spc. Robert Nelson from Lexington, a survey team member with the 43rd CST.

The teams were evaluated by Global Security group, who provide training and exercise support to government agencies.

"We let National Guard teams execute their protocols and procedures for dealing with a potential radiological threat," said Charles Lewis, manager of training and exercise support. "They identify sources, types of material and anything that would constitute a threat."

The S.C. team worked with the CST from Kentucky to go into the building during an initial sweep and again to identify smaller sources.

"Their communication back to the command base on their results was very good," said Lewis. "They were very deliberate and meticulous in their survey process."

The CST would be called in as a precaution or when first responders encounter any type of radiological readings during a large public event or emergency response.

"We have a wonderful working relationship with our civilian partners, S.C. Law Enforcement Division, FBI, and local police and firefighters," said Bowling. "I think we play a vital role in providing support to our civilian first responders."

The CST is designed to fit into the Homeland Security national plan for WMD related issues, Bowling explained.

"Our mission is at here at home," said Nelson. "Not overseas."

• Date Taken: 05.20.2013
• Date Posted: 05.21.2013 10:55
• Story ID: 107305
• Location: SAVANNAH RIVER SITE, SOUTH CAROLINA, US