Army Reserve Soldiers train for disaster response

Photo By Staff Sgt. Kai Jensen | Maj. Gen. Daniel L. York, commander of the 76th Operational Response Command, is briefed on operations during the Digital Command Post Exercise of Task Force 76 at Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass. on June 9, 2014. The task force is responsible for the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Response Enterprise - America (CRE-A) and is capable of handling a wide array of emergency situations. (US Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Kai L. Jensen, 76th Operational Response Command)  

WESTOVER AIR FORCE BASE, MA, UNITED STATES

06.09.2014

Story by Staff Sgt. Kai Jensen 

76th Operational Response Command

WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. - Army Reserve Soldiers from the 76th Operational Response Command and 302nd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade participated in disaster response training as part of Task Force 76 during a Digital Command Post Exercise here June 10-12.

TF-76 is a part of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Response Enterprise - America, or CRE-A, and is capable of responding to a multitude of CBRN incidents, large or small, while providing life-saving capabilities to meet the expectations of our nation.

The three day event simulated a nuclear explosion on U.S. soil and gave Soldiers training on how to properly react, in a supporting role, and the process for working with the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency and statewide agencies.

“It is an integral part of the preparation for the mission assumption,” said Col. Doug Mills, TF-76 chief of staff. "It's designed to test the communication infrastructure and staff coordination between various components of CRE-A."

This exercise was in preparation for Vibrant Response, a large scale event simulating a nuclear explosion, to be held with all task force units involved, as well as other agencies.

"This event is very significant," said Staff Sgt. Nancy Marte, noncommissioned officer with the task forces G6 communications, 302nd MEB. "If and when we get called up for real world incidents we will be better prepared to assist the people that are being affected by the disaster."

During the CPX, Soldiers concentrated on ensuring all lines of communication were functioning properly with subordinate units so that coordination efforts could be properly managed.

"My vision for the task force is that we successfully prepare and train to assume our CRE-A mission," said Maj. Gen. Daniel L. York, commanding general of the 76th ORC and TF-76. "Should we ever be called upon we will execute with professionalism and excellence."

• Date Taken: 06.09.2014
• Date Posted: 06.17.2014 13:32
• Story ID: 133373
• Location: WESTOVER AIR FORCE BASE, MA, US