Photo By 1st Lt. Anna Doo | New Mexico National Guard's 64th Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction)...... read more read more
BERNALILLO, N.M. - New Mexico National Guard’s 64th Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction) conducted multiple training exercises here Dec 2-4, 2014. The exercises were observed by a contingent of defense personnel from the Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) who were on hand to garner tips, lessons learned and information to take back to their country.
Maj. Nathaniel Garza, official escort officer for U.S. Army North (ARNORTH) said the RBDF asked for WMD training and engagement opportunities and that New Mexico National Guard answered that call. U.S. Army North facilitates the exchange between countries and maintains a working relationship between all parties involved. New Mexico is the first National Guard to host an exchange of this ilk. Garza went on to highlight the mutually beneficial relationship.
“[ARNORTH] Theater Security Cooperation is assisting the Bahamas with developing a capacity for a CST or Explosive Ordnance Disposal or WMD capability so they will be able to protect their own country themselves,” Garza said.
He said this event with the 64th CST was the perfect opportunity for partner nations to observe an operational unit responding to an exercise scenario that easily could be a real-world event.
Lt. Andrew Bowe, coordinating officer of military defense for RBDF, has attended multiple exchange opportunities. He said that the Bahamas is a soft target and they are looking for ideas and techniques on how to safeguard not only the citizens, but the multitude of tourists who visit the country each year.
Bowe said, “Through the exchange program we can take back information on how we can mitigate and change deficiencies on our side.” He said they have already begun to set up policies and incident reporting based on previous exercises he’s attended.
Bowe’s colleague, Lt. Derrick Ferguson, said he was impressed with the equipment available for use by the 64th CST. Ferguson also remarked on the communication between the various agencies that are present at these events.
The exercise scenario presented to the 64th was one of an unknown substance possibly contained in an ordinary garden sprayer. A handful of individuals were suspected of being contaminated with at least one individual possibly coming in contact with several civilians. The National Guard maintains a support role when responding to these incidents. There is an Incident Commander on scene whose role is to manage all the moving pieces and communication amongst the various agencies. These can include the National Guard, fire departments, civilian police, civilian medical professionals and any additional first responders.
Ferguson said being able to see how the different agencies communicated was very helpful noting that each has their own jargon but must be able to understand one another regardless. He said he’ll be able to take back an awareness of this interaction and hopes to build a similar capacity amongst the Bahamian professionals.
Maj. Troy Chadwell, 64th CST Commander, said his team conducts training exercises a dozen times a year in order to uphold a level of preparedness should the real-world need arise. He also said the 64th has an inherent role of advising, assessing and assisting first responders. When ARNORTH contacted the 64th CST to ask if they’d be willing to include the RBDF observers during this exercise, they were quick to say yes. Chadwell said he felt his team was offered the unique opportunity to act as ambassadors for the guests.
Some elements observed by Bowe and Ferguson resonated more than others. Chadwell said they were impressed with the camaraderie of the team and wanted to ensure that lifestyle is built within their elements.
“[The RBDF] were impressed with the family of the team, how we are so closely bonded, worked together, flowed together and cared about each other,” Chadwell said. “They were so impressed that they were hoping they can build a team that’s similar to us with that kind of dynamic.”
This cohesiveness begins with the leadership Chadwell said, and the importance placed on the Soldier and Airmen’s family being taken care of, the individual service member, and the team all working together and watching out for one another.
Many of the current capabilities of the 64th CST have been garnered from years of continuous practice conducting exercises and participating in local and regional competitions. The professionals who comprise the team take their tasks seriously yet are willing to share their lessons learned with fellow agencies and country’s defense forces in order to create a prepared and trained coalition. Addressing the specific scenarios and obstacles faced by partner nations only serves to broaden the toolbox and strengthen the capability of the 64th CST.
| Date Taken: | 12.02.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 12.15.2014 10:50 |
| Story ID: | 150303 |
| Location: | BERNALILLO, NM, US |
| Hometown: | ALBUQUERQUE, NM, US |
| Hometown: | RIO RANCHO, NM, US |
| Web Views: | 123 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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