FORT EUSTIS, Va. - Members of Joint Task Force-Civil Support and the Defense Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Response Force (DCRF) took part in a Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) exercise in Fort Polk, Louisiana, from March 7 to March 24, 2016.
The exercise confirmed the readiness of units that will take over the mission beginning June 1, 2016.
During the exercise, the DCRF are organized into various components; Task Force Operations, Task Force Medical, Task Force Aviation, Task Force Logistics and Task Force Signal. These task forces carry out their assigned missions and are evaluated throughout the exercise.
“The DCRF performed well during JRTC 16-05,” said Army Lt. Col. John Burns, battle captain, JTF-CS. “This exercise allowed them to see areas for improvement, and address them before we are needed for a real-world crisis.”
The scenario the units participated in focused on a Fukushima style nuclear reactor failure, and forced the DCRF units to perform lifesaving operations and mass decontamination in a simulated nuclear contaminated area.
“The DCRF was challenged to perform life-saving and life-sustaining missions for local and state partners,” said Burns. “They needed to respond quickly, build relationships with first responders, enter hazardous areas, decontaminate, medically treat, and evacuate Americans. This is a challenging task in a simulated irradiated environment with role players designed to throw unexpected wrinkles into the response.”
Burns continued. “The units reacted well. They want to help our fellow citizens and neighbors. As Americans, we all have a stake in well trained units that help our people in a time of incredible need.”
JTF-CS anticipates, plans and integrates U.S. Northern Command CBRN operations. JTF-CS provides command and control for designated DOD specialized response forces to assist local, state, federal and tribal partners in saving lives, preventing further injury, and providing critical support to enable community recovery.
For additional information on JTF-CS, visit us online at: www.jtfcs.northcom.mil or www.facebook.com/jtfcs.
| Date Taken: |
03.24.2016 |
| Date Posted: |
03.24.2016 16:14 |
| Story ID: |
193441 |
| Location: |
FORT POLK, LOUISIANA, US |
| Web Views: |
68 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
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