AZ Guard’s Civil Support Team trains in Colorado

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Robert Freese | A loadmaster from the 452nd Airlift Wing guides a vehicle and trailer onto a C-17 Globemaster cargo aircraft at Goldwater Air National Guard Base July 18. The 91st traveled to Buckley Air Force Base to participate in a multi-CST exercise to train together in one location for a large or widespread incident. (Ariz. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Freese)  

PHOENIX, AZ, UNITED STATES

07.18.2017

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Freese 

Arizona National Guard Public Affairs

PHOENIX – The Arizona National Guard’s 91st Civil Support Team practiced loading vehicles and equipment on aircraft at Goldwater Air National Guard Base to train with four other CSTs from Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and California July 18.
As part of the 91st’s annual requirement to practice loading their equipment onto aircraft, they loaded a total of six vehicles and one trailer on two C-17 Globemaster cargo planes from March Air Force Base and Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
“We have to at least do a static load every year. We’re actually taking it to the next level,” said Air Force Maj. Michael Spencer, the operations officer for the 91st. “We’re doing a multi-CST exercise with some of our sister units.”
The unit is going to Colorado to participate in a large-scale chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive and weapons of mass destruction exercise with counterparts from other states with the purpose of maintaining proficiency in CBRN-E response capabilities.
When the 91st arrives in Colorado, they will take part in a multi-CST exercise, hosted by the Colorado National Guard’s 8th CST. They participated in another training event in Colorado earlier this year in August.
The Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and California teams will rotate daily through four venues related WMD incidents, said Army 1st Sgt. Josh Steele, the first sergeant for the 91st.
“The basic premise behind the exercise to allow other CSTs within our region an opportunity to conduct an exercise that allows for the command and control of multiple CSTs in one location, and allow another CST to exercise command and control to a large or widespread incident,” he said.
Army Sgt. Grace Ogesen, a survey team member with the 91st, said that she enjoys being part of a well-trained and experienced team and enjoys the opportunity to train with other teams.
“It’s always nice to see the other CSTs from different states and how they operate. It gives us fresh ideas,” she said.
A CST’s mission is to support civil authorities at domestic incident sites within the United States. According to Army National Guard regulations, teams accomplish this mission by identifying hazards, assessing current and projected consequences, advising on response measures, and assisting with appropriate requests for support. The 91st fulfills a rotating on-call requirement with CST units across the country and must be ready to quickly mobilize when receiving a request for support.
This year the 91st has supported civil agencies statewide, including supporting the NCAA Final Four Championship. Some upcoming events the 91st plans to support include Arizona State University football home games.
“The 91st CST is a great group of people. Everybody from the lowest enlisted to the highest ranking comes together when a job needs to get done,” Spencer said. “Everybody is not afraid to roll their sleeves up and get dirty. There’s great morale and great cohesion in the unit. It’s a good group of people I’m proud to be part of.”

• Date Taken: 07.18.2017
• Date Posted: 07.25.2017 11:28
• Story ID: 242409
• Location: PHOENIX, AZ, US