Tomorrow, the largest homeland security training exercise ever conducted in the Commonwealth, Vigilant Guard MA 19-1, begins and runs through Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Massachusetts State Police, US Coast Guard, local police and fire departments, federal public safety officials, private sector partners such as Gillette Stadium and Boston Harbor Cruises, the Massachusetts National Guard and representatives from other states prepare for a training exercise that will test the procedures and processes of these agencies by stressing them with large scale disaster and domestic threat scenarios.
To keep the integrity of the scenarios for the first responders and those involved in the exercise, the times, locations and type of disaster or threat have not been disclosed to the public. The responders will need to react as they would in a real-life situation – with no prior notice.
“This type of stress test is what we need to be prepared to support government and private entities during a real world disaster,” said Col. Margaret C. White, Director of Military Support, Massachusetts National Guard. “I am confident that this exercise will make us collectively stronger, more focused and more effective than ever before.”
Sirens, helicopters, military vehicles, first responders and other disaster response measures are expected to be seen throughout the week in various locations across Massachusetts and the public should know not to be alarmed as it is all part of the training exercise.
According to Col. White, the training will be challenging, testing our individual and collective ability to assess and respond to complex and dynamic situations.
“The citizens of Massachusetts depend on state and federal agencies to work together to prevent, protect, respond and recover from disasters,” said Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard. “Throughout the week-long exercise, the scenarios will be as realistic as possible for those involved in the training, but will pose no risk to the general public.”