National Guard, Reserve, civilian emergency responders begin PATRIOT exercise

The National Guard Bureau’s annual PATRIOT training exercise began July 15 at Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center and Fort McCoy, Wis.

More than 2,000 Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian first responders are descending on the two sites in central Wisconsin for a full-scale emergency response exercise. Military units from 26 states are represented in the joint-service domestic operations scenario, which also involves civilian first responders, including the Northeast Wisconsin Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team, the Lacrosse Hazardous Materials Response Team, the State of Wisconsin Radiation Protection System, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Wisconsin’s Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team, and the Wisconsin Disaster Medical Assistance Team.

The PATRIOT exercise assesses the abilities of National Guard forces to respond to multiple emergencies and assist local and state first responders. This year’s exercise also marks the first time that elements of the U.S. Army Reserve have participated in the exercise. The goal of the exercise is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each agency’s current response plans.

Local residents may notice an increase in air traffic as a result of the exercise. Some training may occur at low altitudes and in the evening, especially near Volk Field and Fort McCoy. Area residents with questions or concerns should contact Volk Field at 1-800-972-8673.

The PATRIOT exercise begins July 15 and concludes July 18.

Media outlets are welcome at both training sites. Please contact Maj. Paul Rickert at 608-516-1777 or Paul.D.Rickert.mil@mail.mil .

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