The National Guard Bureau's PATRIOT
annual training exercise has begun at Volk Field Combat Readiness Training
Center and Fort McCoy.
More than 1,100 participants are
converging on the Wisconsin Air National Guard's Volk Field this week for a
large-scale emergency response exercise, bringing community and federal
agencies together with military organizations from several states. Agencies
include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Health and Human
Services, Minnesota Department of Health Mortuary Response Team, Civil Air
Patrol, Wisconsin Disaster Medical Team, Juneau County Sheriff and HAZMAT
(Hazardous Material) Team, and the Tomah Police Department.
"This year's exercise is unique
because we are training alongside local authorities," said Lt. Col. Brian
Leong, PATRIOT 12 director. "Working with federal, state, and local
authorities will allow us to be better prepared to respond to a national
crisis."
The primary purpose of PATRIOT 12 is to
assess the National Guard's ability to assist state and local agencies in
response to multiple emergencies. The exercise will help all participants
identify the strengths and weaknesses in their 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.
PATRIOT 12 runs July 17-19. Participants
will conduct preparatory training until July 17.
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