PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo., May 16, 2011 -- The National Guard, in cooperation with several federal agencies, including U.S. Northern Command, kicked off exercise ARDENT SENTRY 2011 today as part of the National Level Exercise 2011.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency and others federal authorities are responding to a simulated earthquake along the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
The exercise starting today and concluding on May 20, 2011, incorporates several military exercises with the National Guard from eight central U.S. States: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee; and four FEMA regions.
As part of ARDENT SENTRY, U.S. Northern Command will exercise the Contingency Dual Status Command initiative, which allows for a commissioned officer of the active-duty Army or Air Force, or an Army or Air National Guard, to command and control state and federal military assets in a Defense Support of Civil Authorities environment.
National Level Exercise 2011 will validate existing plans, policies, and procedures, including the Federal Interagency Response Plan, state and regional New Madrid catastrophic plans.
Related Links:
STAND-TO!: National Guard Homeland Response Force
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