ASG-K holds MASCAL exercise

By Spc. Bradley J. Wancour, Third Army/ARCENT Public AffairsMarch 28, 2012

ASG-K holds MASCAL exercise
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - An emergency responder checks a simulated casualty for possible chemical contamination in an Area Support Group-Kuwait mass casualty exercise here March 26. The exercise began with a controlled explosion simulating the detonati... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
ASG-K holds MASCAL exercise
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Emergency response personnel send a simulated casualty through a decontamination tent in an Area Support Group-Kuwait mass casualty exercise here March 26. The tent was set up to address concerns of possible chemical contaminat... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
ASG-K holds MASCAL exercise
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Emergency response personnel evaluate simulated casualties in an Area Support Group-Kuwait mass casualty exercise here March 26. Once each casualty was through decontamination, they were placed in a staging area and were furthe... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
ASG-K holds MASCAL exercise
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Soldiers and emergency response personnel load a simulated casualty into the back of a Humvee in an Area Support Group-Kuwait mass casualty exercise here March 26. Once confirmed free of harmful chemical agents, casualties were... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

By Spc. Bradley J. Wancour

Third Army/ARCENT Public Affairs

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait -- Area Support Group-Kuwait sponsored a force protection mass casualty exercise here March 26.

The exercise revolved around a simulated hostile vehicle, which breached one of the entry control points and detonated inside the camp, causing several casualties.

"The intention of the exercise was to test not only the communication between emergency services and other support agencies, but also the inter-agency cohesion between these groups," said Master Sgt. Michael Chapman, force protection officer, ASG-K and native of Seattle. "We do this to ensure the safety of the Servicemembers stationed here is maintained."

The simulation also included the possibility of chemical contamination, which prompted first responders to set up a decontamination tent and don personal protective equipment, explained Chapman.

After the area was announced clear of persistent harmful chemicals, emergency response personnel were able to safely evacuate the casualties for decontamination and medical treatment.

"The commanders were given very little information about the exercise in order to have units respond as directed, get information from the command team on site and react accordingly," said Chapman.

While the exercise proceeded well overall, there were some lessons to be learned from the experience.

"We've noticed a lot of good teamwork and a lot of good cohesion within the units, but we've also noticed some communication issues we are going to bring up at the after action review," said Chapman.

Participants in the exercise understood the importance of the role they filled, said Sgt. Sterling Kjelvik, wheeled vehicle mechanic, 230th Engineer battalion and native of Clarksville, Tenn., who played the part of a casualty during the explosion.

This exercise is a good chance for medical personnel to train for a real emergency so they can be ready to give casualties the care they need, explained Kjelvik.

Through exercises that involve inter-agency communication and teamwork, Third Army and ASG-K are staying ready tonight to keep Servicemembers and civilians safe.