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.
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