USAG-Detroit Arsenal, Mich. - Neither rain nor smoke nor multiple layers of theatrical makeup could stop Soldiers, Family members, and DA Civilian employees from volunteering to participate in the annual Antiterrorism (AT) Installation Force Protection Exercise (IFPEX) at the Detroit Arsenal.

The entire exercise, known as Operation Lucky Seven, consisted of intense facilitated drills which tested the responsiveness and operational capabilities of key leaders and emergency services personnel. In order to promote realistic scenarios, props were transported onto the installation and 35 individuals simulated injuries. The Salvation Army even set up "camp", offering a hot lunch for individuals assigned to the Emergency Operations Center.

Brenda Lee McCullough, Garrison Manager, explained. "Identifying and correcting any weakness in the system is essential. If a disaster strikes, first responders and interagency partners need to be prepared to keep our personnel and family members safe."

Main objectives of the force protection training, as stated by Bud Spaulding, USAG-Detroit Arsenal Antiterrorism Officer, include: 1) validating the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) mass notification and alert and recall procedures, 2) assessing the functionality of the EOC Emergency Support Functions and applying incident command/management systems, 3) exercising procedures and measures to initiate, integrate, communicate and synchronize mutual aid from the local community, 4) maximizing the efficient use of Detroit Arsenal emergency resources, and 5) demonstrating recovery procedures that are both actionable and sustainable.

The objectives cannot effectively be achieved without multiple external agency partnerships, many of which participated in the two-day exercise. They include the FBI, City of Warren Emergency Management, Anniston Army Depot Air Tasking Officer, St. John Macomb and Oakland Hospitals, Universal-Macomb Ambulance, the Salvation Army, Troy-Beaumont Hospital Epidemiologist -Infection Control, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, and the Michigan Air National Guard.

Professional military analysts contracted by the government presented the scenarios and summarized the operations. Their findings are stated as follows: "This [Detroit Arsenal] installation is prepared to conduct antiterrorism, force protection, and crisis management operations. The staff responded aggressively and professionally to crisis events. Staff member's performance shows a high level of individual expertise and proficiency."

During a catastrophe, the number one priority is always to save lives. The Detroit Arsenal Garrison team, in cooperation with the TACOM LCMC, work to ensure the safety of the population, stabilize the incident, preserve property, and then continue the mission. The AT/IFPEX is a key step to putting the procedures, policies and operations to the test.