Army units mobilize to White Sands Missile Range for emergency deployment readiness exercise

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. — Demonstrating their rapid deployment capabilities, various Army units across the continental United States quickly assembled at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, from July 9-14 to participate in an emergency deployment readiness exercise, or EDRE.

This exercise evaluates the units' ability to deploy quickly and efficiently, ensuring the U.S. Army's preparedness for global operations.

The units alerted and deployed included Task Force 51, U.S. Army North’s contingency command post, stationed at Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston and three subordinate units assigned to the XVIII Airborne Corps’ 16th Military Police Brigade: the 519th Military Police Battalion stationed at Fort Johnson, Louisiana; the 511th Military Police Company from Fort Drum, New York; and the 549th Military Police Company from Fort Stewart, Georgia.

As part of the exercise, the units deployed from their respective home stations showcased the Army's capability to mobilize forces from multiple locations and integrate at a designated training site.

“These units are always ready, and this exercise assesses their ability to rapidly respond to our nation’s needs,” said Col. Will Freds, U.S. Army North’s Task Force 51 chief of staff. "By deploying from their home stations, we can evaluate their mission to leverage their capabilities against any adversary quickly and seamlessly.”

White Sands Missile Range simulated a realistic and challenging operational environment to conduct the EDRE. Deploying to a remote location away from the unit’s home-station training area allows the Army to evaluate deployment processes and consider potential improvements to force projection capabilities.

"The EDRE enables us to validate our deployment procedures and ensure that we can rapidly deliver combat power to distant locations when called upon," emphasized Maj. Brian Casey, 519th Military Police Battalion’s operations officer. "Additionally, it allows headquarters staff at various levels and locations to train in planning, coordinating and executing large unit movements within condensed timelines."

Traditionally, units that are alerted for an EDRE deploy within 96 hours. This minimal to no-notice mission allows the Army to evaluate its capability to rapidly alert, consolidate and prepare for deployment under emergencies. The units remain deployed until they accomplish their training objectives.

“This is an incredible opportunity to leverage homeland defense capabilities, sustain continuous operations, and coordinate integrated activities across multiple echelons,” highlighted Capt. Sarah Soliven, 549th Military Police Company commander. “The Soldiers are learning invaluable leadership lessons and are performing exceptionally to build enduring advantages for the future.”

The U.S. Army sends a clear message of its commitment to rapid deployment, force projection, and global readiness through this emergency deployment readiness exercise. By continuously refining and validating its capabilities, the Army ensures it can swiftly respond to any contingency and fulfill its mission to defend the nation's interests at home and abroad.