BISMARCK, N.D. — The North Dakota National Guard will partner with several civilian agencies state-wide next week in a joint exercise called Vigilant Guard. The exercise will take place Aug. 3 - 6 in several areas across the state. The North Dakota National Guard regularly conducts emergency response exercise scenarios to help develop, validate, and refine plans and capabilities. This helps ensure its ability to support real-world disaster and emergency operations for our state and communities particularly in supporting response efforts such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The exercise kicks off Monday, Aug. 3 with Dual Status Commander (DSC) discussions at Fraine Barracks. The DSC is an Army or Air National Guard officer or U.S. Army or U.S. Air Force officer, who has completed specialized training and certification. They may serve in two statuses (federal and state) simultaneously and command military forces in domestic response.
In areas where exercises are conducted as identified below, the public may notice a greater than usual presence of military personnel, aircraft and equipment, first responders and emergency vehicles during the timeframe of the exercise.
Vigilant Guard is an exercise program sponsored by U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) in conjunction with National Guard Bureau (NGB) that enables civilian-military first responders and emergency management personnel to evaluate their capabilities in emergency scenarios. A primary objective of this exercise is to expand and strengthen first responder partnerships through building relationships, communication, coordination and integration.
When ordered by the governor in response to requests through the N.D. Department of Emergency Services, the N.D. National Guard serves as the first military responder during a natural disaster or emergency within the state.
The N.D. National Guard is a dynamic and adaptive force, capable of exercising simulated disaster and emergency operations while supporting real-world response to the global pandemic of COVID-19.
——
Media representatives are invited to cover exercises as indicated below. Please coordinate with N.D. National Guard public affairs at 701-220-7277.
Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 09:30 a.m.
WHAT: Hazardous material detection exercise
WHO: N.D. National Guard: 119th Wing Emergency Management, and 81st Civil Support Team
WHERE: N.D. Air National Guard Base, 1400 32nd Ave North, Fargo, N.D.
Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 2:00 p.m.
WHAT: Cyber response tabletop exercise
WHO: National Guard, N.D. Information Technology, MDU Resources Group, and N.D. Department of Emergency Services
WHERE: Raymond J. Bohn armory, 4200 Miriam Avenue, Bismarck, N.D.
Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 10:00 a.m.
WHO: N.D. National Guard, Morton County Sheriff’s Office, Morton County Emergency Management
WHAT: Levee Breech / Search and Rescue
WHERE: Crown Butte Dam / Lake (Morton County)
Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 10:00 a.m.
WHO: N.D. National Guard, Steele County Sheriff's Office, Steele County Emergency Management, Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office, Hatton Fire Protection District, Traill County Sheriff’s Department, Traill County Emergency Management, Finley Fire District
WHAT: Fire Rescue / Search and Rescue
WHERE: Golden Lake (Steele County)
Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 2:00 p.m.
WHO: N.D. National Guard, N.D. Information Technology, MDU Resources Group, N.D. Department of Emergency Services
WHAT: Cyber response exercise
WHERE: Fraine Barracks, Building 30, Bismarck, N.D.
Thursday, Aug. 6 - Time to be Determined
WHO: N.D. National Guard and Emergency Management;
WHAT: Aircraft fire suppression exercise
WHERE: South of Bismarck
INTERESTED MEDIA: Please call 701-220-7277 for details
——
The North Dakota National Guard is a highly trained, dynamic, and adaptive force of about 4,000 Citizen-Soldiers and Citizen-Airmen. We are always prepared to provide ready units, individuals and equipment in support of our communities, state and nation. Always ready, always there.
###