Members of Applied Training Solutions worked with the FEMA Region III Defense Coordinating Officer/Element (DCO/E) and the Virginia National Guard during the DCO/E certifying exercise (CERTEX), November 8-17, to simulate emergency management response to major hurricane damage in FEMA Region III.
As part of our emergency management response training, ATS personnel used the augmented reality based ATSsim platform to create a realistic common operating picture for the VA National Guard, Department of Defense Title 10 assets and other local and federal entities, based on the provided scenario.
In this CERTEX, the scenario included a simulated Category 3 hurricane that made landfall in the vicinity of Virginia Beach, causing damage to the roads, bridges, and tunnels in the area. The Region III CERTEX portrayed those hurricane effects in Virginia, allowing the National Guard and Title 10 assets to train and develop how they would react to this scenario in real time.
ATSsim is a cloud-based constructive simulation tool that can replicate movement in and out of the selected area of operation, allowing multiple government entities to simulate how they would react and provide support to a disaster affected area. The tool can replicate units flying and driving in and out of the area while also providing a visual idea of what the local damage and impact would be.
Overall, ATS was able to assist in ensuring the full certification of the Region III Defense Coordinating Officers and Elements and the Virginia National Guard and Title 10 assets involved. Exercises like this ensure these personnel are ready and available to execute real world emergency management and disaster response missions in support of lead federal agencies.
As a leader in emergency preparedness training and readiness, ATS continues to actively work to deliver innovative, experience-based disaster-preparedness exercise solutions for local, state, and federal agencies to protect communities. Preparation for disasters helps reduce panic and possible loss of life. Utilizing simulation helps these units prepare for managing multiple units during a real-life event.