VIGILANT GUARD 26-4 was conducted July 27–30, 2026, in coordination with NORTHERN STRIKE 26-2, at Joint Force Headquarters, Lansing, Michigan. The command post exercise presented participants with a contested homeland defense scenario involving threats and actions against critical infrastructure.
The exercise was designed to evaluate a Dual-Status Commander-led Joint Task Force responding to requirements from both the State of Michigan and the federal government. It provided participants an opportunity to practice coordinated planning, decision-making, communication, and mission assurance during a complex domestic response.
Applied Training Solutions (ATS) was responsible for simulating the tactical and information environments throughout the exercise.
Using ATSsim Training, a constructive simulation platform that replicates the movement and activities of military assets, and ATSsim Media, a media and social media emulation platform, ATS created realistic conditions in which participants could assess information, make decisions, coordinate operations, and respond to evolving events.
ATS subject matter experts also worked closely with the Michigan National Guard to design and execute an exercise that effectively tested and validated the organization’s training objectives.
Exercise participants included:
• Michigan National Guard
• Michigan Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
• Region V Defense Coordinating Officer/Element
• Joint Enabling Capability from US Northern Command
ATSsim Training provided a realistic, scalable simulation environment for homeland defense training. The cloud-based platform enabled participants to observe and respond to simulated military activities, operational developments, and challenges they could encounter during a real-world mission.
The platform was selected because of its ability to support complex, multi-organization exercises while providing timely and realistic operational feedback. It allowed the training audience to test plans, processes, coordination procedures, and decision-making in a controlled environment.
ATSsim Media was used to recreate the information environment that could develop during a crisis. The cloud-based, password-protected platform enabled the exercise to test public affairs activities, information operations, information assessment, and the communication of critical exercise information.
During execution, the media simulation cell developed hundreds of realistic content items, including written news reports, television news segments, radio broadcasts, and social media posts. This content created a dynamic information environment in which the Michigan National Guard had to identify emerging narratives, assess public reaction, coordinate messaging, and respond to rapidly changing conditions.
VIGILANT GUARD 26-4 challenged the Joint Task Force’s planning, operational processes, coordination, and communications throughout the exercise.
The event allowed participants to identify strengths, evaluate procedures, and capture lessons that can be used to improve future readiness. These lessons will help strengthen the Michigan National Guard’s ability to coordinate an effective response should it be called upon to conduct a similar mission.
Through close collaboration with ATS subject matter experts, the Michigan National Guard conducted a realistic and demanding exercise that tested and validated its training objectives. The integration of tactical simulation and a simulated media environment added complexity and realism, requiring participants to manage operational demands while responding to an evolving information landscape.
“Vigilant Guard 26-4 was a great experience for the Michigan National Guard to practice before a critical response is needed. It helped us further refine how we plan and operate in this type of operational environment. The combined efforts of the Army and Air Guard added to the experience, and the simulation software aided in adding an additional level of realism to the exercise. The ATS team was well manned, equipped, and trained to provide the VG 26-4 participants with effective facilitation and guidance, which led to a successful event.” – Maj. Evan H. Schulze (Engineer and Safety Officer, 272nd Regional Support Group, Michigan Army National Guard)
As a leader in homeland defense, emergency preparedness, training, and readiness, Applied Training Solutions continues to deliver innovative, experience-based exercise solutions for local, state, and federal agencies. ATS helps organizations prepare to protect the nation, critical infrastructure, and communities from complex emergencies and emerging threats.
For additional information about ATS and its solutions, visit www.appliedtrg.com.
