Illinois National Guard's Civil Support Team Passes Evaluation

BRIDGEVIEW, IL (03/10/2011)(readMedia)-- Chicago is the third most populated city in the United States with 2.9 million citizens, making it a high-profile target for terrorism. With the threat of an attack using weapons of mass destruction (WMD), or chemical, biological or nuclear threats, the Illinois National Guard maintains the 5th WMD Civil Support Team (CST) to respond to such events.

Every 18 months the 5th CST undergoes a rigorous external evaluation to test its tactical and technical skills. Final sign-off on the team's scorecard by the Secretary of Defense requires a fail-proof team to be ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The 22-person team is comprised of full-time Airmen and Soldiers trained to respond to an attack within a three-hour window. Army North from Atlanta, Ga. evaluated the 5th CST to test its readiness in a simulated scenario March 8 and 9 in Bridgeview.

"We are unlike any other line unit you will find in the state," said Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Miller, of Peoria, 5th CST first sergeant and senior operations noncommissioned officer. "We work with first responders and civilians on a regular basis. Most people don't know who we are, but we travel everywhere as a team and are on call at all major events in Illinois to keep our state safe."

The scenario involved the release of serine gas using a spray device into a crowd at Toyota Park. When the 5th CST arrived on scene in response to the incident they established a base of operations, communications and medical support. Once they were ready to engage the scenario, they donned protective chemical gear and approached the scene.

Each team of three approached every obstacle, entry and room with extreme caution. Their meticulous movement, indicating any incorrect advance could cost lives. Their communication through radio and hand signals was critical to accomplish the mission.

The team used its Reconnaissance Detection Sampling Gear to direct and detect its way to hazardous materials. Still and video cameras, wet chemistry kits, radiation detection devices and chemical sampling equipment were just a few of the many instruments the team carried to detect hazardous vapors, agents and explosives in the stadium. Samples were taken and tested on site. The team was also equipped with a communications van with satellite communication providing Internet, fax and phone. A fully equipped medical support team was also on standby to treat casualties.

"We are outfitted with the best gear and latest technology," said Staff Sgt. Jason Franks, of Galesburg, 5th CST survey team chief. "Our job, safety, and the lives of others depend heavily on the reliability of our equipment so we can get the job done." Box seat rooms were surveyed and stadium seats were scoured as if there was a live explosive or hazardous agent present.

"What I experienced today was definitely new to me," said Franks. "The environment's realism provided a positive training experience. If I were the worst natured terrorist, this is the type of venue I would use to cause the most damage, and that's why we're here."

Once the rescue and reconnaissance team returned from the hazard scene, both casualties and CST operators were sent through a decontamination center with a shower system to remove any hazardous or toxic agents.

Depending on the physical ability of casualties and personnel, both ambulatory and non-ambulatory decontamination lanes were provided. A medical team then evaluates each individual thoroughly.

Once members of the recon team completes decontamination, they remove gear and report to the medical section. There they get a complete medical checkup to assure there are no symptoms of exposure. After the command station received computerized updates of the team's safe return, they strategized the re-deployment of the team if necessary.

The 5th CST accomplished all its objectives. The 5th works closely with civilian authorities, whom the team would support during a real WMD attack. The relationship with the Illinois State Police is particularly close.

"Communication, coordination and public safety is the ultimate goal," said Lt. Eric Wolf, officer-in-charge of operations with the Illinois State Police Special Weapons and Tactics Team, who was observing the team's evaluation. "There is a difference between saying you can do something and actually being able to do it. The only way to differentiate between the two is through exercises like this."

Posted Thursday March 10, 2011 at 02:23 pm by Illinois National Guard
Last Updated Friday March 11, 2011 at 09:48 am