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News | Dec. 6, 2019

Joint Task Force Civil Support conducts COMMEX at Felker Army Airfield

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Redd, JTF-CS Public Affairs Joint Task Force Civil Support

Joint Task Force Civil Support (JTF-CS) tested the command’s procedures for deploying the main command post and joint operations center, and connecting and validating JTF-CS’s online collaborative tools and equipment during an exercise at Felker Army Airfield at Joint Base Langley-Eustis Dec. 2-5.

The exercise also served as training opportunity for new personnel to experience deploying the command’s main body during a catastrophic event. 

The exercise consisted of setting up the command’s deployed cells, and connecting to the deployed network via satellite communications. Once deployed, the command validating the online collaborative tools and how they would be used during a crisis response.

Throughout the exercise, JTF-CS communications directorate provided equipment and personnel to operate the joint communications control center and joint operations center.

“This week's exercise gave the communications team extremely valuable training for new personnel and validation of our deployable network setup and tear-down procedures,” said Rick George, JTF-CS communications deputy director. “The various tactical communications systems our technicians setup and operate are critical to the command's ability to validate the use of mission command tools over satellite links which allowed other boards, centers, and cells for command and control.  Additionally, we were able to certify our load plans and conduct driver training enroute to and from the exercise location.”

This type of exercise is held regularly throughout the year to test power distribution and communications equipment, validate floor and load plans, and accomplish team-training with mission command applications.

At the direction of U.S. Army North and U.S. Northern Command, JTF-CS provides military assistance in support of civil authorities by saving lives, preventing further injury and providing temporary critical support to enable community recovery.