WILLIAMSBURG, Va. –
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. -- Joint Task Force Civil Support (JTF-CS) along with the Defense Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Response Force (DCRF) successfully completed Vibrant Response 2020 (VR20) Lite, Sept. 18.
This year’s iteration of the annual exercise was based around response to a simulated nuclear blast in a U.S. metropolitan area and served as an opportunity for the command and the oncoming DCRF units to work with each other and learn the mission.
JTF-CS Future Exercise Plans Chief Army Lt. Col. Jennifer Green said the week-long exercise was scheduled for earlier this year, but was delayed due to COVID-19.
“This is the first time a lot of us have seen each other in months because of [COVID-19],” Green said. “This was a great opportunity for us to get out and work together.”
Throughout the exercise, JTF-CS participated from a command post at a local hotel in Williamsburg, while DCRF units worked through the exercise scenario from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, and Fort Bliss, Texas.
“Working out of the hotel ballroom allowed us the space to complete our mission, while still being able to maintain social distance,” Green said.
When directed, JTF-CS provides command and control of the 5,200-person DCRF during a catastrophic crisis in support of civil authorities and the lead federal agency to save lives, prevent further injury and provide temporary critical support to enable community recovery. Vibrant Response is an annual exercise that validates the ability of the DCRF forces to conduct the CBRN-response mission.
JTF-CS is located in Mullan Hall, Joint Base Langley Eustis, and comprises active duty, Reserve, National Guard and civilian members from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.