Training exercises cancelled at Camp Atterbury, MUTC

Wearing protective masks, members of the 444th Chemical Company, out of Galesburg, Illinois, race an injured person to a medical station after freeing the person from a rubble pile at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center during the Guardian Response 19 training exercise on May 13, 2019. This year's exercise has been cancelled due to the coronavirus. Cecelia Ellis | For The Republic

During the statewide shut down of non-essential industries and businesses, Jennings County has learned the county is now facing a few extra economic challenges with the cancellation of an upcoming nationwide military exercise at Muscatatuck Urban Training Area.

During the Guardian and Vibrant Response exercises, around 5,000 soldiers and civilians were scheduled to train at MUTC and Camp Atterbury, bringing with them an estimated $4 million boost to Jennings County and the economies of the surrounding communities.

“Due to safety concerns during the pandemic threat , the Guardian Response and the Vibrant Response exercises have been cancelled,” said Camp Atterbury spokesman Capt Jesse Bien.

Soldiers and civilians from across the nation were due to travel to Jennings County for the training exercise. Guardian Response is the largest disaster training event. in the nation.

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This year would have been the 11th year the exercise was held at MUTC. While the Indiana National Guard operates MUTC year round, the Guardian and Vibrant Response exercises are commanded by the 5th Army with support of the INNG.

“There is no doubt about it, this is a big loss for our community, “ said Kathy Ertel, Executive Director of the Jennings County Economic Development Commission.

In addition to the money spent by exercise participants for food, fuel and other items; Jennings County would have also received additional funds for the use of the Jennings County Fair Grounds. Portions of the Guardian Response exercise would have also taken place at the North Vernon Airport.

“The National Guard has been a wonderful partner for us in the development of the Jennings County economy. but no one could have seen this coming. We are just going to have to be flexible and adapt to the situation in order to get through it,” Ertel said.