BUTLERVILLE — Area residents should expect to see an increased military presence and increased military vehicle traffic beginning this week as the largest emergency response training in the nation begins at Camp Atterbury and the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center.
Around 5,000 soldiers and civilians from across the nation will participate in the Guardian Response exercise scheduled from April 20 to May 10.
According to MUTC spokesman Master Sgt. Brad Staggs, the Guardian Response exercise “will simulate a national emergency incident in order to test the preparedness of Federal emergency teams.”
The annual training exercise is held under the control of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
While the exercise is hosted by the Indiana National Guard, the actual training will be conducted by the U.S. Army Reserve 78th Training Division.
This will be the 11th time Guardian Response has been held at facilities at both Camp Atterbury and MUTC. Elements of the exercise have also been conducted at the Jennings County Fairgrounds and the North Vernon Municipal Airport.
The exercise was canceled last year due to COVID-19.
In previous years, the Vibrant Response exercise was held In tandem with Guardian Response, but because of the continued demands of COVID-19, Vibrant Response will not be held this year. Vibrant Response goes through exercises simulating responses to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats.
While the hands-on training aspect of the Guardian Response exercise will be held at MUTC in Jennings County; support and administration will be held at Camp Atterbury in Johnson County.
Most participants in the exercise will be housed in area hotels.
While meals will be provided at both locations, area restaurants should expect increased volume throughout the exercise, officials said. Traffic flow in the areas surrounding the military operations may be affected by the exercise on a daily basis.
“The fuel trucks necessary to support Guardian Response have already arrived. We are ready to get things going,” said Camp Atterbury Public Affairs Officer Major Jesse Bien.
