The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska recently developed and facilitated a full-scale biological threat response exercise for the Indiana National Guard 53rd Civil Support Team (CST) and their response partners to prepare for the NBA All-Star Game, which will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, this weekend.
"Full-scale exercises like this one are a great way for multiple teams to work together," said Daniel Polanski, NSRI director for field operations and training. "By providing a realistic exercise scenario we can challenge the participants and continue to improve their responses."
With partners from the FBI, Indianapolis Police Department Bomb Squad, Indianapolis Police Department K-9 Unit and Indiana Pacers staff and security, the 53rd CST engaged in a simulated response to multiple biological and explosive threats during a game.
Participants were given an insider threat scenario in which a disgruntled individual designed multiple biological and homemade explosive devices, placing them in the stadium with the intent of harming the public in attendance.
Prepositioned and on standby missions during major events, the participants each executed their duties within the training scenario. The bomb squad located a suspicious device and determined that it was not explosive. The CST collected samples and sent them to their mobile laboratory located outside of the stadium for analysis. The FBI assisted in the response, providing command and control from the joint operations center.
The training exercise concluded once the CST completed their field analysis and determined that none of the devices posed a danger to the public.
"The most impressive part of this experience was the fact that it was a multi-team response with multiple incidents happening simultaneously," Polanski said. "Our courses and exercises are intended to be intense and create chaos, so we can evaluate each individual and teams response, the JHAT Team did an amazing job."
NSRI’s full-scale exercises provide:
- Customized scenarios based on commanders’ intent
- Interagency plans and operations
- Scenario setups & development
- Exercise design for multi-agency National Security Level Event
- Multiple technical targets and devices for exercise
- On-site subject matter experts for biological threat and observer controller support
- Interagency participation and communications coordination
- Guidance and recommendations to partner agencies on best practices
Get details, including the catalog of mobile-ready courses, at nsri.nebraska.edu/training.
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About the National Strategic Research Institute
Through the National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska leading scientists deliver innovative national security research, technology, product and strategy development, training and exercises, and subject matter expertise to the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. One of only 15 DOD-designated University Affiliated Research Centers in the country, NSRI is sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command and works to ensure the United States’ safety and preparedness against increasingly sophisticated threats. Read about our mission.
