Army Reserve Trains for Nuclear Disaster Response at Camp Rilea

Over 200 Army Reserve soldiers from throughout the U.S. trained to respond to a 10-kiloton nuclear blast at Camp Rilea on a windy Friday. While they hope it never happens, these soldiers are preparing for the worst to support affected populations after a nuclear disaster.

Soldiers had three specialty units. Engineering crews practiced rescuing victims from collapsed buildings and cars. Radioactive civilians are decontaminated by chemical units. Medical professionals learned to treat radiation-related emergencies.

New Hampshire 456th Medical Company Area Support team officer Major Ocean Dunton stressed medical readiness. After decontamination, his unit stabilized injuries for transport to advanced care institutions.

“Our role is to provide medical care for casualties after decontamination,” Dunton stated. “We treat injuries and prepare them for higher care.”

The cleaning team was directed by Chemical Officer Emma Lerch and soldiers from Washington chemical businesses. Her unit established mass casualty decontamination lines where citizens were undressed, bathed, and checked before medical treatment.

“It’s all about the people for me,” Lerch remarked. “Seeing these soldiers motivated and working together on such an important mission is special.”

At a different training area, Sgt. Terry Speck of the 668th Engineer Company from New York led the engineering unit in search-and-rescue procedures. In safety clothing, the team meticulously deconstructed an overturned car to remove mannequins that simulated trapped people.

“We focus on urban search and rescue—confined space, vehicle extrication, and rope rescues,” Speck said. "If disaster strikes, people will count on us to save lives."

Jeff Taylor of the US Army North defense force stressed the necessity of these drills in improving national reaction. “We conduct these training exercises across the country to prepare soldiers for various challenges,” Taylor added. “We hope such an event never happens, but if it does, we must be ready.”

Many soldiers were training for a nuclear aftermath for the first time, yet their camaraderie and determination showed the severity of their mission. Despite juggling civilian and military tasks, Army Reserve personnel appreciate their importance to national security and catastrophe response.

“You have to find something within yourself to give maximum effort,” Speck remarked. "Because if something happens, we're the ones to trust."

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