Virginia Defense Force supports reception exercise test at Fort Pickett - Feb. 11, 2012

Members of the Virginia Defense Force from the Highland Brigade and Lafayette Brigade support a reception exercise Feb. 11 at Fort Pickett. The exercise was a "beta test" for communication and administrative systems needed if Virginia were to receive military personnel from out of state to support the Virginia National Guard during an emergency response situation. The VDF provided a mobile command post with capabilities over seven different types of communication networks including digital and analog high frequency radio, as well as Incident Management Assistance Teams. The IMATs operate the mobile Tactical Communication Packages with wireless internet and satellite phone capabilities and were communication with the Virginia Guard's Joint Operations Center in Sandston to provide status reports and incident updates. As part of the exercise, active duty and reserve Canadian Army personnel coming to Fort Pickett for Exercise Southbound Trooper processed through a reception station in order to verify personnel rosters and accountability.