Tennessee National Guardsmen practice disaster response across state

JACKSON, Tenn. — Throughout the summer, the Tennessee National Guard is conducting one of the largest statewide disaster preparedness exercises. National guardsmen started their day Monday in West Tennessee before being sent on training missions across the state.

“Everything today’s just a drill — working, teaching and learning skills as we go forward in domestic operations,” Tennessee Army National Guard Col. Brad Bishop said.

Tennessee National Guard troops were up bright and early Monday to participate in disaster relief training.

“The full intent is to give us the ability to respond to multiple domestic operations across the state of Tennessee at any given point,” Col. Bishop said.

This specialized training allows guardsmen to practice their No. 1 priority, which is being ready to help Tennesseans and local agencies in the aftermath of a natural disaster or a crisis.

“Obviously natural disasters are something you can’t completely anticipate, but you can plan for it,” First Lt. Jacob Crouch said.

Soldiers were sent by ground and by air to train with state agencies like the highway patrol and Department of Corrections.

“It’s definitely a pleasure to work with other great people in the state of Tennessee that serve not only their state but also their nation,” Sgt. Chris Fears said.

Soldiers say this mission, known as Tennessee Maneuvers, is a great way for less experienced soldiers to gain experience in disaster relief.

“It’s not everyday training for us,” Crouch said. “We try to embrace it and just jump on the helo and get to it, do our job.”

About 400 troops were at the National Guard training facility in Milan. More than 50 Army and Air National Guard units fire departments, hospitals and other emergency organizations are involved in Tennessee Maneuvers training.