(Johnston, Iowa) – The Iowa Army National Guard is set to conduct a comprehensive domestic operation training exercise at Camp Dodge from August 7th through the 10th. Officials say the exercise aims to simulate real-world events, including flooding, a derecho, and hazmat concerns, to enhance the readiness and coordination of our forces during emergency response situations.

The exercise will be conducted in collaboration with multiple Iowa county emergency management teams, fostering interagency cooperation and strengthening our collective ability to respond effectively to crises.

During the training exercise, Iowa Army National Guard units will showcase their ability to swiftly respond to a range of emergency scenarios. The simulated events will challenge participants to effectively manage and mitigate the impacts of flooding, a derecho, and hazmat incidents. By replicating these real-world challenges, officials say the Iowa National Guard can assess their readiness, identify areas for improvement, and refine emergency response protocols.

The exercise will include the participation of several Iowa county emergency management teams, private entities such as Mid-American Energy which will allow for a comprehensive and integrated response effort. This collaborative approach will facilitate effective communication, coordination, and decision-making among multiple agencies, ensuring a unified response to emergencies.

The training exercise will be evaluated by personnel from Army Northern Command. Their expertise and guidance will provide valuable insights to further enhance our emergency response capabilities and strengthen partnerships with federal agencies.