Communications experts from Joint Task Force Civil

Communications experts from Joint Task Force Civil Support configure and test satellite communications-based network connections during a deployment readiness exercise here, April 16, 2013. Staff members from JTF-CS tested the unit’s ability to rapidly respond to a catastrophic event – such as a chemical spill or nuclear detonation - in the homeland as part of the exercise this week. When directed, JTF-CS provides command and control of some 5,200 federal military forces-known as the Defense Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Response Force, located at more than 36 locations throughout the U.S. It also plans for and responds to catastrophic chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear catastrophes in the homeland in support of federal, state and local authorities. This week’s exercise is part of a “crawl, walk, run” process JTF-CS is undertaking this year in an effort to validate its ability to respond quickly and, ultimately, enable the Response Force to save lives. To that end, JTF-CS will further validate its response capabilities and procedures next month during Sudden Response, a command post exercise at Fort A.P. Hill, Va. (Official DoD photo by Gunnery Sgt. Jim Goodwin)