Oregon National Guard Supports TOPOFF Exercise

This is the fourth TOPOFF exercise since the drill was established by the Clinton Administration and Congress.

Multi-agency disaster drill held in Salem in 2005 Photo by: Tim King

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - ‏The Oregon National Guard is supporting first responders during the biggest terrorism exercise ever staged nationally. Operation TOPOFF 4 began today and continues through October 19th in Portland, Oregon. The exercise will allow local, state, and federal agencies to test their abilities to respond to a staged terrorist attack.

The Oregon National Guard 102nd Civil Support Team will support first responders by using equipment to identify and monitor radioactive material. Twenty two members of the Civil Support Team will take part in the exercise.

"We will work together with first responders to see what the risk to the public is and what the dangers are," said Lt. Col. Steven Ferrell, Commander of the 102nd Civil Support Team. "We do this in support of the first responders; we never take charge but instead take a supportive role."

There will be about 200 Oregon National Guardsmen that will make up the Joint Task Force (JTF) for this exercise.

"The purpose of the JTF is to provide local authorities with any supplemental resources they may need within our capabilities. That could include anything from coordinating troop movements to assist evacuation efforts, to providing logistical support, such as power generators or transporting water and supplies," said Lt. Col. Robert Mouw, Deputy Commander 82 Brigade Troop Command. "We are providing a strong Joint Task Force that is ready to respond to any mission the Governor may give us."

This is the fourth TOPOFF exercise since the drill was established by the Clinton Administration and Congress.