Virginia Defense Force conducts communications and security training

Members of the all-volunteer Virginia Defense Force (VDF)conducted training on the communications systems and security capabilities theycould use during emergency response operations in support of the VirginiaNational Guard July 13, 2019, in Lynchburg, Virginia. VDF personnel trained onhigh-frequency radio employment for voice and data messaging and securitycapabilities like access control.

The communication training utilized the VDF’s mobilecommunication platform (MCP) trailers as well as hand-held systems. The VDF MCPis a 7.5 feet by 16 feet trailer equipped with multiple radio systems for voiceand data communications, and it also features a map board and work space so itcan function as a mobile command post. Using an MCP, members of the VDF areable to communicate across a variety of radio spectrums with emergency responseand public safety organizations as well as amateur radio operators. In theevent of severe weather like hurricanes or heavy snow where traditionalcommunication systems could become disrupted, the VDF MCPs would provide avital communications capability for the Virginia National Guard as it conductsoperations to assist with keeping citizens of the commonwealth safe.

This training is the latest in a series of training eventswhere VDF personnel have honed their communication skills. VDF personnel tookpart in the United Resolve multi-state, multi-agency communications exercise atlocations across the state June 1, 2019, and they used equipment in the theirMCPs to establish high-frequency radio communications at units in Richmond,Cedar Bluff, Winchester and Lynchburg, as well as state guard organizations inNew York, California, Washington and Indiana, elements of the Virginia CivilAir Patrol and the Healthcare Emergency Amateur Radio Team in Newport News. Inaddition to voice communications, the exercise tested data transmissioncapabilities for text email messages and transferring digital photos.

Last year when Hurricane Florence threatened Virginia, theVDF brought nearly 50 personnel on duty to assist the Virginia National Guardwith the statewide response. VDF personnel provided multiple capabilitiesincluding interoperable communications, operations center augmentation,operations center liaison, incident management assistance, state-managedshelter logistics and public information.

The VDF will also train and rehearse the administrative,mission command and logistics procedures they would use if they were called toemergency response duty to augment the Virginia National Guard.

Source: Virginia National Guard