Fort Jackson Tests Crisis Readiness in FSE

On July 16, 2025, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Jackson conducted the Full Scale Exercise (FSE) 2025 to evaluate its ability to respond to a multi-phase domestic terror event. The exercise was led by ATS as the prime contractor and focused on improving emergency services coordination, crisis communication, public affairs, and family support operations.

ATS managed the planning and execution over the past year, creating the scenario and simulation models and conducting evaluation. The simulated incident included a gate breach, a suspicious package, and an active shooter situation at an elementary school. The exercise activated Fort Jackson’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC), testing the full emergency response system.

To enhance realism, ATS created simulated social media activity, mock media and Congressional inquiries, and dynamic scenario injects using Microsoft Office365 and Adobe Photoshop. Public Affairs teams were tasked with managing information flow, responding to misinformation, and coordinating across agencies.

The exercise tested all aspects of Fort Jackson’s crisis response infrastructure, providing opportunities for assessment and improvement using ATS’ simulation tools. Outcomes included validation of incident command processes, mass casualty procedures, and interagency communication with local partners and higher headquarters.

The event demonstrated Fort Jackson’s preparedness efforts and focus on operational readiness in the face of complex emergencies.