Virtual Tools Drive Earthquake Readiness Exercise

From May 14–18, 2025, the Tennessee and Mississippi National Guards conducted VIGILANT GUARD Region IV (VG 25-3)—a full-scale, regionally focused disaster response exercise simulating a catastrophic 7.5 magnitude earthquake in the New Madrid Seismic Zone. The exercise took place across Joint Force Headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, and Jackson, Mississippi, and brought together state, local, and federal agencies to test large-scale emergency coordination and response capabilities.

Applied Training Solutions (ATS) played a critical role by providing a dynamic and realistic training environment through its platforms: ATSsim Training and ATSsim Media.

With ATSsim Training, a cloud-based constructive simulation tool, ATS replicated the ground movements of military and emergency assets to stress decision-making and mission coordination under pressure. Simultaneously, ATSsim Media recreated a live, dynamic information environment—complete with mock news broadcasts, social media injects, and simulated public messaging—to test and train public affairs and intelligence teams.

Initially designed to operate with a single simulation cell, unexpected logistical shifts just one week before execution prompted a bold pivot: establishing dual Simulation Cells at both Tennessee and Mississippi locations. Thanks to ATS’s flexible infrastructure and dedicated team, this pivot was executed seamlessly—a first-of-its-kind deployment that succeeded without issue.

"Vigilant Guard 25-3 provided an excellent training platform that allowed the Mississippi National Guard to fully exercise our All Hazards Response Operations Plan," said Col. Jeremy R. Parker, Director of Military Support, MSNG

"This exercise allowed us the opportunity to stress and improve our internal processes and forge relationships with other agencies and units to proactively support our state for future needs,” said CPT Donald Eli, JFHQ, TNNG.

VG 25-3 proved a successful test of operational readiness and interagency coordination, reinforcing the importance of simulation-driven training in disaster preparedness.