Ind. base hosts nuclear terrorist attack training

Thousands of military personnel, first responders and emergency workers are experiencing the ultimate test at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center. They are participants in a joint exercise that simulates a terrorist nuclear attack in a US city. It's called Vibrant Response.

You can follow the training exercise online by visiting the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center Web site .

Over 4,000 military and civilian personnel from around the country are taking part in the exercise. Vibrant Response involves urban and aerial search-and-rescue missions, nuclear, biological and radiological decontamination, as well as airlift and medical training.

General Victor Renuart, the four-star Air Force general in charge of NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command), attended the training Monday.

General Renuart said the nation is ready to respond to a real nuclear attack but needs to grow the capability further.

"That's what these exercises are designed to do," he said.

The exercise includes dozens of civilians, who play the role of injured victims. William Hill, of Louisville, was one of them. He found out about the exercise on the Internet and was hired by a contractor to be a role player.

"It's helping them learn, but I'm taking so much back to my friends and family on what we should do in a situation like this too. You will hear sirens and they will tell you what to do in the event of a nuclear blast. While they are learning, we are constantly learning," said Hill.

The field training exercise lasts seven days. From the ground to the air, military and civilian crews learn to work together.

The team running and evaluating the exercise gives the Urban Training Center high marks.

"It's been great. Lots of terrain to work with, very realistic and the people here locally have really bent over backwards to assist us in our real world training," said Randy Pike who is an evaluator.

General Renuart called Muscatatuck Urban Training Center "second to none."

That is great news for the Indiana National Guard, since they operate the facility.

It's also welcome news for Jennings County. Muscatatuck serves as an economic engine for the county. As the training center continues to expand, that, in turn, will bring more revenue to the area.