Fort Stewart Integrated Protection Exercise strengthens emergency partnerships, enhances readiness

In the Army, the phrase “train as you fight” not only applies to Soldiers but to those who protect our installations. Several agencies across Fort Stewa… In the Army, the phrase “train as you fight” not only applies to Soldiers but to those who protect our installations. Several agencies across Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield completed their Integrated Protection Exercise Wednesday, Oct. 14. “Integrated Protection Exercises give us the opportunity to do exactly that—measure our readiness, highlight best practices, and pinpoint areas needing improvement,” said Jeff Bergeron, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security emergency contingency operations officer.“These exercises help ensure the garrison can respond effectively during real-world contingencies.” Exercises of this size and depth take up to six months to plan.

“Throughout that process, we closely coordinate with all first responders to understand their specific training objectives and what they want to test or validate,” Bergeron said. “We then tailor the scenario to meet each directorate’s goals.” For Beau Bradley, DPTMS installation emergency manager, “this exercise was quite possibly one of, if not, the most complex, I’ve dealt with in my time.” Bergeron said this exercise included the right level of rigor, detail and coordination which forced partners to work as a team. “After each incident, small huddles formed where agencies shared insights and lessons learned—those moments are invaluable. They’re