by Nick Delgado

Guam - Guardsmen from several states have joined the Guam National Guard this week to conduct the Vigilant Guard exercise. The weeklong training includes various scenarios to test the Guard's and local first responders when handling a major disaster and emergency.

Colonel Eric Kendall with the 162nd Medical Group of Phoenix, Arizona explained the situation, saying, "What I know of is there us a large pandemic of influenza going on and in addition to that there are other trauma and natural disasters of things that are breaking down in the local system."

The exercise includes response efforts to multiple car accidents and buildings collapsing. But the exercise that's being done at Fort Juan Muna is to prepare officials to care for injured patients when there's an overflow at the hospital. "This e-meds facility is setup an a contingency trauma hospital for acute injuries and while the influenza pandemic is being taken care of by your local facilities," said Col. Kendall.

The emergency medical facility takes about 3 days to assemble. But Colonel Kendall says in the event of a serious emergency, they can have the facility up and running between 12 to 24 hours. He says the training has been very effective in bringing the military units together to build their emergency disaster skills.

"Your Guam Guard people, Army folks, have been outstanding to work with," said the officer. "They have cooperated and helped make it a real good exercise for my people and their people and the Joint force working together."

The Vigilant Guard exercise concludes by the end of this week.