By Sgt. Scott Raper, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="405" caption="Civilian and military employees of the Kentucky National Guard gather for a security meeting at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky, Feb. 7. The meeting provided training of proper security precautions prior to safety exercises held twice a year. (Photo by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)"]
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Every military task begins with planning. And what would any function of the military be without training? The execution goes to show how good the planning was and how useful the training. For the Kentucky National Guard’s Security Office, it all equaled high profile recognition. They were awarded the Department of the Army's Best Antiterrorism Program Unit for 2011. The award recognizes Army units that focus a high level of effort towards protecting Army personnel and missions from terrorist attacks.
"This is a confirmation from the Army that we are the best in their inventory," said Eldern Riley, State Antiterrorism Program Manager.
In a statement from the U.S. Army Provost Marshal General, Maj. Gen. David Quantock said, "the Kentucky National Guard's hard work, innovative actions, extraordinary training efforts and awareness management reflect the utmost dedication towards an essential program that protects our most valuable resources."
"Our success is greatly attributed to the support of the Kentucky National Guard leadership and the excellent cooperation and working relationships we have with state agencies and the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security," said Richard Copas, State Antiterrorism Officer.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="233" caption="Sgt. Christopher Turpen with Joint Force Headquarters, secures the front door of a building during a training exercise at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky Feb. 8. Scenarios require a variety of personnel actions to be conducted to protect employees and property.(Photo by Sgt. Scott Raper, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)"]
Exercises conducted at Boone National Guard Center are given as realistic conditions as possible with scenarios that potentially could happen in Kentucky. Each event involves the Joint Operations Center and the Crisis Management Team. From bomb drills to tornado drills, every facet of the training brings a variety of responses necessary to save lives and protect property. Twice a year, the Security Office runs the exercises to assess internal emergency operations and to keep the knowledge fresh for everyone on post.
Col. Charles Harris, State Security Manager, said their success is because of all the experience in the office. And the Kentucky National Guard benefits from it all, pointing out that there are several award winning programs in the same office.
"Everyone on post really participates, all employees, military and civilian," said Copas. "That makes our exercises go very well and everyone benefits from it. We take the results each time and fix any issues we have, so we will be ready for anything."