We’ve spent the past couple of days setting up an Area Command Post, getting ready for this large scale exercise. We’ll go through three command changes and have oversight of 335 missions between now and Aug 3rd. All of the planning has been coordinated and this morning the first “news cast” was sent.  The breaking news given to the troops deployed here is that a large explosion has occurred in a mid-western city. Later it was reported that a mushroom cloud could be seen miles away. Tens of thousands are feared dead and more are injured. Here in lies their problem. Not only do they have to deal with the event

Initial National Guard troops are on the ground looking for victims and establishing control zones with four specific missions. The President has declared a disaster allowing the US Army forces to deploy into the area over the next 24-36 hours.

In the real-world, the weather is the story here. I haven’t seen dark brown and dried lawns like this since the late 1980’s. Corn crops are short and several fields have already been plowed under and being replanted. The temps have been in the upper 90’s with humidity in the mid 50’s. The AC in our command and control building was out yesterday afternoon and this morning. I shouldn’t complain but with a room full of people and computers then topped off by no air movement, it got a little uncomfortable. A cold front is coming through this afternoon, with severe weather and cooler temps behind it. They are predicting a great weekend, good for the troops, no difference to me.

Stay tuned…