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Virginia Defense Force Supports Critical Training Exercise for National Guard CERFP Team

Troops of the Virginia Defense Force (VDF) recently supported the in-processing for Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen ahead of a mass casualty training exercise on May 21, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. The Soldiers and Airmen, assigned to the Richmond-based 34th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosives Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP), benefited from the VDF members’ assistance with administrative in-processing. This involvement provided VDF members with practical experience in rapid response situations, enhancing their readiness and capability to support emergency operations efficiently.

The National Guard’s CERFP team is a specialized unit designed to provide immediate response capabilities in the event of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosive incidents. The CERFP is composed of five operational elements: search and extraction, mass decontamination, medical, fatalities recovery, and command and control. These elements, staffed by personnel from existing National Guard units, work together to search and rescue trapped casualties from collapsed structures, conduct mass decontamination, perform medical triage and initial treatment, stabilize patients for transport to medical facilities, and recover fatalities from CBRN incidents.

Historically, the New York Guard (State Defense Force) augmented the first operational National Guard CERFP Team between 2003 and 2015, becoming instructors for new National Guard units assigned to the New York National Guard CERFP Unit. The New York Guard worked hand in hand with their National Guard brothers and sisters within The CERFP Team. However, in 2015, the New York Guard was removed from the National Guard CERFP Team due to the unit’s transition to a fully Federal command under the command of FEMA Region II.

This historical context underscores the importance of our political campaign lobbying efforts to ensure that State Defense Forces can participate in unique and elite units within the U.S. Military. By advocating for policies and legislation that recognize and integrate the capabilities of State Defense Forces like the VDF, we can enhance the overall readiness and effectiveness of our national defense strategy. These lobbying efforts aim to secure the necessary support and recognition for State Defense Forces, allowing them to continue their vital role in supporting national security and emergency response operations.

Before proceeding further help support The State Defense Force cause by donating a minimum of $1 a month, thats cheaper than a cup of coffee. To make a difference in your life and in your state you need to support organizations like StateDefenseForce.com so we can make sure you get missions that matter. Click Here To Join

Volunteers with the Virginia Defense Force support in-processing for Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen ahead of a mass casualty training exercise May 21, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. The Soldiers and Airmen are assigned to the Richmond-based 34th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-Yield Explosives Enhanced Response Force Package, or CERFP. The VDF members assisted the administrative in-processing before the exercise, giving them practical experience in rapid response situations.


Source: Virginia Defense ForceNational Guard CERFP

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