LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – According to the Michigan Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs, over 7,000 participants from 25 states, 1 territory, and 4 international partners converged at the National All-Domain Warfighting Center recently (NADWC) for training focused on expeditionary skills, command and control, sustainment, and joint integrated fires. According to the National Guard website, the exercise series features units from all the nation’s service branches and their different components, as well as international partners. The joint nature of the exercise is designed to replicate an expeditionary environment to which units may deploy in the future. The exercise, which is called the “nation’s largest National Guard Bureau-sponsored military exercise” is reported to build readiness and war fighting capabilities for the joint force.
The NADWC encompasses the Camp Grayling Maneuver Training Center and the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, both in Michigan. NS participants also conducted training at Michigan’s Selfridge Air National Guard Base and the Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airfield. Unique to this year’s exercise design is the integration of Intra-Theater medical care training, where NS participants evacuated simulated patients to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin for follow-on treatment.
Before the training took place between July 23rd and August 19th, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs said in a statement, “Michigan is excited to serve as host of the NS exercise again this year. The Northern Strike venue affords units training in Michigan the opportunity to train alongside our multicomponent, multinational, and interagency partners. Each year this exercise continues to provide dynamic, challenging, and collective training which closely replicates what our Soldiers and Airmen could face in real world situations.”
According to the press release, the Michigan National Guard (MING) began hosting NS in 2012 and it has since grown into a joint, multi-national exercise program. The exercise provides participating units a chance to conduct robust and relevant scenario-based, full-spectrum readiness training and complete mission essential tasks. NS is a tailorable, scalable and cost-effective readiness producer, providing a venue for the units to maximize training proficiencies and requirements. The exercise is Army National Guard sponsored and a Joint National Training Capability (JNTC) accredited exercise providing readiness-building opportunities for all services.
“As the NS enterprise continues to develop, the level of training provided to the participants becomes more challenging,” said Col. Scott Meyers, Commander of the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center. “The NADWC has the resources and capabilities that are able to support such dynamic training events.”
In addition to enhancing our nation’s defense capabilities, the exercise series also serves as an important boost to the local economy. It brings an average of $30 million to Michigan’s economy annually in military pay, travel, and local spending in northern lower Michigan.
“Michigan’s unique geography, climate, airspace, and ranges are why it is home to some of the best military training facilities in the country,” said Rogers. “The scope of the units that are projected to attend is a true testament to the advanced level of training that Northern Strike provides. Northern Strike continues to evolve, with an increased focus on training and evaluating combat support personnel.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was present with the Michigan National Guard on August 14th during the Northern Strike military readiness exercise which she describes as one of the Department of Defense’s largest reserve component readiness exercises.
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Gov. Whitmer said at the exercise, “When it comes to national defense, our message is simple: We are all in. Michigan is honored to host the Northern Strike military readiness exercises again this year. As Commander-in-Chief of the Michigan National Guard, I couldn’t be prouder to support our troops as they train alongside service members from across the country and the world. No matter the challenge, Michigan is ready to rise to the occasion, especially when the results make a real difference for our national defense and our communities.”
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