West Virginia National Guard to host Vigilant Guard exercise in 2021

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia National Guard will host a regional disaster training exercise next year, and the event is expected to draw more than 1,000 participants.

Gov. Jim Justice announced Vigilant Guard 2021 on Wednesday, to be held in August at the Hobet All Hazards Training Center, his office said in a news release. The event will run for nine days and will be held in coordination with United States Northern Command, the National Guard Bureau and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the release said.

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The goal is to improve coordination, operational relationships and response plans of agencies across the states in preparation for emergencies.

Government agencies, public safety agencies, volunteer public safety and disaster groups and military units from Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia are expected to participate. Other organizations from as far away as Massachusetts have also indicated they will participate.

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