Northern Strike at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center

Northern Strike is a joint exercise with the National Guard as several different military units gathering at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center to prepare for any real life situation they may face.

“This is a very valuable opportunity to be able to do these exercises with our joint partners because they bring things to the table, as well as we bring things to the table to teach them, and they teach us as well, so this is very valuable for us, we really, really appreciate these opportunities,” said Airman Lucas Shelton, a firefighter with the 12th Wing International Guard.

Several of the training regiments are set up in a realistic manner so the military can better understand what they would need to do when faced with a real experience. With the different agencies present, the ability to network is valuable.

“We’re able to do rapid development and rapid information and changes, because what we have on spot, live environment is industry, technological solutions, and the military members working together hand in hand,” said a second lieutenant with the Alpena CRTC. “So when one agency faces a struggle or some questions, the other agency is there to help them on the spot.”

The CRTC even hosts different aircrafts from all the military organizations present, and they are happy to help each of them carry out whatever must be done.

“Our main thing is customer service and to support their mission and make sure that it gets executed, and that can range from jumpers to here on the Army doing ground missions, so it’s a huge variety, and we’re just here to help that succeed,” said Sergeant Elaina Holzinger.

Northern Strike began on August 5th and runs until August 19th.