Troops train for nuclear attack in southern Indiana

Kris Kirschner/Eyewitness News

Jennings County - Thousands of members of the military trained for a "ground zero" scenario in Indiana this week.

The troops, from several branches of the military, worked together to simulate the aftermath of a nuclear attack. The exercise, underway at Muscatatuck Training Center, plays out the problem areas in a nuclear disaster, from search and rescue to decontamination.

The scenario resembles what might happen if a major city came under attack.

"The kinds of scenarios that you see throughout this training venue allow us to practice not only the individual skills, but the organizational skills necessary to respond to that type of an event," said General Victor Renuart, commander of NORAD.

Nearly 4,500 people take part in the week-long exercise - both military and civilian - and a big part of it is the way they work together in an emergency. The 1,000-acre state developmental center that was turned into a military training ground at Muscatatuck provides an ideal setting.

"It's basically a small city. You've got schools, you've got a church, you've got a hospital, a water treatment plant, underground tunnels," said Major Lisa Kopczynski.

Top military officials observed the role-playing, something they consider vital to prepare for today's real threats.

"It's an extraordinary training opportunity for a nation's capability," Gen. Renuart said.

Air and ground training moves both local responders and troops through several stations. What they learn in the exercise is invaluable experience that, in a real-life situation, could mean a chance for survival - even amid nuclear ruin.

Troops are stationed at Camp Atterbury, where they also transport the "wounded" from Muscatatuck. The training exercise runs through Wednesday.

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