What’s With the Convoy of Blue Government Vehicles in Bozeman?

We got a phone call from Jane in Bozeman. Here's the question she sent our way: 

"Yesterday I saw a gathering of many blue trucks at two or three hotels along Baxter lane. They were US government trucks and probably between 20 and 25 or more. Just wondered if anybody knows what that was about."

I asked her if they had like a cool satellite dish on top of one of the vehicles. Yes, she told me.

Luckily, I had the answer for Jane. Last week, I received a press release from the Montana National Guard notifying the public that a joint training exercise featuring the Civil Support Team would be taking place in the Bozeman area. Thanks to my prior service in the National Guard, I knew exactly what their vehicles might look like. (And by the way, as I told Jane on the radio- the CST is an amazing capability with some incredibly well trained soldiers and airmen)

According to the press release, "The Montana National Guard’s 83rd Civil Support Team (CST) is hosting a joint training exercise, Operation Yellowstone, April 22-26, at various locations in Bozeman and Gallatin County. The public should be aware that training aids and safety equipment will be used to simulate hazards and there will be increased military and first responder presence in the area. There is no threat to the public."

Several other CSTs from other states are also taking part in the exercise.

Here's a great video that gives more background on these National Guard CSTs:

Full Press Release

83rd Civil Support Team hosts regional joint training exercise

BOZEMAN, Mont. – The Montana National Guard’s 83rd Civil Support Team (CST) is hosting a joint training exercise, Operation Yellowstone, April 22-26, at various locations in Bozeman and Gallatin County. The public should be aware that training aids and safety equipment will be used to simulate hazards and there will be increased military and first responder presence in the area. There is no threat to the public.

Participants include teams from the Alaska, Idaho, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming CSTs. Also participating are the Radiological Assistance Program Teams 6 and 8, the FBI, Dugway Proving Ground staff, and staff from the Montana Disaster and Emergency Services, Montana National Guard Joint Operations Center, 95th Troop Command, and State Partnership Program.

The purpose of the training is to conduct all-hazards Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) response, creating conditions to reinforce interoperability among the National Guard Bureau’s Region 6 CSTs. The teams will continue to practice skills to maintain operational readiness for response to an incident of national and/or regional significance, according to Lt. Col. Jason Steichen, commander of the 83rd CST.

Specific training areas being used in Belgrade are the Montana Army National Guard Armory at 350 Airport Road and airport property at 1461 Tubb Road. Locations in Bozeman are the US Post Office at 32 East Babcock Street, US Forest Service at 9900 Fish Hatchery Road and the City of Bozeman Water Treatment Plant at 7024 Sourdough Canyon Road.

“At the end of this training event, we hope to instill confidence in our ability to respond when requested by our community partners,” Steichen said. “This is great training, where we are able to share resources and knowledge, and continue to improve and coordinate responses among the state and region.”

This training is an annual event hosted by a different member state of the region. These events help to build and maintain skill proficiency and organizational relationships, to maintain relevance to a dynamically changing environment. These events enable partners to be ready to respond anytime.

The mission of the 83rd CST is to support civil authorities at a domestic incident site by identifying CBRNE agents/substances, assessing current and projected consequences, advising on response measures, and assisting with appropriate requests for additional state support.

Join our team! For information on the opportunities in the Montana National Guard, please contact Army recruiting at 406-324-3255, or Air recruiting at 406-791-0665.