Sunday, March 25, 2001

By B.R. Sargent
Seoul bureau

Jeromy Cross / Stars and Stripes Desirae Yazzie-Toro wears a chemical mask during the Courageous Channel noncombatant evacuation operation exercise (NEO) at Yongsan Garrison.

YONGSAN GARRISON — Military units throughout South Korea are testing their readiness during Courageous Channel, a three-day noncombatant evacuation exercise.

The exercise began Thursday and trained more than 12,000 family members, non-emergency U.S. civilian workers and contractors, on evacuation procedures.

"There is no substitute for preparedness," said Lt. Gen. Daniel R. Zanini, 8th Army commander. "It’s vitally important we rehearse our evacuation procedures so loved ones make it safely home."

"Anytime you have family members abroad … the Army ensures there's a system in place to evacuate if the need arises," said Lt. Col. Thomas Nickerson, Joint Task Force Noncombatant Evacuation Operation public affairs officer.

While the U.S. Embassy has overall responsibility for evacuating Americans, it relies heavily on the Army to carry out the NEO plan. More than 1,000 wardens ensure families under their charge are ready.

"I’m in charge of 12 families," said Sgt. Tara Garner, of the 595th Maintenance Company. "I inspect their kits and their packets. I also in-process all new families."

The NEO operations branch on Yongsan set up two evacuation control centers for Area II families, those assigned to Yongsan and the immediate surrounding area. One station discusses contraband, while another station distributes identification bracelets for each noncombatant in the family, including pets.

The identification bracelets serve as a link between the military members and their families. The servicemember can find out exactly where his or her family is once they’ve been evacuated.

In cases where parents are required to stay behind, children must have an escort. The parent can be at the control center, but can’t walk the child through the evacuation process.

Fifty-nine volunteers, chosen by lottery, were to evacuate to an exercise safe haven in Japan on Friday. Once there, they processed through another center.

For more photos of the exercise, click here.

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