Minnesota National Guard’s 55th Civil Support Team Participates with Partners in
Evaluation Exercise

MEDIA ADVISORY: For Immediate Release
September 19, 2022
Minnesota National Guard’s 55th Civil Support Team Participates with Partners in
Evaluation Exercise

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Tomorrow, Soldiers and Airmen with the Minnesota National Guard’s St.
Paul-based 55th Civil Support Team (CST) will conduct an evaluated exercise with the State
Patrol and St. Paul Fire Department in a Minneapolis location.

“The 55th Weapons of Mass Destruction – Civil Support Team is an asset at the state, regional
and federal level,” said Army Lt. Col. Scott Hawks, commander of the joint-service unit. “Our
relationships at those levels are the currency that makes our team successful. The relationship
with the Minnesota State Patrol is especially crucial for us, as they protect the roads and
highways that cover our entire state. The State Patrol protects the epicenter of government at the
State Capital; it is critical that we are connected on that front.”

The 55th CST works with civil authorities to prepare for and to respond to local and regional
emergencies, including terrorist attacks involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD), at the
direction of state governors. The team can identify chemical, biological, radioactive, and nuclear
(CBRN) agents, and substances, assess current and projected consequences, and advise on
response measures.

This event will develop and sustain interagency relationships while allowing the unit to receive
an external evaluation. Participants will practice skills in hazardous materials operations
including urban search and rescue, mass casualty decontamination, reconnaissance, sampling,
laboratory analysis, medical triage, and command and control.

U.S. Army North will provide civil support training activities to ensure the 55th CST’s ability to
respond to CBRN agents. Army North’s primary responsibilities are homeland defense, defense
support of civil authorities, and security cooperation activities with the armed forces of Canada
and Mexico. Each National Guard unit is required to conduct regular, evaluated exercises and
training to ensure they meet readiness requirements.

“The goal of this training exercise is to assess our overall proficiency and collective response
capabilities in a WMD incident,” said Army Capt. Jeremy Mollinger, nuclear medical science
officer. “In addition, we integrate numerous interagency partners, such as HAZMAT (hazard
materials) response teams, law enforcement, public safety, and other federal agencies, into our
training exercises. Incorporating interagency partners strengthens our emergency response,
making us more effective in the event of a real-world WMD incident.”

Editor’s Note: Media members are invited to attend the event, Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,
Columbia Heights Membrane Filtration Plant, 4500 Reservoir Blvd, Columbia Heights, Minn.
Media can RSVP to Lt. Col. Kristen Augé at 651-282-4789 or kristen.l.auge.mil@army.mil.

About the Minnesota National Guard –
Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has more than
13,000 Soldiers and Airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The Citizen-Soldiers
and Airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars,
protect the country, respond to state emergencies, and contribute to local communities. For more
information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit https://MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil.
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