JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Oct. 5 signals the beginning of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson’s bi-annual mission readiness exercise, Polar Force, which runs through Oct. 16.
Polar Force is a two-week exercise designed to test JBER’s mission readiness. This exercise will strengthen and develop the skills service members require when facing adverse situations.
The scenarios will include simulating deployment of JBER personnel, receiving additional forces from other locations, and responding to other readiness situations while adhering to COVID-19 guidelines.
“We will test our Total Force Airmen to determine how proficient we are in quickly responding to various mission scenarios,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Kirsten Aguilar, commander of JBER and the 673d Air Base Wing. “The lessons learned during these two weeks will shape our planning going forward to ensure we remain agile and mission-ready in the event our nation calls upon us.”
During the exercise, which runs Oct. 5-16, people who live and work near the installation may notice increased air traffic, emergency vehicle activity, sirens, loudspeaker announcements, alert notifications and longer wait times at the gates.