Patriot 25

Disasters strike without warning, and the ability to respond effectively can mean the difference between life and death. That’s why exercises like Patriot 25 are critical in preparing military and civilian agencies to work together in real-world emergency scenarios. Hosted at the Guardian Centers in Perry, Georgia, this large-scale training brought together federal, state, and local responders to test their skills in simulated crisis situations, including collapsed buildings, downed aircraft, subway rescues, and mass casualty events.

As an Observer Controller (OC) for this mission, my role was to ensure the safety of the training, provide the backstory for each scenario, and offer feedback to teams and trainers. The Guardian Centers provided an incredibly realistic environment for these operations, offering a 75-acre urban disaster training facility complete with flooded neighborhoods, underground tunnels, and a full-scale interstate highway for search and rescue drills. The attention to detail made every scenario feel like the real thing.

Beyond the high-intensity training, the experience was top-notch. The facilities were outstanding, the coordination among agencies was seamless, and, of course, the food was some of the best I’ve had during DOMestic OPerations (DOMOPs) training! This was more than just an exercise—it was a proving ground for readiness, resilience, and response.

Urban SAR

Search and Rescue

Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) presents unique challenges, as soldiers must assess both visibly collapsed structures and standing buildings of unknown integrity. In the aftermath of a disaster, even buildings that appear intact may have compromised foundations, hidden structural damage, or hazardous conditions inside.

GSDF soldiers carefully approached each building, using FEMA standard markings to track their searches. For collapsed structures, they worked in teams to locate entry points, listen for survivors, and remove debris methodically to prevent secondary collapses. In standing buildings, teams moved cautiously, checking for signs of instability such as leaning walls, cracked support beams, or the smell of gas leaks.

Working alongside engineers and first responders, the soldiers used specialized tools, such as UAVs, to detect survivors trapped within unstable environments. This training reinforced critical decision-making skills, emphasizing safety, coordination, and efficiency in high-risk urban search and rescue operations.

Searching Underground

The long dark tunnel

As GSDF soldiers entered the simulated underground vehicle tunnel, they were met with near-total darkness, disorienting echoes, and the challenge of maneuvering through tight spaces filled with debris. The scenario mimicked the aftermath of a tunnel collapse, with vehicles overturned, structural supports weakened, and trapped survivors in need of rescue.

Equipped with headlamps and medical gear, the search teams methodically navigated through the tunnel, listening for signs of life and marking cleared areas using FEMA standard markings. Communication was key, as radios often struggled with signal interference underground, requiring teams to rely on hand signals and pre-planned coordination.

This exercise reinforced the complexities of underground rescues, from monitoring air quality to stabilizing unstable structures. By working in these challenging conditions, GSDF soldiers sharpened their skills in confined space rescue, ensuring they are prepared for real-world disasters where every second counts.

Collapsed Bridge

One of the most challenging scenarios at Patriot 25 was the collapsed bridge simulation. GSDF soldiers were tasked with searching for survivors trapped in vehicles or stranded on unstable sections of the bridge. The team carefully navigated through twisted metal and unstable concrete, using their skills to detect signs of life beneath the debris. This exercise emphasized the importance of structural awareness and coordination with engineers to ensure safe extractions.

Downed aircraft

Searching for survivors

The downed aircraft scenario at Patriot 25 was more than just a test of search and rescue skills—it was an exercise in coordination, safety, and forensic awareness. GSDF soldiers responded to a simulated plane crash, where they had to navigate a hazardous debris field, locate survivors, and provide urgent medical care while preserving the crash site for investigators.

Working alongside the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), soldiers learned how to balance the urgency of rescue operations with the need to protect potential evidence. In real-world plane crashes, every piece of wreckage tells a story, helping investigators determine the cause of the accident. Soldiers were trained to secure the site, mark important evidence, and minimize disturbance while still ensuring that casualties were extracted as quickly and safely as possible.

This training emphasized inter-agency cooperation, reinforcing the importance of working with aviation, medical, and law enforcement personnel during disaster response. By practicing these procedures under realistic conditions, GSDF soldiers gained invaluable experience that will enable them to respond effectively in the event of an actual aviation emergency.

The subway

Derailed plans

GSDF soldiers navigated a simulated derailed subway scenario, responding to reports of passengers trapped in a collapsed underground transit system. With limited visibility and confined spaces, the search and rescue teams methodically moved through the wreckage, marking cleared areas and extracting simulated injured civilians. This hands-on training provided a realistic experience in urban disaster response, emphasizing teamwork and communication in a complex, underground environment.

Inundated neighborhood

The great flood

Floodwaters bring unique challenges to search and rescue operations, from unstable ground to submerged hazards. In this scenario, GSDF soldiers searched for stranded residents, guiding them to safety. The exercise also highlighted the coordination required between ground teams, aviation assets, and emergency medical responders to ensure the swift evacuation of those in need.

Road debris

Clearing the way

Natural disasters often leave roadways blocked by fallen trees, power lines, and wreckage, preventing emergency responders from reaching affected areas. In this portion of the exercise, GSDF soldiers worked on debris clearance, using chainsaws, hand tools, and heavy equipment to clear a path for emergency vehicles.

The soldiers worked side by side with Verizon Frontline Crisis Response "Dirt Team" to scout with an UAV as well as move the biggest items. This vital training ensures that in real-world disaster scenarios, response teams can restore access to critical areas as quickly as possible.

A special rescue

U.S. Army trains alongside GDSF

The GSDF received “special“ training on high angle extraction. This introductory training gives soldiers confidence to support certified professionals in an emergency.

Check out my full collection of photos.

Patriot 2025 by SSG Kerry Hatcher (GSDF)

SSG Kerry Hatcher (GSDF)

Training Today for Tomorrow’s Emergencies

Patriot 25 was more than just a training exercise—it was a proving ground for teamwork, resilience, and readiness. Through high-intensity scenarios, from urban search and rescue to downed aircraft response, GSDF soldiers worked alongside military and civilian partners to hone their skills and prepare for real-world disasters. The Guardian Centers provided an unmatched training environment, pushing every participant to think critically, act decisively, and operate effectively in challenging conditions.

A huge thank you to all the agencies that made this exercise a success, especially the National Guard, whose leadership and coordination helped create a truly immersive and impactful experience. We also appreciate the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, emergency management teams, first responders, and all the state and federal agencies that joined forces to make this training as realistic and valuable as possible.

Looking ahead to Patriot 26, we’re excited to build on what we’ve learned, strengthen interagency cooperation, and continue preparing to serve our communities when disaster strikes. Until then, we take these lessons back with us, knowing that when the call comes, we’ll be ready.

See you next year!

Learn more about the GSDF: https://gsdf.georgia.gov/

Georgia State Defense Force

Ready to serve

Georgia State Defense Force

Bonus section: National Guard Photos

Here are some great photos by the national guard PAO:

You can see more at: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/PATRIOT