FPCON exercise may effect base traffic flow Published Oct. 15, 2015 By Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Drill, simulation, evolution, training, operation, exercise or "war games," all mean the same thing: preparing military forces for real-world situations. No matter where they are held, exercises can impact both the base and local communities. The joint base's next force protection condition/mass casualty exercise is scheduled for Oct. 20 and will demonstrate the installation's ability to respond during an event or contingency that would negatively impact JB MDL or surrounding areas. To ensure individuals know exactly what impacts will affect them during the exercise, joint base personnel should expect to see gate closures Oct. 20, said Lt. Col. Eric Moomey, 87th Air Base Wing inspector general. "The primary impact will be to the traffic flow and the freedom of movement to the base in general," he said. "I would encourage members to be vigilant and understand their surroundings; traffic is going to be an issue. You may have, in your mind, a route that you're going to take to get to an appointment and you may be vectored around that. Remain patient and follow the instructions and they'll get you to your appointment on time." Access to specific areas around the base was kept in mind while organizing the exercise, Moomey added. "We were concerned with impacts to schools and essential services, however, Oct. 20, the 87th Medical Group will be closed. You may experience some inconveniences, so we encourage everyone to put a little more time into their travel plans and follow security forces guidance as they directing traffic. Please exercise some patience and we'll all get through it together." During the exercise, joint base members will respond to major attacks and changing FPCONs and respond to command directives. The training will focus on honing response skills of first/emergency responders and installation personnel. The installation commander, Col. Frederick Thaden, is very committed to the health and safety of his personnel and resources," Moomey said. "The mission of this is to validate the planned expertise of the members working through major incidents and the force protection measures we already have in place and to ensure we're ready."