New York State DHSES conducts training exercises at Oriskany training center

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) announced on Wednesday that 200 citizen soldiers from the New York National Guard would be conducting tactical and medical evacuation training at the New York State Preparedness Training Center (SPTC) from Mar. 12-13.

“The New York National Guard plays a key role in the defense of our nation, as well as responding to snowstorms, hurricanes, and other natural disasters here in New York State,“ John P. Melville commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, said. “I am pleased that Guardsmen and women can take advantage of this world class training facility to prepare for their military training exercises.”

The New York SPTC is located in Oriskany, New York, and is operated by the DHSES on the site of the former Oneida County Airport. The site serves as the state’s premier training facility for New York’s first responders.

The trainees will be educated in motor vehicle convoy operations, dismounted night movement using night vision goggles, assaulting an enemy position, the use of mortars, reconnaissance techniques, and treating combat casualties and loading them on UH-60 medical evacuation helicopters during their weekend training session.

“The New York State Preparedness Training Center provides a great location for our citizen soldiers to train in the Mohawk Valley,” Major General Patrick Murphy, who serves as adjutant general of New York, said. “The center provides space to conduct complex training involving several hundred troops and facilities which allow our soldiers to operate in built-up environments as well. “