The Great Plains Joint Regional Training Center will start development of some key projects as a result of $9 million in funding provided by the Kansas Legislature to the Kansas Adjutant General's Department. The funding will help to enhance a part of the center that has facilities in Salina, Saline County and on the Smoky Hill Range.
The training hub will work with the Kansas National Guard, first responders and active military to ensure that both civilian and military are ready to work together during a natural disaster or homeland security event and prepare military troops for deployment. The center will not take away from fire department training or Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson, but will instead provide proficiency training for civilian first responders and military from across the state. (Please click on the following link to watch and hear brief comments from Col. Eric Peck, chief of the Joint Staff, Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas: http://www.mapvideo.net/clients/saa/peck03.wmv)
The Great Plains Joint Regional Training Center is integral to the services that fall under the Adjutant General's umbrella. Kansas is unique in the fact that the State's Adjutant General is responsible for three key functions: Kansas National Guard, Homeland Security and Kansas Emergency Management.
Three initial projects that will be accomplished by the Great Plains Joint Training Center are:
- A disaster city or urban complex. This will be built at the Smoky Hill Range.
- Developing a capability for driver training for civilian and military personnel.
- Facilities to teach rescue coordination and response actions.
Logistically, the Salina area is the perfect location for the Great Plains Joint Regional Training Center because of the world-class facilities that are already located in this region. The Salina Municipal Airport, Smoky Hill Range, Kansas National Guard Training Center and Fort Riley combine to make an outstanding training facility for everyone involved. Please click on the link below for Col. Peck's comments: http://www.mapvideo.net/clients/saa/peck01.wmv)
The Salina Airport Authority and the Kansas National Guard are currently working on a lease agreement for the former Vortex Valves building located at 3024 Arnold. This facility will be integral in the implementation of the Great Plains Joint Training Center's operational plan. Initially, the Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) will be located at the facility. In addition to the ASOS, the facility has potential uses as a central issue facility and for mobilization training. The Guard is also considering other and future uses for the facility. (Please click on for Col. Peck's comments: http://www.mapvideo.net/clients/saa/peck02.wmv)
