FORT BELVOIR, VA.-- (September 8, 2017)--Military and

FORT BELVOIR, VA.-- (September 8, 2017)--Military and civilian team members from throughout the region participate in a full-scale Mass Casualty Exercise (MASCAL-EX) as part of Operation Capital Shield at the Belvoir Hospital September 8, 2017.
During the week of September 5-8, 2017, the Joint Forces Headquarters-National Capital Region (JFHQ-NCR) embarked on a major exercise within Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland called Capitol Shield 2017 (CS 17). The purpose of this annual exercise is to test Military, State, Federal, and Local response plans in the event of a regional crisis in the National Capital Region (NCR). This event also evaluates the critical response capabilities of area hospitals with "First Receiver" responsibilities to include the Belvoir Hospital.
All total, over 250 Service Members, GS Civilians, Law Enforcement Officers, Fire Fighters, Emergency Medical Services Members, and Volunteers will be involved as role players, casualties, and responders from outside of the hospital and nearly 2500 FBCH staff members will be available to participate in this once a year exercise.
(Department of Defense photos by Reese Brown)