Exercise Capital Spear

Soldiers and Airmen of the Maryland National Guard's 32nd Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team train aboard the USS Barry March 6 at the Washington Naval Yard during Exercise Capital Spear. Capital Spear included WMD-CSTs from Washington, Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia, and Indiana. The three-day exercise began March 4 with a multi-state response to simulated synchronized terrorist attacks around the nation's capital and northwest of Indianapolis. Officials said the purpose was to enhance the interoperability of the teams, which investigate sites for chemical, biological and radiological agents and advise civilian responders. If called upon, the teams would assist in requests for federal assets, but they said their main concern is saving lives and preventing human suffering and property damage. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mike R. Smith, National Guard Bureau)