"Operation Solid Curtain" prepares military with mock terror attack

Emergency and security response personnel were tested this afternoon at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth during an exercise here and nationwide called "Operation Solid Curtain." 

The simulated terror attack involved a mini-van driver detonating an improvised explosive device (IED) or smoke bomb at the front gate. 

Mock casualties, dead and alive, were positioned around the front gate for treatment by arrived medics and firefighters. 

The simulated sarin gas explosion called for the use of a decontamination tent in which workers suited up to treat the injured who'd been exposed to the gas.  Captain William Cogar who heads emergency preparedness at the medical center said, "It takes time to establish gear and stuff. Their timeline I thought was very efficient and very realistic."

Planners will discuss what went right or wrong with the drill to improve any future responses. No patient care was interrupted during today's exercise.