Alaska Capitol Hosts National Guard, FBI, and Agencies for Emergency Drill in Juneau

Alaska Capitol Hosts National Guard, Fbi, And Agencies For Emergency Drill In Juneau

Juneau’s about to get loud — and no, it’s not a protest or a new legislative session. It’s a full-scale military exercise, right in and around the Alaska State Capitol.

That’s right — starting Monday and running through Friday, locals can expect to see National Guard units, the FBI, Alaska State Troopers, and other agencies swarming the area. But don’t panic — this is all part of a high-level, coordinated training event.

According to the Anchorage Daily News, the drill is being led by the Alaska Organized Militia — a team that includes the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force, and the Naval Militia.

So why turn the Capitol into a tactical training ground? Officials say it’s all about improving interagency response to emergencies, especially high-risk scenarios involving critical government infrastructure.

Think less Die Hard, more 24 — minus the explosions. (Hopefully.)

“We are practicing in a live environment to make sure our teams can coordinate seamlessly in real-world incidents,” Lt. Col. Candis Olmstead, spokesperson for the Alaska National Guard. She added that the exercise will simulate “emergency operations” and include role-playing and scenario testing.

And no, they’re not taking over the whole building. The public won’t be locked out, but officials do urge folks to steer clear of active training areas — or at least don’t freak out when you see a uniformed squad running drills on the Capitol steps.

The Capitol will stay open to the public, though there may be temporary area restrictions, according to the report. So if you’re just trying to take a selfie with the statue of William H. Seward, you’re probably still good.

Olmstead emphasized that the drill has been carefully coordinated with local officials and Capitol staff to minimize disruption. “It’s about being prepared, not causing panic,” she said.

Also involved: the Department of Public Safety, City and Borough of Juneau, and other federal agencies — all playing a role in this government-grade dress rehearsal.

Why now? It’s part of Alaska’s annual readiness efforts, as the state remains a unique hotspot for disaster preparedness due to its remote terrain, vast landmass, and strategic military importance.

Locals might spot military vehicles, uniformed personnel, and even simulated emergency scenarios — but remember, it’s all pretend… kind of like Congress getting anything done. (We kid… sort of.)

So if you’re in downtown Juneau this week, don’t be surprised if things look like a scene out of Homeland. Just wave, smile, and maybe keep your camera handy — this isn’t something you see every day.