The Noncombatant Evacuation Operation exercise Courageous Channel 2014 will start Sep. 15 and run through Oct. 5 at various installations in the Republic of Korea.

Courageous Channel is designed to exercise U.S. Forces Korea and subordinate commands on running a NEO and provide participating family members a walkthrough of the procedures they will need to know if called to evacuate.

During the exercise, noncombatant evacuees are required to have their NEO binders checked, receive a NEO briefing and participate in the Assembly and Registration portions at on-post NEO sites. Participation is mandatory for all DOD-affiliated noncombatants with a date eligible for return from overseas date of Nov. 1, 2014 or later, including non-emergency essential U.S. government employees.

The Assembly and Registration portion of the exercise takes place from Oct. 1 through Oct. 5. During this portion, participating family members will practice processing through the NEO lines. Local installations will provide more information on the on-post NEO site locations and hours of operation.

Courageous Channel is critical to readiness, taking care of our family members and DOD-affiliated personnel in the event of an evacuation due to a crisis such as war or a natural disaster. It improves our overall mission readiness as we execute our NEO planes, which will enable more efficient operations.

These exercises are not related to any specific real-world event or current situation.