ADVISORY/Press Invited to First-Ever Battalion-Level Demonstration of National Guard Bureau and California National Guard's Next-Generation Training Program.

News Editors/Government Writers

ADVISORY...for Thursday (Dec. 11)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

    What:   The National Guard Bureau and California National Guard
            will present a battalion-level demonstration of the new
            Joint Training Experimentation Program (JTEP), a
            "live-virtual-constructive" training concept with the
            potential to greatly reduce training costs while
            increasing the readiness of Guard personnel. The program's
            prime contractor and systems integrator is SRI
            International of Menlo Park.

            The program is the first of its kind to create a live and
            simulated battlefield terrain integrating training areas
            used in different parts of the world. During the
            demonstration, Guard personnel at two California locations
            will interact in a live training exercise while linked to
            computer-based "virtual terrain" based partly on a U.S.
            military training location in Germany. National Guard
            staff in Sacramento will observe the action and
            participate in a distributed after-action review of the
            exercise. All participants will "see" the same underlying
            terrain, which is a key component of successful
            interoperability.

            The program's approach could also be used to train
            civilian emergency response managers and military leaders
            to work together in the wake of a catastrophic or
            terrorist event.

    When:   December 11, 2003, 8:00 a.m. to approximately 5:00 p.m.

    Who:    National Guard Bureau, California National Guard, and SRI
            International

    Where:  California National Guard Camp San Luis Obispo (northwest
            of San Luis Obispo along Highway 1). Press and other
            observers will also be shuttled to Camp Roberts to view
            the exercise from that perspective.

    More:   Press registration is required; for more information,
            directions, and to register, please contact Christina
            Armstrong at 415-442-4029 or
            [e-mail]. Press must show valid
            identification at Camp gate. Press may
            photograph/videotape events. Photos will also be available
            through SRI. More information about JTEP:
            www.jtepforguard.com.