War Games for Olympic Security

Between May 2 and 10, Exercise Olympic Garden will be taking place in, around, and over London. During the exercise the Royal Navy, Air Force, and Army will practice various scenarios in which the games could be threatened.

Defense Secretary Philip Hammond said, "Support for the Olympic Games will be an important task for defense in 2012 and this exercise is about pushing our people and our systems to the limit to ensure that we are ready for the challenge. The majority of this exercise will be played out in full view of the public and I hope that it will have a secondary effect of reassuring the British people that everything possible is being done to ensure this will be a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games."

A total of 23,700 security personnel will be used during the Games. That number will include 13,500 military as well as police, private security guards, and some volunteers.

Some controversy has arisen over the possibility of surface to air missiles being deployed, in the area, for added protection during the games. Concerns mostly are over debris falling from them if they are used.