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Soldiers

National Guard Responds to Hurricane Irene with Enhanced Coordination and Capabilities

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The U.S. National Guard mobilized approximately 7,675 troops from 18 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to assist with relief efforts following Hurricane Irene. The Guard's response was bolstered by the new National Guard Coordination Center, dual-status commanders, and strategically placed force packages. These capabilities, which have evolved from lessons learned from past disasters, enabled the Guard to coordinate more effectively with local, state, and federal partners.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Guard Coordination Center (NGCC) in Arlington, Va., facilitated 24/7 coordination and communication between the Army and Air National Guard and local, state, and federal partners, enabling a more effective whole-of-government response.
  • Dual-status commanders were appointed to lead state National Guard and federal forces, speeding up the response and ensuring that state and federal military forces worked effectively together.
  • Strategically placed force packages, consisting of ground and air assets, were deployed ahead of the storm to increase readiness and enable the National Guard to respond faster to civil authorities' critical needs.
  • Guard members performed a wide range of tasks, including clearing debris, search and rescue, transportation control, and providing shelter and supplies.
  • Approximately 101,000 Guard members were available in the affected region, with the NGCC working with states and other federal agencies to ensure the right numbers reached the right places at the right time.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 7,675 National Guard troops from 18 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico responded to Hurricane Irene over the weekend.
  • The NGCC coordinated the deployment of strategically placed force packages, including 17 aircraft and about 100 Guard members in Eastover, S.C.
  • The appointment of four dual-status commanders marked the first time the dual-commander concept had been so widely implemented in support of a natural disaster.

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