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U.S. Army Hurricane Response

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

What is it?

The U.S. Army plays an important role in disaster response, with efforts in support of the lead federal agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and working closely with state and local officials. Major Army installations serve as logistics hubs and staging areas for FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security.

The Army’s mission to assist federal relief agencies helps minimize the damage and suffering caused by hurricanes, while continuing to support the vital mission of defending the homeland and protecting America’s interests abroad.

What has the Army done/is doing?

The Army stands with the communities in their time of need and the Army’s primary concern is to help affected communities recover from this disaster.

Defense Support of Civil Authorities is a Total Army force collaboration. In 2017, DSCA provided extensive support during Hurricane Harvey, Irma, and Maria. This year, Hurricane Florence response continues across the Carolinas.

Army and installation social media sites are reiterating FEMA, state and local leaders’ messages.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned?

Defense of the homeland and rapid response to natural disasters are critical parts of the Army mission. Active, National Guard, and Reserve Army Soldiers will continue to perform this mission across the Total Army Force:

  • Army North (ARNORTH), as the Army’s component of U.S. Northern Command, coordinates federal military support for disaster response when requested by FEMA or a state.

  • The Army National Guard (ARNG) as the nation’s first, most accessible military responder provides essential, life-saving services quickly, and comprehensively when local and state response capabilities are in need of greater support. The National Guard has more than 3,850 service members on duty in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and Maryland in support of Hurricane Florence response.

  • The Army Reserve (USAR) is a community-based force with more than 198,000 Soldiers across this great nation respond rapidly across state lines if called upon by the government through the Defense Support of Civil Authorities(DSCA) mobilization, including Immediate Response Authorities.

  • The Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has fully engaged teams actively monitoring and managing USACE dams to reduce downstream flooding.

Why is this important to the Army?

Providing timely and appropriate response to an incident remains one of the Army’s key operational concepts. The Army must be ready to respond at a moment’s notice to threats near and far. The Army’s readiness and its ability to rapidly deploy trained and ready forces wherever needed, is critical to protecting America, America’s interests and American lives.

Resources:

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Events

September 2018

National Preparedness Month

Sept. 15- Oct. 15: Hispanic Heritage Month - Visit Hispanics in the U.S. Army

Sept. 30: Gold Star Mothers Day - Visit Gold Star Survivors

Focus Quote for the Day

Army North coordinates federal military support when the Federal Emergency Management Agency or the states request additional help. We work hard to anticipate requirements and posture forces to respond quickly when federal military assistance is requested. Our goal is to achieve unity of effort with all our partners, which is critical to helping people get back on their feet after disaster strikes.

- Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, commander, U.S. Army North