The National Guard has been involved in every American armed conflict. In addition to military actions, National Guard members have provided support to their communities during some of the worst tragedies in U.S. history.
When Mount St. Helens erupted, members of the Washington National Guard helped their fellow citizens. In the aftermath of the Oklahoma City Bombing, the Oklahoma National Guard worked to save lives and provide comfort to the Sooner State. Following Hurricane Katrina, the Louisiana National Guard—with support from National Guard units of other states, including New Mexico—worked to preserve the health and welfare of the people of Louisiana.
Throughout history, National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have committed themselves to care for their communities. While the emergencies above had an almost immediate response, some strict channels and processes must be followed to activate the National Guard. Accordingly, National Guard leaders teach their members the importance of resource management.
Within resource management, service members and civilian employees are taught to be diligent with the processes of accounting and spending government money. Accounting is particularly important for the National Guard because it deals with both federal and state funds. While emergencies require quick response, the use of state and federal dollars must still adhere to stringent rules.
When National Guard units are within their respective states or territories, their governors serve as the commanders in chief. These governors have the authority to activate their National Guard units for State Active Duty. However, the National Guard can be an expensive option once pay, allowances, and the cost of supplies have been tallied. County and city officials can request National Guard support but only after the governor has declared a state of emergency.
Once the governor has declared a state of emergency, state officials notify the Director of Military Support. Upon notification, the DOMS works with subordinate commands to identify units and personnel best suited to provide the requested support. The state allocates funds which cannot be used for any other purpose, to include federal missions. Activation for federal missions requires use of federal funds.
U.S. military leaders are trained to use the right resource for the right problem at the right time. The activation of National Guard troops for a state of emergency must adhere to that training. National Guard response to such emergencies requires providing the right personnel and equipment to respond within legal, financial, and time constraints.
State Active Duty entails protecting our state’s citizens as well as safeguarding their tax dollars.
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