Photo By Staff Sgt. David Strayer | Maj. Gen. John Murphy discusses the coordination of active duty Soldiers and...... read more read more
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Photos by Staff Sgt. David Strayer
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. -Maj. Gen. John Murphy, assistant adjutant general air Pennsylvania National Guard, lead the Vigilant Guard exercise as the dual status commander. National Guard elements from eight separate states and active duty service members worked under his command to support the civilian agencies involved. These agencies ranged from local first responders to the FBI as well as the American Red Cross and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina proved that even the best intentions of the state and federal service members can be hampered by the traditionally separate reporting channels. Responding to those problems, U.S. Northcom created the position of dual status commander, which unified command of active duty and state troops. The dual status commander is responsible for coordinating efforts so that all of the pieces of the puzzle fit together.
“It is clear that the concept of the dual status commander has corrected a key element of emergency management,” said Air Force Maj. Gen. John Murphy. “It provides a unity of effort without the complication of us stepping on each other’s feet.”
The Pennsylvania National Guard hosted Vigilant Guard, an exercise that provides a training opportunity with the goal of improving the cooperation, building relationships, establishing plans and policies between regional civilian, military and federal partners in preparation for emergencies and catastrophic events.
“The Soldiers and Airmen of the Pennsylvania National Guard are trained professionals. They are skilled in their military jobs, yet they also have experience from their civilian careers. The Pennsylvania National Guard’s support to civilian agencies was
seamless,” said Murphy.
'Calling out the National Guard' is not a cliché, it is a dependable tool that governors across America have come to rely on. The value of the Pennsylvania National Guard lies in its trusted relationship with the community that has been strengthened through the National Guard’s activation in response to natural disasters and state emergencies.
| Date Taken: | 05.16.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 05.16.2014 09:58 |
| Story ID: | 130062 |
| Location: | FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 215 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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