Over the last few years I have noticed that our country is having a lot of natural disasters which overwhelm the local resources.  The states’ national guard is mobilized to try to help the locals.  Doing this means loss of income for the guardsmen and their families and an unexpected loss of an employee from their workplace.  The time they are at the disaster may be several days to several weeks.

I propose a unit of the army be specially trained to respond to these disasters.  The first units would be on site within a few hours to start looking for those trapped and needing rescue.  The rest of the unit and attached units would be on site within 24 hours.  It would be directed by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).  FEMA is tasked by the government to liaison with the locals, state and federal agencies.  This unit will be capable of handling situations from earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and fires to nuclear and biological events.

I see the composition of the unit and its associated units as follows:  One battalion of troops trained in all anticipated situations.  They would be fitted out with protective gear from fire protection through M.O.P. Four.  Associated units would include ten rescue dogs and handlers, ten medium helicopters fitted out to carry troops, medical evacuation, and equipment.  Heavy lift aircraft and helicopters with maintenance crews and freight handlers.  A construction unit with heavy equipment pre-positioned around the country.

Water and food for at least 20,000 people times 5 days would be kept fresh at ten bases around the country for civilian disaster use.  This would allow food for the victims within hours of an event.

A medical unit to be in place within six hours and fully operational within 24 hours because the local hospitals are usually too damaged for use – Los Angeles, New Orleans,  Joplin.

The unit itself would not be armed but a substantial military police detachment would be ready to be on site starting with the first arrivals.  The MPs would be trained in civilian laws.

In case of a catastrophe of enormous size like a major earthquake destroying a major city, the unit would be a core for a divisional upgrade in force.

State and local governments can’t cope with these disasters quickly and pulling people out of their jobs often makes the situation worse.  The federal government is already paying for the troops so costs are minimal.

One thing we all know is that every dawn means we are one day closer to another major disaster and the need for such a force.