With spring in a little over a month, The North Dakota National Guard is already preparing in case of flooding.
Their job is to be ready for anything, including disasters and they get ready by practicing exercises, scenarios, and plans.
It’s the disaster that happened eight years ago that motivates them.
“In 2011, a lot of houses flooded, a lot of people were displaced, and some of our unit members were displaced. It took a week or so for the waters to recede and then the big recovery operations. The North Dakota National Guard members rise to the occasion and they are always ready to support the citizens of North Dakota,” said Tad Schauer, Director of Military Support.
The National Guard works closely with the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services.
Once there is an emergency, the Department of Emergency services sends requests to the guard, then the guard finds ways to fulfill those requests.
The National Guard serves as the first military responders during a natural disaster or emergency in the state.
This training is a 3-day event, equaling 8 hours a day.
“Understanding the relationship in who you need to talk too as a point of contact if you are working in the joint operations center is critical,” said Robert LeeBohl, Domestic Operations Manager.
40 guardsmen participate in the exercise throughout North Dakota every year.
The North Dakota National Guard has about 4,000 soldiers and airmen.